A day trip to Durango from Pagosa Springs is very popular. Durango is a small city in southwestern Colorado and is roughly 60 miles west of Pagosa Springs. Known for the popular Durango & Silverton “Narrow Gauge” Railroad, Durango attracts visitors from all over.
Situated at 6500 feet above sea level, Durango sits at a higher elevation than Denver however it is 1000 feet lower than Pagosa Springs. The current population, as of 2019, is just under 20,000 people, and therefore classifies Durango as a small city.
Durango Colorado is larger than Pagosa Springs and offers a quaint downtown area, and thus offers more shopping and dining options. With Fort Lewis College nearby, the downtown area is a mix of young and old alike and hosts a number of restaurants, bars, breweries and even a distillery. As with all regions of Colorado, biking, hiking and other outdoor activities are plentiful, making a visit to Durango a popular day trip from Pagosa Springs.
Attractions for your Durango Day Trip from Pagosa Springs
Historic Downtown Durango
Downtown Durango is a nationally registered historic district, and was established and settled in the late 1800’s as a mining and railroad town. Originally built in 1887, the Strater hotel is still in service. Downtown is an easily walkable area with shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, breweries and a distillery, providing something for everyone. There are several breweries are in and around Durango. Although Ska Brewing is outside of the downtown district, it is worth a visit. Steamworks Brewing Company, located downtown on 8th street, is a great place for lunch and a beer. If you like Indian and Himalayan food, try Himalayan Kitchen for something a little different. Shop in local galleries for art, crafts, and other souvenirs.
Zip Line Tour Durango
For the more adventurous, spend a day zip lining back and forth across the Animas River just north of Durango. 180 private acres that are only accessible by train provide a truly unique experience. Soaring Tree Tops Adventure boasts the longest zip line in the United States. The entire course includes 27 zip lines and makes for a full day of zip lining. Participants will ride the Durango & Silverton “Narrow Gauge” Railroad to get to and from the location, which combines two popular activates into a single day.
Powerhouse Science Center
Filled with interactive programs, exhibits and activities designed to entertain and inspire the past, present, and future through science. The center is geared for all-ages and is a great place to visit if you are looking for a day trip with the entire family. During poor weather the Science center provides an indoor activity however, it’s a great all around option.
Durango Railroad Museum and Durango & Silverton Railroad
The famous Durango & Silverton ‘Narrow Gauge’ Railroad offers a FREE museum. The museum covers the history of railroading, transportation and mining from accounts of people who traveled around the world to mine the area. The Durango Railroad museum is 12,000 square-foot and was built in 1998. The museum occupies 8 stalls of the new 15-stall roundhouse built in 1989. Notably, it’s the only narrow gauge roundhouse built in the 20th century.
Please Check the latest hours on the website below.
Winter: Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and closed on Sunday.
Summer Train Season: Open daily 7 a.m – 7 p.m. peak season and 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. May, early June and October.
Animas River
The Animas river runs through downtown Durango and is a tributary of the San Juan River, making it part of the Colorado river system. It starts at Animas Forks, a ghost town near Silverton, and runs south all the way to Farmington New Mexico, where it joins the San Juan River. For outdoor enthusiasts, the river is a great white water rafting option during peak periods. But during the calmer times, many use the river to float on tubes in a more relaxing manner. For those wanting to enjoy the river but not wanting to get wet, consider walking or biking the river walk trail. It is a 13.7 mile trail that runs along the Animas River and is easily accessible from downtown.
More day trips from Pagosa Springs are available