Day Trips from Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs, Colorado is a beautiful and scenic destination that offers many outdoor adventures and activities. However, if you’re looking to explore beyond the city limits, there are several nearby cities and monuments that are perfect for a day trip from Pagosa Springs. Other possible Day Trips from Pagosa Springs include Chimney Rock, Creede, Durango, Chama, Mesa Verde and more.

Chimney Rock Outside of Pagosa Springs, CO
Chimney Rock Outside of Pagosa Springs, CO

Possible Pagosa Springs Day Trips

Chimney Rock is a national monument located about an hour’s drive from Pagosa Springs. This ancient Puebloan site features towering sandstone spires and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who once called this place home. Visitors can take guided tours of the site, which include a visit to the Great House Pueblo, a restored ruin that was once home to over 100 people.

Creede is a charming mountain town located about two hours from Pagosa Springs. This historic mining town is home to several museums and galleries, as well as a vibrant arts scene. Visitors can take a stroll down Main Street to see the historic buildings and learn about the town’s rich mining history.

Durango, located about an hour from Pagosa Springs, is another great destination for a day trip from Pagosa Springs. This charming town is known for its Victorian architecture and beautiful mountain setting. Visitors can take a train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which winds its way through the mountains, or take a scenic drive through the San Juan National Forest.

Chama is a small town located about an hour from Pagosa Springs. This town is known for its scenic beauty, and visitors can take a drive along the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River. Chama is also a great starting point for a trip to the nearby Hermit’s Peak Wilderness Area, which offers hiking and camping opportunities.

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Mesa Verde is another must-see destination located about two hours and a half from Pagosa Springs. It’s a national park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace and Balcony House. The park also offers hiking trails and ranger-led tours, as well as a visitor center with exhibits on the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.

In conclusion, Pagosa Springs is a wonderful destination, but it’s also worth taking the time to explore the surrounding cities and monuments for a complete Colorado experience. Each city and monument offers something different and unique, from the ancient ruins at Chimney Rock to the charming mountain town of Creede and the scenic beauty of Durango, Chama and the surrounding wilderness areas.

More Day Trip Ideas

Welcome to Aztec NM

Aztec New Mexico Day Trip

Aztec New Mexico is located just 58 miles southwest of Pagosa  Springs, making it an easy day trip.  Most people take the drive to Aztec to view the Aztec Ruins. The Aztec Ruins were once a thriving cultural center for the Ancestral Puebloan people, the same people who once occupied ...
Mesa Verde -04

Mesa Verde Day Trip

Ancestral Pueblo people built dwellings in the cliffs and on the mesas in what is now Mesa Verde National Park. The park, which is located in the southwest corner of Colorado near the four corners, is known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings. As a result, a day trip to the ...
Excursion on the Durango-Silverton Railroad

Durango Colorado Day Trip

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 ...
Creede, CO

Creede Colorado

Creede is a great day trip from Pagosa Springs as it is only an hour and 15 minute drive. The drive itself is beautiful. You will pass Treasure Falls, the scenic Overlook, and cross the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Pass. Allow some time to stop at these points of ...
Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock National Monument

Nearby Pagosa Springs lies Chimney Rock National Monument, an archeaological site located in the southern San Juan National Forest. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Rising 315ft, it is hard to miss the rock formation from US 160 just west of Pagosa Springs ...