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Photography : John Benjamin
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History buffs and curious folks of all ages will enjoy the rich history of the Durango area. Our long and interesting past sets Durango apart from other mountain destinations and adds to the undeniable authentic feel found in Durango. From local history and railroad museums, to the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and old gold-mine tours, this is truly where the old west survived.
Durango was founded in 1880 when the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad built a track to Silverton and established Durango as the hub of its rail system to transport ore from the mountains to smelters in Durango. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad now only hauls visitors to Silverton, and in 2006 will have been in continuous operation for 125 years.
Many of the original buildings constructed by Durango's pioneers are still standing and are used today in the historic districts of Main and Third Avenues.
Fun History Fact: The narrow gauge rails are 36 inches apart, whereas standard gauge rails are 56 inches!
Elevation
6,512 feet above sea level.
Climate
Transition zone between semi- arid and mountain, summer daytime temps in the 70's and 80's, nighttime lows in the 50's.
Population
Approximately 15,000 in Durango. Approximately 44,000 in La Plata County.
Town History
Durango was founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, when they extended their line from Durango to Silverton in order to haul precious metals from high country mines. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad now hauls only tourists. Last year about 200,000 people rode the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
National Forest
San Juan National Forest
Mountain Range
San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains
Special Events
Durango offers a wide range of events throughout the year for all types of interests. Visit www.durango.org for the special event calendar.
Movies
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, City Slickers, Cliffhanger, National Lampoons' Vacation, Night Passage, Ticket to Tomahawk, Around the World in Eighty Days, How the West Was Won, and Tracker are just some of the many Hollywood classics filmed in the area.
Ski Resort
Durango Mountain Resort, formerly Purgatory Resort, is located 25 miles north of Durango. 1200 acres of terrain is served by 11 lifts with an average snowfall of 260 inches and 2,029 feet of vertical drop. Offer a wide range of summer and winter events and activities. The Alpine Slide, winding mountain slide, is usually open from mid June through early September.
Casino
Slot machines, blackjack, poker, video poker, keno and bingo are available at the Sky Ute Casino and Lodge, less than 30 minute drive from Durango.
Photography : John Benjamin
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D&SNGRR
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in continuous operation for over 120 years. Two museums display at either end of the line. The Durango museum located in the roundhouse of the D&SNGRR offers 12,000 square feet of exhibit space with full-size locomotives, historic coaches, railroad collectibles, books, lamps, locks, art, photos and china. Guests also enjoy an up close view of the "Working" portion of the roundhouse, where skilled mechanics keep the train's vintage coal fired, steam-operated locomotives in tip-top condition. The Silverton depot is home to an intimate mining exhibit and freight yard museum.
Archaeological Sites
Southwest Colorado is the archeological center for the United States. Explore the ancient dwellings once inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde National Park. The park was selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of The Best Places of a Lifetime to Visit as well as named the #1 Monument in the World by Condé Naste Traveler. Take a longer trip and also visit Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Chimney Rock, the Anasazi Heritage Museum, Hovenweep. Canyon of the Ancients National Monument and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park are also within an hour's drive of the Durango area.
Museums
Visit the Center for Southwest Studies, the Southern Ute Cultural Center, the Animas History Museum and Durango & Silverton round house museum.
Culture & Arts
Durango offers a wide variety of art galleries and art walks. The 17,000 sq. ft. Art Centers sponsors multiple exhibitions year-round.
Camping
Over 900 campsites within a 40-mile radius of Durango.
Cycling
Explore the San Juan Skyway or see the Durango area on a bike. Mountain bike rentals available. Durango is a renowned destination for mountain bikers.
Fishing
Fish in the "Gold Medal"Animas River, that runs through Durango or on any of a number of high mountain streams and lakes within an hours drive. Private "no license" ponds are also in the area. Guided trips available.
Glider Rides
Soar over the Animas Valley and San Juan mountains in the peace of a glider.
Golf
Two 18-hole golf courses open May thru October weather permitting.
Hiking
Hike many maintained trails around the area. Trails for all age levels and abilities.
Horseback Riding
Hourly, half day, all-day and multiple day rides. Fall color rides also available.
Hot Springs
Trimble Hot Springs located is a National Historic Site with day spa facilities
Hunting
Big and small game hunting during season.
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Photography : John Benjamin
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Jeep Tours
Over mountain passes to ghost towns and around Durango Mountain Resort area to the top of the world. Guided mining and backcountry and specialty theme tours.
Kayaking & Rafting
The Animas River is a nationally known river for competitions and training for the finest kayakers in the world. Short, day-long and overnight guided rafting trips.
Mountain Biking
Half-day, full day and multiple day guided tours and rentals. Trails for all ability levels. Durango hosted the 1990 World Mountain Bike Championships and one of the World Cup Mountain Biking competitions for 2001. It was also named the "The Cycling Mecca" by Bicycling Magazine.
Rock Climbing
Guided and self guided experiences to satisfy your challenging requirements.
Swimming
Public swimming at the Durango Community Recreation Center, Trimble Hot Springs, and at various hotel properties.
Western Dinner
Eat a real "Old West" supper and enjoy a western show at the Bar-D, an evening out for all ages.
Shopping
Large variety of one-of-a-kind stores as well as art galleries.
Evening
Excellent dining. Year-round concerts and entertainment. Enjoy the Melodrama at the Diamond Circle Theater. Watch the cowboys and cowgirls at the Durango Pro Rodeo.
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