Durango Area Guide

Durango, Colorado sits 6,512 feet above sea level in the Animas River Valley, encircled by the majestic San Juan Mountains. Durango is the most populous city in Colorado, and the county seat of La Plata County, in the southwest corner of the state. Durango is located close to the “Four Corners” region, where the four states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. It sits centrally between Denver, Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. The moderate temperatures found in Durango make it the ideal place to raise a family; there is an abundance of family-oriented outdoor-adventure opportunities to be found in every direction. If indoor events are more suitable to you, there is always a plethora of cultural events taking place in town. Whatever your favorite form of family activity, chances are excellent that you will find it happening here. Discover an involved, caring community; discover fresh mountain air; discover good, old-fashioned family fun…“discover the magic of Durango!”
http://www.durangogov.org/

History

In the early 1880s, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad found itself in need of a town in which to build a depot to serve the San Juan mining district. Their first consideration was Animas City. After Animas City refused to pay a dowry to the railroad company, though, it was decided that a new town would be established for this purpose, and Durango was founded. The name Durango means “water town” and was chosen in honor of Durango, Mexico which was named for Durango, Spain. Since its establishment, Durango has flourished and grown into the burgeoning town it is today.

Attractions and Activities

Anasazi Heritage Center ~ Step back in time at this remarkable archeological museum that features many hands-on activities to give visitors the feel of civilizations of long ago.
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc.html

The Animas Museum ~ Explore the Joy Cabin, originally erected in the 1870s; visit a restored classroom from the early 20th century; study the rich history of the Ute Indians…all here at the Animas Museum, “where the past touches the future.”
http://www.animasmuseum.org/index.html

Chimney Rock Archeological Area ~ This National Historic Site in the heart of the San Juan National Forest was home to ancestors of the Pueblo Indians more than 1,000 years ago. Researchers have thus far uncovered 200 individual rooms that had housed this ancient people. Come see history brought to light, rock by rock!
http://www.chimneyrockco.org/mainnew.htm

Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College ~ Scottish fiddlers, performing arts, Native American songwriters; take your pick for a stimulatingly good time!
http://www.durangoconcerts.com/

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum ~ Travel back through history on this coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive as it winds its way through the regal San Juan National Forest.
http://www.durangotrain.com/

Durango Arts Center ~ Gallery, theatre, studio, arts library, and then some! Every artistic taste is indulged at this hub of cultural enrichment.
http://durangoarts.org/

Durango Community Recreation Center ~ Fitness options everywhere! From a 30-foot high climbing wall, to racquetball, there is definitely a way to get and stay in shape at the Recreation Center. Also offered is a well-rounded childcare program.
http://www.durangogov.org/reccenter/index.cfm

Durango Discovery Museum ~ An interactive, hands-on science center for kids of all ages, housed in an historic electric power plant. Opening in 2010.
http://www.durangodiscovery.org/

Henry Strater Theater ~ Live bands and theatrical performances are held in this world-renowned theater, one of the oldest and longest-running in Colorado.
http://www.henrystratertheatre.com/

San Juan Symphony ~ Celebrating its 25th anniversary, combining great musical traditions with today’s talented artists.
http://www.sanjuansymphony.org/index.htm

Events

There is so much going on in and around this fun-filled town, it’s impossible to list it all! Please feel free to peruse the list we’ve compiled below to get just a sampling of what’s happening soon. For a more detailed listing of upcoming events in Durango, visit http://www.durango.org/info/activities/special_events.aspx.

Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering ~ “A celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the American cowboy.”
http://www.durangocowboygathering.org/

Durango Fiesta Days ~ Taking place annually since the 1930s, this rodeo offers excitement that just can’t be lassoed!
http://www.durangofiestadays.com/

Durango Independent Film Festival (DIFF) ~ Let yourself become engrossed in this year’s independent films in a way that sets this film festival apart from the stereotypical ways of Hollywood. DIFF – “understanding how film can make a difference in the enrichment of a community.”
http://www.durangofilm.org/home.html

Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show ~ A showcase of everything gem…from raw gems to jewelry tools to finished works of art.
http://www.durangorocks.org/show.php

Four Corners Motorcycle Rally ~ Looking for adventure? Get your motor runnin’ and cruise on over for this annual party, held every year the week before Labor Day.
http://www.ignaciobikeweek.com/

Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival ~ Taking place annually at Christmastime at the La Plata Fairgrounds, this festival offers wares by more than 100 artisans…perfect holiday shopping for that one-of-a-kind gift!
http://www.eventcrazy.com/Durango-CO/events/details/213025-Holiday-Arts-and-Crafts-Festival

Hozhoni Days Pow Wow ~ Held at Fort Lewis College, this gathering has celebrated Indian culture for 44 years so far, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
http://besidethestream.com/?p=534

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic ~ Come compete or just cheer on your favorite bike rider out of the 2,500 or so entered, in this race against the train on its way to Silverton.
http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/welcome-official-iron-horse-bicycle-classic-website

Music in the Mountains ~ A spectacular three-week classical music festival featuring world-class musicians performing classical and world music.
http://www.musicinthemountains.com/musicinthemountains/index.cfm

The Polar Express ~ Young and old alike will revel in the heartwarming experience of hearing the story of the Polar Express as you ride the train to the North Pole, all the while sipping hot chocolate, topping it all off with Christmas carols and a gift from the Jolly Ol’ Elf himself!
http://www.durangotrain.com/events/-polar-express

Snowdown ~ Durango’s Winter festival, complete with parade and town-wide events!
http://snowdown.org/index.php

Parks and Recreation

Step outside, look around, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, and smile. The beauty of nature at its absolute finest surrounds you here in Durango. Everywhere you turn, you find another fun activity to take part in, another amazing stretch of scenery to capture your heart, another reason to be happy you live here!

Mesa Verde National Park ~ Delve into the story and learn the lessons of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who lived in these amazing cliff dwellings between 600 and 1300 A.D.!

http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

San Juan National Forest ~ Experience the great outdoors here like you can no place else! Breathtaking views, head-clearing fresh air, hiking, camping, fishing…it’s all here!
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/recreation/

Vallecito Lake ~ Located just 18 miles from Durango in the midst of the San Juan Mountains, this lake offers 12 miles of astonishing shoreline, where you and your family can set out on a great outdoor adventure of a lifetime…on a regular basis!
http://www.vallecitolakechamber.com/