When it comes to Colorado, there is a seemingly endless selection of incredible destinations to choose from for your next weekend getaway, and one of those destinations that’s become more and more popular in recent years is the city of Durango. Located in southwestern part of the state (near the New Mexico border), Durango has a history deep rooted in the mining and railroad industries, and those roots are still prevalent today! One of the most popular attractions in the city is The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (DSNGRR), and it alone is well worth a visit! Add to it the abundance of outdoor activities, the adorably quaint Main Street, and the wonderful selection of local restaurants, breweries, and shops, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an incredible visit to the Centennial State! In this blog, we’ll go over what we think is the perfect itinerary for a day in Durango. You could also add a few more activities and spread this itinerary out over a weekend for a nice, slower paced vacation. Either way, you’re in for a treat! Now… Let’s get to it!
*Check out our “One Day in Durango” travel vlog for a closer look at our time in Durango!
8:00am: Breakfast
Durango Diner (957 Main Ave)
Durango Bagel (106 E 5th St)
Backcountry Gourmet Food Truck (1101 Main Ave)
9:30am-3:00pm: Take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s (DSNGRR) Cascade Canyon Express (479 Main Ave)
Operating out of the original 1882 depot, the DSNGRR has been voted the Best Scenic Train by USA Today Readers’ Choice! The DSNGRR winds through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an incredible year-round adventure. The experience of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago is truly unforgettable. There are multiple different options for your ride on the DSNGRR, but for the purpose of this one day itinerary, we’re taking the Cascade Canyon Express (5hrs 15min). If you wanted to extend your itinerary over multiple days, you could take the Scenic Round Trip Silverton Train (9hr 15min).
3:15pm: Late Lunch
Steamworks Brewing Company (801 E 2nd Ave)
Fired Up Pizzeria (735 Main Ave)
GrassBurger (726, 1/2 Main Ave)
4:45pm: Explore Downtown
Strater Hotel
DSNGRR Museum
Mariah's Bookshop
Old Colorado Vintage
Cream Berry Artisan Ice Cream
White Rabbit Books & Curiosities
8:00pm: Dinner
Diamond Belle Saloon (699 Main Ave)
Derailed Pourhouse (725 Main St)
Carver Brewing Co. (1022 Main Ave)
We hope that these tips help you plan your visit and make the most of your visit to Durango! If you did find it helpful, we hope you’ll consider heading over to our YouTube Channel and subscribing for more travel content and/or following us on Instagram!