Things to do in Southwestern Colorado
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Peak Spirits
A small estate distillery situated on a side of the Grand Mesa. The aromatic and perfectly balanced CapRock Organic Dry Gin was the nation's first organic gin. Other products bottled with the local, ultra-pure caprock water source include excellent small batches of brandy, vodka and grappa. Call ahead to arrange a visit.
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Double Star Observatory
Twenty-five miles southwest of Durango in Hesperus is the Double Star Observatory. Reservations can be made for two-hour stargazing evening tours led by knowledgeable astronomers. Check the calendar on the observatory website because events vary according to season, weather and astronomical activity.
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Spring House Hiking Tour
For serious hikers only, this 8-hour, 8-mile round-trip has steep drop-offs, switchbacks and an elevation change of 1500ft. Remote sites are part of the itinerary. Wear hiking boots and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
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Oak Tree House and Fire Temple
This strenuous 1-mile hike takes two hours, features some exposure and requires a 15ft ladder climb. Meet at the Sun Temple (Mesa Top Loop Rd).
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New Sheridan Chop House
With superb service and a chic decor of embroidered velvet benches, this is an easy pick for an intimate dinner. Diners can start with a cheese plate, but from there the menu gets Western. Pasta comes with a creamy wild mushroom and sage sauce. Meat eaters should try the elk shortloin in a hard cider reduction. For a treat, top it off with a flourless dark chocolate cake in fresh caramel sauce.
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Mesa Verde Institute
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Mesa Verde
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Kennebec Café
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Henry Strater Theatre
Internationally renown, producing old-world music-hall shows, live bands, comedy, community theatre and more for nearly 50 years.
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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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Cyprus Cafe
Nothing says summer like live jazz on the patio at this little Mediterranean cafe, a favorite of the foodie press. Quality ingredients include locally raised vegetables, wild seafood and natural meats. Favorites include warm duck salad with green olives, oranges and spinach and the Colorado trout with quinoa pilaf. For smaller bites, check out Eno, their wine and coffee bar next door.
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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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Baked in Telluride
Back in action after a fire closure, this Telluride institution boasts the West's best bagel, sourdough wheat-crust pizza and some hearty soups and salads. The front deck is a fishbowl of local activity and the vibe is happy casual.
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Aramark
Office in Far View Lodge; Mesa Verde National Park concessioner.
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Ska Brewing Company
Big on flavor and variety, these are the best beers in town. The small, friendly tasting-room bar, once mainly a production facility, packs with an after-work crowd. Call for dates of weekly BBQs with live music and free food.
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Wetherill Mesa
This is the second-largest concentration. Visitors may enter stabilized surface sites and two cliff dwellings, including the Long House, open from late May through August. South from Park Headquarters, the 6-mile Mesa Top Road connects excavated mesa-top sites, accessible cliff dwellings and vantage points to view inaccessible dwellings from the mesa rim.
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There
A popular local caterer opened this hip social alcove for nibbling. East-meets-West in yummy soy paper wraps with asparagus, duck ramen and sashimi tostadas, paired with original cocktails. We liked the jalapeño kiss.
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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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La Cocina de Luz
As they lovingly serve two Colorado favorites (organic + Mexican), it's no wonder that the lunch line is 10 people deep on a slow day at this healthy taquería. There's delicious details too, like handmade tortillas and margaritas with organic lime and agave nectar. With vegan, gluten-free options too.
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Chapin Mesa
The largest concentration of Ancestral Puebloan sites is at Chapin Mesa, where you'll see the densely clustered Far View Site and the large Spruce Tree House, the most accessible of sites, with a paved half-mile round-trip path.
If you want to see Cliff Palace or Balcony House, the only way is through an hour-long ranger-led tour booked in advance at the visitor center ($3). These tours are extremely popular; go early in the morning or a day in advance to book. Balcony House requires climbing a 32ft and 60ft ladder – those with medical problems should skip it.
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The Butcher & The Baker
Two veterans of upscale catering started this heartbreakingly cute cafe, and no one beats it for breakfast. Hearty sandwiches with local meats are the perfect takeout for the trail and there are heaps of baked goods and fresh sides.
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Ouray Brewery
With chairlift bar stools, this pub earns stripes in brews, if not in bar food. Why must so many landlocked menus insist on shrimp?
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