16 Fun Day Trips From Durango, Colorado

Durango is situated in a unique location, at the meeting point of mountains and desert. It’s also in an area that was once bustling with Native American activity. So there’s a huge variety of day trips from Durango, which vary dramatically.

See soaring mountains, red rock desert, or ancient Native American dwellings all within a few hours of Durango.

I live in Colorado and have visited Durango numerous times, I’m always amazed by how much there is to do here, and am always searching for new and exciting things in the area!

Read on for some of my favorite day trips from Durango, Colorado.

Best Day Trips From Durango, Colorado

Silverton

Distance From Durango: 1 hours, 5 minutes (50 miles)

Silverton is located in a remote valley surrounded by 13 and 14,000 foot peaks. The entirety of the picturesque town is designated a National Historic Landmark thanks to its well-preserved mining era buildings and remnants. 

From Durango, most will visit Silverton via the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. The full-day tour includes a two hour layover in Silverton, which is just enough time to grab a bite and see a few of the town’s highlights.

If you want more time here, the town is also accessible via US 550, a pretty drive with winding roads and dramatic views.

Summer visitors will love the town’s hiking opportunities, mine tours, and 4×4 adventures. Winter visitors can enjoy heli-skiing and lift access backcountry skiing at Silverton Mountain and Kendall Mountain ski resorts. Be warned though, these are some of the most challenging ski resorts in Colorado and the roads to get here are dangerous when snowy.

For lots more information, check out my Day Trip To Silverton Guide.

Cortez

Distance From Durango: 50 minutes (45 miles)

Cortez is a vibrant archaeological focal point and one of the state’s many hidden gems. Whether exploring the area via a sightseeing tour or visiting the Sunflower Theatre for local entertainment, a trip to this beautiful city is completely worth it! 

During your visit, browse the shops downtown and hit a brewery or vineyard, visit Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, or enjoy water activities at McPhee Reservoir. Summer can be hot in Cortez, but for the most of the year, the city enjoys mild weather, perfect for a visit any time.

Mesa Verde National Park 

Distance From Durango: 35 minutes (35 miles)

This unique national park makes for a perfect day trip from Durango, located just a half hour away. 

Mesa Verde National 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.

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.

Cliff dwelling tours are most readily available in the warmer months, but the park is open year-round.

Four Corners Monument

Distance From Durango: 1 hour, 35 minutes (85 miles)

Four Corners Monument is a landmark where the boundaries of four states — Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah — meet at a single point. 

It is the only place in the US where four states intersect, so despite its remote location, the monument is quite popular to visit.

When here, snap a photo of a brass plaque marking the exact meeting point of all four states, then browse vendor stalls where Native American artisans sell crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.

This is a good activity for any time of year.

Ouray

Distance From Durango: 1 hour, 50 minutes (70 miles)

This mountain town, situated in the San Juans 2 hours north of Durango, is known for excellent hiking, pretty views, historic architecture, and beautiful hot springs.

During summer, hike Box Canyon Falls, see Lower Cascade Falls, browse the shops downtown, and soak in some hot springs. Winter visitors must see the Ouray Ice Park and spend an afternoon warming up in the hot springs.

However, be aware, the driving conditions between Durango and Ouray are hazardous in winter. So for most, this day trip is best done in the warmer months.

For more information, check out my guide: Ouray One Day Itinerary.

Telluride 

Distance From Durango: 2 hours, 10 minutes (111 miles)

Telluride is easily one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado. This stunning destination is tucked into a picturesque box canyon, surrounded by towering peaks. It’s home to upscale dining opportunities, boutique shopping, and ample outdoor activities.

Summer visitors can see the incredible Bridal Veil Falls, go hiking, and browse the shops along Colorado Avenue. During winter the town is most known for excellent skiing at Telluride Ski Resort, plus fun winter activities like dog sledding and ice skating.

The driving conditions between Durango and Telluride are likely to be hazardous in the snowy months, making this day trip easiest in summer.

Ridgway

Distance From Durango: 2 hours (80 miles)

Located between Telluride and Ouray is Ridgway, nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the San Juan Mountains.’ This small city is a popular base camp to the towering peaks that lie thousands of feet above.

For those just passing through for a day, relax at Orvis Hot Springs, browse the shops downtown, and enjoying water activities like boating and swimming at Ridgway State Park.

As with Telluride and Ouray, Ridgway will be difficult to access in winter, so it’s recommended to visit in warmer months.

Drive The Million Dollar Highway 

Starting Point Distance From Durango: 1 hours, 5 minutes (50 miles)

The Million Dollar Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States, with the famed portion of this route stretching 25 miles along US 550 between the previously mentioned cities of Silverton and Ouray.

The highway is characterized by hairpin turns and steep drop-offs with no guardrails. Nonetheless, it’s extremely popular, which is a testament to its incredible views.

Be sure to have an experienced driver comfortable with heights and double check that the forecast is clear of rain or snow before heading out. Snow is common from October – early June, making this excursion most suitable late June through September.

Check out road conditions at Colorado Department of Transportation.

And for even more information, check out Driving The Million Dollar Highway: The Best Stops.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Distance From Durango: 1 hours, 20 minutes (70 miles)

The Canyons of the Ancients is one of the greatest monuments to Native American culture in the entire country. Its home to the highest known archaeological site density in the entire United States. Spanning hundreds of thousands of acres, there are nearly 10,000 sites unveiling life for at least the last 10,000 years. This is one of the true treasures of state and should not be missed. 

While here, stop by the visitor center and museum, do some hiking, and view the monuments.

Canyons of the Ancients is only a few miles from Mesa Verde National Park, so the two destinations can be visited together. However, both parks are large, so this may not be practical for those who want to thoroughly explore both. 

Any time of year is a good one for this excursion, but know that summer can be quite hot.

Moab, Utah

Distance From Durango: 2 hours, 45 minutes (155 miles)

Outdoor recreation has made Moab, a remote town in Southeastern Utah, a top destination for outdoor-lovers. In fact, there’s so much to do here, you may find that planning just one day is a bit overwhelming.

Having said that, day trippers can browse the shops and restaurants in downtown Moab, go for a Jeep tour, or visit one the area’s two national parks (which I’ll cover in more detail below!)

As with most attractions in this region, summer can get hot, but otherwise, this is a good destination year-round.

Find more ideas over at Top Things To Do In Moab, Utah.

Arches National Park, Utah

Distance From Durango: 2 hours, 45 minutes (165 miles)

Located just outside Moab is Arches National Park, one of the most unique attractions in the United States. It’s home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches — the densest concentration of such in the world! — not to mention, countless incredible rock formations.

Hike Delicate Arch, see Balanced Rock, and explore the incredible arches in the park’s Window Section during your visit.

At 3 hours from Durango, this will be a lengthy and action-packed day trip, but it’s worth it if you’re up for a long day.

You can find tons more information about about the best things to do in Arches in my One Day In Arches National Park Guide.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Distance From Durango: 2 hours, 45 minutes (150 miles)

Another national park about 3 hours from Durango is the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This portion of the park is characterized by towering red-and-white-striped sandstone spires that dominate the landscape.

Despite the ample beauty found here, this section of the park is rather quiet. Day trip visitors can hike through the hoodoo-like red rocks, take in the views from an overlook, or go for a scenic drive. If time allows, also add a stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument.

Summers are hot, but any time of year is great for visiting Canyonlands.

Farmington, New Mexico

Distance From Durango: 1 hour, 5 minutes (50 miles)

Located in northwest New Mexico, Farmington is known for its infinite outdoor adventures.

Golfing, hiking, mountain biking, exploring Aztec Ruins National Monument, or kayaking one of the area’s five lakes makes this place a must-visit. It should also be noted that off-roading is extremely popular and the terrain in this area makes it some of the best in the region.

For those looking to be a little less active, there are museums which cover the area’s rich Native American history, local boutique shops, and the leisurely Animas Riverwalk Trails. 

You’ll find there’s an abundance of things to do here year-round.

Mancos State Park

Distance From Durango: 40 minutes (30 miles)

Mancos State Park is paradise for all types of outdoor adventurers. Land-based pursuits include camping, hiking, horseback riding, or biking. Those who prefer to be out on the water, you’ll find plenty to do on Jackson Gulch Reservoir. Kayaking, canoeing, and sailboats are all permitted without wake and swimming is allowed. 

While this is a great destination year-round, it’s most popular in summer when visitors can enjoy the park’s water activities.

Pagosa Springs

Distance From Durango: 1 hour, 15 minutes (60 miles)

Pagosa Springs was given its name from the word ‘Pagosah’ or ‘healing waters’ from the Southern Ute tribe. Thus it is known for its mineral springs, even boasting the world’s deepest hot spring at just over 1,000 feet.

During your visit, explore the shops and restaurants downtown, then spend all afternoon soaking in the famous hot springs. Summer visitors will also love mountain biking or hiking, whereas snowshoeing and skiing are great winter activities. 

The mountain pass standing between Pagosa Springs and Durango can be tough during winter, so this day trip will be easier in the warmer months, but is possible any time of year.

Ute Mountain Tribal Park

Distance From Durango: 1 hour, 15 minutes (65 miles)

This park chronicles the homeland of the Ute Mountain Ute Native American tribe, encapsulating their importance to the region and giving visitors a window into their ways of life. 

Explore ancient cliff dwellings and historic artifacts, hike, bike, or enjoy a scenic drive during your day trip to Ute Mountain Tribal Park. Additionally, half and full day tours are available. These are led by Native American tour guides and are a great way to learn about the park’s unique history.

Monument Valley, Arizona 

Distance From Durango: 3 hours, 5 minutes (170 miles)

Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. Wide valleys framed by massive sandstone buttes and unique rock formations make this region a photographer’s dream, hence the staggering number of Blockbuster movies filmed here.

Whether or not you have a photographer’s eye, this is still an excellent place to visit. Take in the views from 17-mile Scenic Drive, go for a short hike, or join a guided tour during your time in Monument Valley.

Just be aware, this is a massive region and at 3 hours from Durango, it’d be a challenging day trip. Although, for some, it may be worth the effort.

Summer will be hot, but any time of year is great for visiting beautiful Monument Valley.

As you can see, there’s an incredible variety of day trips from Durango. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your outing, and have the best time!

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

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Durango and Colorado guides or head on over to Visit Durango!

More Information For Your Durango Vacation:

• Durango Silverton Train: Everything You Need To Know
• Summer In Durango: Top Things To Do
• Durango Weekend Itinerary For Summer
• Purgatory Ski Resort Things To Do In Summer
• One Day In Durango Itinerary
• All Durango Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• 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