durango

Location:335 miles southwest of Denver on U.S. 160/550
Elevation: 6512, Population: 13922

Gold brought many of the first settlers to Durango, in the Animas River Valley of Colorado. Trains were essential transportation of the day, bringing supplies in and gold ore out. Much of the gold is probably still hidden out there, but the train remains the big draw in Durango, in southwestern Colorado. When the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad blows its whistle, tourists climb on board for a 45-mile trip through the still-wild San Juan Mountains to Silverton, a sparsely populated town where they can lunch and shop before re-boarding for the trip home. This is an essential experience in Durango, which also offers plenty of other lures.

Suffice it to say, if it can be done outdoors, it can be done in Durango. This is a huge mountain biking community, and the Iron Horse Classic bicycle race draws cyclists from all over the country each summer. Animas River Days celebrates the area's top-notch whitewater rafting on the nearby Piedras, Animas and Dolores rivers. (If you like fishing, bring your pole!) Backpacking and camping are prime activities in the nearby Weminuche Wilderness Area. And not far away is Vallecito Reservoir, where you can rent a cabin and spend lazy days on a high mountain lake.

Many Westerners head to Durango each autumn for Colorfest, to partake in foliage-related activities and view the area's prolonged and lavish fall color displays. They also play golf on one of several local courses in summer and ski at the nearby ski area in winter. And when they're done with all that, they can soak those weary bones in the Trimble Hot Springs just north of town, watching the moon rise over the cliffs while relaxing in the steamy waters.

Durango also can be a starting or ending point on one of the state's most dramatic drives, the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. Drive bravely, and safely!

Lodgings range from some of the state's best bed-and-breakfast inns to guest ranches or the historic Strater Hotel. Dining includes steaks, of course, but also great Mexican and Italian food, among others. In more ways than one, Durango will satisfy your appetite for Colorado.

Source: Colorado.com

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