Weekend Getaway: Top 5 Things to Do in Durango
If you want to do a weekend getaway close to home, a trip to Durango will more than adequately fill up your two-day agenda.
There are several benefits of a weekend getaway to Durango.
For starters, Durango is a lot closer to Grand Junction than Denver, although it does take you nearly as long to get there. Take off after work on a late Friday night and Saturday morning you're already there and ready for adventure.
Secondly, it's a beautiful drive from Grand Junction to Ouray, over Red Mountain Pass, past Silverton, and on into Durango. Personally, I would want to be over the pass before it gets dark, but that's just me.
One might expect the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride to be on a list of five things to do in Durango - and it is - but there is so much more to experience when you visit Durango. You are going to wish you had more than just a weekend.
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ThinkStock 1San Juan National Forest
Regardless of the types of activities you like to do, there's most likely something for you in the scenic San Juan National Forest from camping and fishing, to hiking, bicycling, photographing wildlife, climbing, or just driving.
I love Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Grand Mesa, and the Flattops Wilderness, but I kind of like a little change of scenery. - ThinkStock
ThinkStock 2Soaring Tree Top Adventures
Ziplining isn't for everyone, but for those that are physically able this one is tough to beat. "It’s impossible to capture this experience with words," says one Trip Advisor reviewer." GUARANTEED one of the most uniquely memorable lifetime adventures to share with family & friends available!!!"
It's only accessible by the Durango & Silverton, so it's a full day experience. You'll get 5 1/2 hours of ziplining on 27 spans, a gourmet lunch, and roundtrip transportation on the train for around $449 per person.
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ThinkStock 3Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
It's perhaps the most famous train ride in America, winding through the southwest Colorado mountains from Durango to Silverton. It's a full day - leaving Durango before 9am and returning after 5pm. Whatever you do, don't forget your camera!
"Awesome experience - worth every penny" says this Trip Advisor reviewer.
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ThinkStock 4Horseback Riding
If horseback riding is your things there are plenty of options including Rapp Corral, Buck's Livery, Hole in the Wall Stables, San Juan Sky Outfitters, and Southfork Riding Stables and Outfitters.
Horseback riding with beautiful scenery- and even cave exploration - is available for riders of all ages and abilities.
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ThinkStock 5River Rafting and Tubing
If you are looking for a little more action and little more adventure, there are plenty of options for getting on the water including Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company, Mild to Wild Rafting, Durango Rivertrippers, 4 Corners Whitewater, Southwest Raft and Jeep, Colorado Outback Adventures, and Flexible Flyers Rafting.
Whether you want a wild adventure or something on the milder side, the San Miguel and Animas Rivers have the water, and there are plenty of experts to give you the guidance and direction you need.
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