Activities in Durango
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Durango Mountain Resort
Durango Mountain Resort, 25 miles north on US 550, is Durango's winter highlight. The resort, also known as Purgatory, offers 1200 skiable acres of varying difficulty and boasts 260in of snow per year. Two terrain parks offer plenty of opportunities for snowboarders to catch big air.
Check local grocery stores and newspapers for promotions and two-for-one lift tickets and other ski season specials before purchasing directly from the ticket window.
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Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs
For a pampering massage or just a post-hike soak in natural hot springs. Phone or check the website for last-minute specials, which sometimes include two-for-one deals and other discounts. It's 5 miles north of Durango.
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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a Durango must. These vintage steam locomotives have been making the scenic 45-mile trip north to Silverton (3½ hours each way) for more than 125 years. The dazzling journey allows two hours for exploring Silverton. This trip operates only from May through October. Check online for different winter options.
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Mild to Wild Rafting
Offers all levels of rafting on the Animas River; the more adventurous (and experienced) run the upper Animas, which boasts Class III to Class V rapids.
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Durango Soaring Club
One- and two-person gliding flights highlight the spectacular San Juan scenery. On summer afternoons, when the earth is warmed, the chance of catching rising thermal air currents is best.
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Durango Rivertrippers
This family-operated outfit is the oldest accredited rafting operator in Durango and highly reputed. It offers various river-rafting trips on the Delores and Animas Rivers, from two-family runs to six-day wilderness adventures.
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Duranglers
They won't put the trout on your hook, but Duranglers will do everything to bring you to that gilded moment, serving beginners to experts.
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Big Corral Riding Stable
Highly recommended by locals, this outfitter does day rides and overnight horseback camping for the whole family in the gorgeous Weminiuche Wilderness. If you're short on time, try the two-hour breakfast ride (including sausage, pancakes and cowboy coffee) with views of Vallecito Lake. Located 25 miles northeast of Durango.
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Mountain Biking
From steep single-track to scenic road rides, Durango is a national hub for mountain biking. The easy Old Railroad Grade Trail is a 12.2-mile loop that uses both US Hwy 160 and a dirt road following the old railway tracks. From Durango take Hwy 160 west through the town of Hesperus. Turn right into the Cherry Creek Picnic Area, where the trail starts.
For something a bit more technical, try Dry Fork Loop, accessible from Lightner Creek just west of town. It has some great drops, blind corners and vegetation. Cycling shops on Main or Second Ave rent out mountain bikes.
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