3-Day Weekend In Durango, Colorado (Fun Summer Weekend Itinerary!)

Durango is a gorgeous mountain town in southwest Colorado. It’s by far the largest city in this secluded region, making it very popular for visitors. From outdoor attractions and national parks to museums and breweries, there’s tons to do here. Additionally, the city is located where the mountains meet the desert, so you can experience a wide variety of landscapes during your visit.

Because there’s so much to do in Durango, there are many different ways to spend your weekend. As a Colorado resident, I’ve visited this mountain town numerous times, so I put together an itinerary based on a mix of prior trips. This itinerary includes both outdoor and cultural attractions, with some additional itinerary options towards the end.

Ready to plan your weekend in Durango? Read on for everything you need to know.

Summer Weekend In Durango Itinerary

Day 1: Weekend In Durango

Animas River Walk

Upon arriving in Durango, go for a walk along the Animas River Trail, this is a good way to stretch your legs after traveling and get acquainted with the city.

The paved trail starts downtown and runs along the Animas River and portions of the Durango Silverton Train line for 9 miles.

In previous visits, I followed this path for a few miles south of the downtown area, stopping to watch the rafters, and enjoying the scenery along the way. The Whitewater Park is an especially fun spot to people-watch. The further you venture from downtown, the quieter the trail becomes.

Since you can walk as much (or as little) as you’d like, this is a good activity to start your first day in Durango.

Walk Around Historic Downtown

Up next, explore the shops and restaurants in downtown Durango.

Downtown Durango is a Nationally Registered Historic District where you’ll find boutique shops, dining, museums, and fun bars.

The city’s museums and art galleries showcase everything from the modern and science-forward, to the region’s rich Native American, railroad, and mining histories. Shopping here consists of local boutique stores, souvenir shops, outdoor gear, and art markets. It’s a fairly large downtown area, so you can easily spend a few hours here.

The highest concentration of attractions can be found along historic Main Ave, roughly from the Durango Depot to 14th Ave.

11th Street Station Food Trucks

For a laid-back dinner, head over to the much-loved downtown staple, 11th Street Station. This is a food truck hub centered around a former auto repair shop turned bar.

It’s a really popular spot to grab a quick dinner and a few drinks.

Live Music

Wrap up your first day in Durango with some live music. This city loves their entertainment, so it’s likely you’ll have a handful of options here.

In previous visits, I’ve enjoyed live music at the Strater Hotel. This is a historic hotel with a handful of bars and restaurants, most of which have live entertainment nightly. For cocktails in an intimate setting, The Office Spiritorium is my go-to.

I’ve also had a great time at the Balcony Bar & Grill which has live music on their outdoor rooftop overlooking downtown.

These are just a few of the many great options (the previously mentioned 11th Street Station also has their own concert line up, for example), check out Visit Durango’s Live Music Calendar for upcoming events.

Day 2: Weekend In Durango

Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway

For day 2 of your weekend in Durango, head out on the area’s most iconic attraction, the Durango Silverton Train. This bucket list-worthy trip takes you on a historic steam train along the winding Animas River while overlooking the San Juan National Forest.

The ride stops in the tiny mining town of Silverton, where you can shop, dine, and take in the sights during the 2-hour layover.

The full train tour is 9 hours, it’s a long day but definitely worth it. If that’s is a bit too much for you, there’s also a half-day option which stops in Cascade Canyon instead. Additionally, you can take the train to Silverton, then arrange a ride back to Durango, this also cuts off a few hours.

For lots more information, check out my detailed guide: Durango Silverton Train: Everything You Need To Know.

If you’re doing the full tour to Silverton, check out Silverton Day Trip Itinerary for ideas of things to do in this charming town.

Visit A Brewery

After a long day on the train, unwind with a craft beer from one of Durango’s numerous breweries.

Colorado is well known for its craft beers, so stopping by a local brewery is a must for many visiting the state.

Steamworks Brewing Company, Ska Brewing Co., Animas Brewing Company, and Carver Brewing Co. are your brewery options in Durango.

Most offer a long lineup of beers, from light pilsners to hoppy IPA’s, alongside a delicious food menu.

Keep an eye on their event calendars, they also offer various entertainment options, specials, or live music.

Rather skip the beers? Check out EsoTerra Ciderworks for local ciders, or Durango Craft Spirits for local bourbon and vodka.

Day 3: Weekend In Durango

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde is one of Colorado’s four national parks and is located less than an hour from Durango.

The park is comprised of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archeological sites dating back to 550 AD. This is not only a national park, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest archaeological preserve in the United States!

It’s really an incredible sight and a unique feature to the area.

Most park sites can only be viewed from a distance, unless you join a ranger-led tour, which I highly recommend. The tours are immersive and unique, providing a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Pueblo people.

Balcony House, Cliff Palace, and Long House are the most popular tours, each last about an hour and involve quite a bit of walking and some ladder climbing. Park tours need to be booked in advance at Mesa Verde National Park Tours.

Durango Hot Springs

Wrap up your long weekend in Durango by relaxing at Durango Hot Springs.

The resort offers over 30 natural hot spring pools at varying temperatures, all on beautifully maintained grounds with gorgeous views.

At Durango Hot Springs you’ll also find a sauna, cold plunge, resort-style pool, and reflexology path, in addition to full spa services. It’s the perfect place to recharge after a long weekend of activities.

During a summer trip, I recommend visiting at night or around sunset. Durango gets very hot during the day so outdoor hot springs may not be the most enjoyable midday. Be sure to book your time slot in advance at Durango Hot Springs.

Additional Things To Do During Your Durango Weekend

As I’ve mentioned numerous times now, there’s a lot to do in Durango. Below are a few more ideas of things to do with your weekend here:

• Go river rafting on the Animas River.
• Explore the Powerhouse Science Center or Durango Arts Center. 
• Go for a hike.
• Kayak or stand up paddle board.
• Mountain bike at Purgatory Ski Resort. 

For more ideas, check out Top Things To Do In Durango In Summer.

Durango Weekend Itinerary For Outdoor Lovers

Below is an alternate summer weekend itinerary for those who want to maximize the region’s ample outdoor attractions:

Day 1:

• Go for a hike, such as Hermosa Creek, Animas Mountain, Cascade Creek, Spud Lake, Engineer Mountain, or Ice Lake.
• Wrap up your day in downtown Durango, browse the shops, and grab a bite to eat. If you’re up for it, check out some live music.

Day 2:

• Go white water rafting on the Animas River. This is a very popular activity, so there’s many wonderful guides available.
• Go for a sunset hike.

Day 3:

• Spend the day kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. Lake Nighthorse is a large reservoir not too far from town, but there are also numerous lakes just off 550 as you make your way north out of Durango.
• Prefer a land-based pursuit on day 3? Try out mountain biking at Purgatory Ski Resort instead.
• Go for a nighttime dip in the Durango Hot Springs to rest and unwind on your final night in Durango.

Durango Weekend Itinerary For Families

Below is another weekend itinerary catered towards visitors with kids.

Day 1:

• Walk around historic downtown. This is the core of Durango and definitely worth checking out, there are a lot of shops, galleries, and restaurants (there’s even a toy store and a few book stores kids will enjoy). Additionally, there are a few parks with playgrounds, but you’ll need to walk a few blocks from the downtown area.
• Consider also walking along the Animas River Trail, it’s a paved path following the river. Near downtown you can watch river rafters at Whitewater Park. (Traveling with older kids? Rafting the Animas River may be a good activity for the family).
• Explore the Powerhouse Science Center, this is a very kid-friendly center located downtown. It’s a great way to avoid the heat during the stifling summer afternoons in Durango.

Day 2:

• Ride the Durango Silverton Train to Silverton and back. This is a long excursion at 9 hours, but kids love the train (the outdoor cars are especially fun) and the motion of the train will put some to sleep on the return home.

Day 3:

• Go for a morning hike around Lake Nighthorse, Lake Nighthorse Trail is an easy path that follows the water.
• You could then spend the afternoon at Lake Nighthorse, there are boat and kayak rentals here, plus swimming areas and an aqua park.
• Alternatively, you may prefer to spend the afternoon at Purgatory Ski Resort. Here you can ride the Inferno Mountain Coaster or Alpine Slide, pan for gold, and hike.

Where To Stay In Durango, Colorado

No matter your itinerary, I recommend staying in the downtown area for close proximity to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Because Durango is so large, there are a good variety of lodging options for all budgets. Below are a few popular choices:

• Adventure Inn Durango ($)
• Strater Hotel ($$)
• Leland House Suites of Durango ($$$)

For more information and ideas, check out Top Hotels In Durango: Best Places To Stay.

What To Pack For A Weekend In Durango

Durango is a pretty laid-back destination. With the exception of a few restaurants, there’s no need to get overly dressed up for dinner. Outdoor gear, jeans and a tee, a summer dress… it’s all welcome here.

During the day, light and breathable layers are best. Durango gets very hot during summer so you’ll want to dress accordingly. Additionally, sun protection is important due to the high elevation. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Do bring a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings, the temperature can drop significantly when the sun goes down.

Below is what I pack for a summer weekend in Durango:

• 1 pair of lightweight pants or leggings
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 3 t-shirts and/or tank tops
• 1 casual summer dress
• 1 lightweight long sleeve (such as cardigan or flannel) – evenings can be cool, even in summer.
• 1 lightweight rain jacket
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair of tennis shoes
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (due to high elevation, the sun is more intense here, you will burn easier than at home!)
• Reusable water bottle

If you’re planning to hike or enjoy outdoor activities, you’ll also need:

• Hiking boots
• Wool socks
• Athletic shorts or pants
• Breathable athletic top
• Fleece jacket
• Windbreaker or rain jacket
• Backpack

Weather In Durango

Summer in Durango is hot with highs regularly reaching the upper 80°Fs. Additionally, the sun here is very intense due to Durango’s high elevation, it’s not uncommon for the temperature to feel warmer than the thermometer indicates.

In summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common, they’re usually brief but intense. It’s best to plan hiking and other mountain activities for the morning, as these storms can be very dangerous at high elevations.

Those visiting in early summer, be aware that even in this relatively-warm mountain town, winter can linger. The occasional snowstorm is possible into May and the mountains surrounding Durango will hold onto snow well into June.

Average Monthly Temperatures In Durango:

• January – 39° / 11° (high / low F°)
• February – 46° / 17°
• March – 52° / 24°
• April – 62° / 30°
• May – 70° / 36°
• June – 83° / 44°
• July – 87° / 51°
• August – 84° / 50°
• September – 77° / 42°
• October – 66° / 31°
• November – 51° / 22°
• December – 42° / 14°

Getting To Durango, Colorado

Durango – La Plata County Airport – 20 minutes from downtown Durango. This is a regional airport serviced by United and American Airlines. Considering its relatively small size, there are a number of flight options here.

Albuquerque International Sunport – 3 hours, 30 minutes to downtown Durango. This is the closest international airport and is serviced by most major airlines. 

Denver International, Phoenix Sky Harbor, and Salt Lake International – these are each about 6.5 – 7 hours from Durango. All of these airport are serviced by major airlines.

Getting Around Durango 

Most people will need a car in Durango, especially if you plan to explore the beautiful surrounding area. 

However, if staying downtown, it is possible to get around utilizing Uber/ Lyft and walking.

As you can see, there are so many incredible things to do in Durango during summer! I hope you found this helpful in planning your weekend trip and have the best time.

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

More Information For Your Durango Vacation:

• Hotels In Durango: Top Places To Stay
• Summer In Durango: Top Things To Do
• Durango Silverton Train: Everything You Need To Know
• Purgatory Ski Resort Things To Do In Summer
• Day Trips From Durango, CO
• One Day In Durango Itinerary
• All Durango Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Colorado Mountain Towns To Visit In Summer
• Top Colorado Mountain Towns For First-Time Visitors
• Best Colorado Cities & Regional Hubs For Visitors
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything you need to know!)
• All Colorado Guides