PausePlayPlayPlayPrev|Next
Durango Colorado Activities
Backsliding-Kayaker slides backwards down the face of a standing wave in the Animas River, Durango, Colorado.
Durango Colorado Activities
The steam powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train winds along the banks of the Animas River on its way to Silverton, Colorado.
Durango Colorado Activities
Grilled salmon on a cedar plank
Story and photos by Christopher Marona
Hotels
After a day stuffed with adventures, you’ll be ready to snuggle into a clean and cozy room.
Located in the heart of downtown, the General Palmer Hotel is walking distance to everything. Reminiscent of the age of grand hotels, the Palmer boasts authentic Victorian furnishings. 567 Main Ave., 800-523-3358.
Henry Strater, a pharmacist from Cleveland, built his dream hotel with 376,000 locally produced red bricks. Lavishly detailed in Victorian style, the Strater Hotel opened its doors in 1887. Display cases in this architectural gem feature historical relics to enrich your stay. Tip: Ask the staff to show kids the secret compartments in the lobby. 699 Main Ave., 970-247-4431.
The Apple Orchard Inn, 15 minutes up the Animas Valley, offers a relaxing getaway with six cozy cottages and an additional four bedrooms in the main house. Each is uniquely decorated. Expansive views of the Hermosa Cliffs, Missionary Ridge and the impeccably manicured gardens and ponds will freshen the spirits of tired travelers. 7758 County Road 203, 970-247-0751.
What else to do?
Duranglers, the local fly-fishing headquarters, offers instruction, guides, float trips, rods, reels, flies and sage advice about what’s biting. 923 Main Ave., 970-385-4081.
For those traveling with kids, the Durango Discovery Museum is fun and fascinating. Housed in a steam-generated power plant that first cranked out electricity in 1893, its hands-on projects, interactive displays and demonstrations will spark the curiosity of scientists young and old. 1333 Camino del Rio, 970-259-9234.
Durango is only 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park, making it a convenient base camp. 970-529-4465.
The town is also home to the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which chugs to the mining town of Silverton daily during the summer. 970-247-2733.
For more on what’s up in Durango, visit www.durango.org.
Want more? Read up on Colorado gem Mesa Verde. —> Mesa Verde: Among Best Parks in Colorado
Find out where to get a tasty bite to eat in Durango. —> Visiting Durango Colorado
Editor’s Note: Christopher Marona is a professional photographer based in Durango. To book a group or private photo tour, call 970-247-2415 or visit maronaphoto.com.