SUMMER!!! WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME TO BE VISITING DURANGO!
To list all the great experiences to be found would fill a book (and there have been many) so to try to capsulize some for you—-
Immediately in town there are a number of museums that provide a look at what Durango was and is: Animas Museum; Powerhouse Science Center; Durango Wildlife Museum; and Durango & Silverton Rail Museum.
And of course, the Main Avenue Historic District where you may roam through turn-of-the-century hotels, varieties of shops, an antique mall, and enjoy lunch or dinner in any of the fine, mostly locally owned restaurants.
Who would want to skip the day trip to the old mining town of Silverton on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad? You can leave from town or the closer stop at Rockwood. Traveling through the scenic gorge of the Animas River there are waterfalls, wild life, and literally breathtaking views over the river rapids below. You’ll spend two hours browsing the Silverton shops and having lunch before your return trip to Rockwood or Durango.
When travel writers describe Durango as a top destination area, nothing means TOP more than the beautiful San Juan National Forest, and Weminuche Wilderness with mountain top vistas you’ll access by Jeep, ATV, or your own 4X vehicle. And for the more energetic and intrepid, Include in that hiking! We can give you directions to dozens of hiking trails from easy to OMG!
Summer sports abound, from horseback riding—-Rapp Corral is less than 10 miles from the B&B
—-to river rafting, to superior golf at Dalton Ranch Golf Course just four miles away, or Hillcrest Golf Club in town. There’s the awesome mountain and road bicycling with the world famous Iron Horse Classic Memorial Day weekend race, and have you ever dreamed of flying through the air? I mean like Peter Pan or that Super Guy? Trust us when we say don’t miss the nationally recognized Soaring Tree Top Adventures with 28 zip lines through the trees, along cliffs, and back and forth across the Animas. It’s as safe as sitting home in your easy chair, and 126 times more fun! You get there only by the D&SNGRR in an authentic antique rail car with a guide who describes what you’ll experience. Break snacks and lunch on a tree-mounted platform are included.
Looking for something a bit more relaxing? Try one of several day spas in town, or Trimble Hot Springs just down the road. Many find just hanging out on our large deck, listening to the rushing Animas River next door, and watching the myriad wild birds visiting feeders only yards away is more like their cup of tea—or glass of wine. Bring your camera and zoom lenses! There are often deer munching on our grass and flowers! We might have a flock (or rafter as they’re properly designated) of wild turkeys. We had fifteen last year. You’ll likely spot the unusual looking Abert Squirrels along with their more ordinary cousins, many comical chipmunks, and if very lucky, maybe even a black bear or two.
In case you’re looking for more to do here’s a list:
Summer Animas River Days
July 4th – Salute to America
Dinosaur Train ™ (D&SNGRR)
Music in the Mountains
Fiesta Days and Rodeo
La Plata County Fair
Railrocker Festival (D&SNGRR)
San Juan Brewfest
Durango Farmers Market
Bar D Chuck Wagon Old West Supper Shows
Day tours to Mesa Verde or any of the many nearby Indian ruins
It would be difficult to describe each of these events so you can check them out for details and dates at the Durango Tourism Office site, www.durango.org or Google them individually.
HAPPY PLANNING!