Content Produced in Partnership with the Visit Durango
As you start to plan your annual road trip this year, have you considered the incredible area surrounding Durango, Colorado?
Located in the southwest corner of the state, Durango has a number of scenic natural attractions that are perfect for those looking to get out and explore. Coupled with the historic and cozy downtown area and hotels, you’ll be able to have your cake and eat it too: enjoy the sights and sounds of southwest Colorado and rest your head in a rustic western-themed hotel room.
Here’s a breakdown of what to see and do when exploring the Durango, Colorado area on your next road trip:
What’s Around Durango, Colorado
While Durango is clearly the focal point of this article, there are many attractions and natural recreation areas to explore within a half-day’s drive of your hotel room in downtown Durango.
In fact, the largest wilderness area in the entire state, the Weminuche Wilderness lies just north of Durango.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can explore in and around Durango:
- Lake Nighthorse
- La Plata Mountains
- Needle Mountains
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyon of the Ancients
- Pagosa Springs’ hot springs
- Silverton’s historic mining tours
- Vallecito Reservoir
Most of the attractions and areas mentioned above are accessed through a series of scenic highways and byways. The most famous of which is the “San Juan Scenic Byway” which creates a giant loop from Durango to Telluride and back.
Afternoon Road Trip Plan Around Durango
There are still plenty of things to see via a scenic drive If you only have a few hours. While you are limited to the areas just surrounding Durango, here are a few places and itineraries.
The times listed below how long you should dedicate to each itinerary. This includes round-trip travel and reserved time for sightseeing or any activities that are listed.
- Scenic drive through La Plata Canyon- 2 hours
- Scene drive and short hike through Cascade Creek
- Splashing around in Lake Nighthorse- 3 hours
- Scenic drive circumventing the entire Vallecito Reservoir- 2.5 hours
- Fishing or kayaking at Lemon Reservoir- 4 hours
- Scenic drive and short hike at Old Lime Creek Road- 3 hours
- Scenic drive to Molas Pass- 2 hours
Obviously, if you want to spend time hiking, biking, fishing, taking photos, or even walking around, you’ll probably need to budget more time for each itinerary.
Full-Day Road Trip Plan Around Durango
With a dedicated full-day road trip around Durango, your options open up dramatically.
In addition to the half-day itineraries mentioned above, here are some other ideas to consider if you have a full day to explore around Durango:
- Drive the whole Mesa Verde National Park- 6 hours
- Scenic drive and hike around Canyon of the Ancients- 5 hours
- Scenic drive and lounging on the beaches of Navajo Lake- 6 hours
- Scenic drive and mine tour in Silverton- 5 hours
- Scenic drive through Red Mountain Pass to the town of Ouray- 8 hours
- Scenic drive and off-roading to the ghost town of Animas Forks- 6 hours
As you’re planning out your road trip around Durango, consider the season. During the warmer months of the year, we recommend spending more time in the lakes and rivers, like Navajo Lake.
During the colder months of the year, consider a driving “tour” like through Mesa Verde National Park or Ouray.
Weekend Road Trip Plan Around Durango
If you have more than a single day available to road trip around Durango, we recommend dedicating an entire day for each of the following itineraries:
- Drive the entire San Juan Scenic Byway to Telluride and back- 10-12 hours
- Drive to Wolf Creek Pass and back- 8 hours
- Drive to Arches National Park and back- 12 hours
- Drive to Monument Valley and back- 10 hours
While these itineraries may seem long, broken up with coffee stops, lunch breaks, and photo ops, you’ll have plenty of time to stretch your legs!
Conclusion
As you’re planning your next road trip, consider taking your route through Durango and southwestern Colorado. With so much to explore around the area, you’re bound to have a road trip with memories that last a lifetime.
