Awesome Durango Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days

Are you headed to Durango and looking for a great 3-day itinerary? Then you are in the right spot!

Durango is one of my favorite places in Colorado – and for good reason. Stunning mountains, beautiful rivers, and a scenic railroad make Durango so special.

But what do you do in town when you don’t know your way around? It can be hard to plan a trip without prior knowledge.

Luckily for you, I have just returned from Durango and am excited to help you plan your trip in this ultimate guide to Durango.

Let’s get to it!

An aerial view of a tranquil lake nestled in a forested valley during autumn. The trees along the shore display shades of gold and orange, while the still water reflects the peaceful surroundings.

3 Day Durango Itinerary Overview

Day 1:

Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Historic Downtown
Dinner: Eolus Bar & Dining

Day 2:

John Pierre’s French Bakery
Purgatory Resort
Durango Hot Springs
Dinner: Steamworks Brewing Co
Show: The Strater Hotel’s Diamond Belle Saloon

Day 3:

Mesa Verde National Park
Animas River Trail
Dinner: El Moro Spirits and Tavern

The author stands on a rocky ledge overlooking a dense forest of pine trees in the San Juan Mountains near Durango. She faces the vast landscape, wearing hiking gear, while a lone tree stands beside her under a bright, clear blue sky.

A woman stands on a trail surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow. She wears a white jacket and looks content as she admires the stunning scenery. The rich colors of the leaves create a beautiful contrast with the forest around her.

You might also like: Telluride in Fall – How To Plan a Cozy Weekend Getaway

Day 1 in Durango

Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic steam train that runs between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.

It will take you on a scenic journey through the San Juan Mountains. You can enjoy breathtaking views of rivers, forests, and cliffs. It was originally built in the 1880s to haul silver and gold, and it is now a popular tourist attraction.

Depending on the season you ride, the journey will look a bit different. In the main season, this will be a full-day trip with 2 hours to explore Silverton.

An aerial view of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as it winds through rugged cliffs in the San Juan Mountains. The iconic black steam engine pulls a series of bright yellow and red vintage train cars along a narrow track perched high above a deep canyon. Pine trees dot the rocky terrain, highlighting the steep drop-off and the dramatic landscape that surrounds the historic railroad. The contrast of the train against the natural rock formations and dense forest showcases the breathtaking and adventurous nature of this scenic journey.

The train journey takes about 3 hours, but time passes quickly because you’ll have a lot to see. You can grab hot and cold drinks and some snacks on the train as well.

I suggest booking your seat in a heated carriage unless you are going in the middle of summer.

There is no ideal side to sit on (despite what people are saying) – both sides of the train are magical. Plus, you’ll get to see the other side on the way back.

A classic steam engine with yellow carriages winds through a rugged mountain landscape, running along a narrow track cut into a steep cliff. Tall pine trees surround the scene, and the rocky cliffs add drama to the picturesque setting. The vintage train offers an unforgettable view of the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains.

Once you arrive in Silverton, you have about two hours to explore the town. That is enough time to check out some shops, have a nice lunch, and explore the surrounding area.

Silverton is not huge, so you don’t need a detailed plan for your day there.

An aerial view of the historic Silverton courthouse, a stately brick building with a clocktower, set against the backdrop of the golden autumn hills. The small town and surrounding trees highlight the charm of this mountain community.

Historic Downtown Durango

Historic Downtown Durango is a charming area full of old-west character and well-preserved architecture from the late 1800s. Not only is it super instagrammable – but it is also an amazing spot to spend a relaxed evening.

Downtown hosts a lot of local shops, art galleries, and restaurants lining the streets. You can buy original cowboy boots, stunning art, and even books.

I loved to explore landmarks like the historic Strater Hotel and of course, to see the famous train rolling through town on its way to the station

The vibrant exterior of Rocky Mountain Gifts, a quaint shop in Durango with a pink and purple color scheme, featuring decorative hanging baskets of flowers and an inviting display of local crafts, crosses, and t-shirts by the entrance. The store sits along a lively street with an American flag in the background.

Day 2 in Durango

Purgatory Resort

On the second day in Durango, we’ll explore Purgatory Resort, which is a bit of a drive away from town. We even stayed in a ski chalet there because it is so cozy!

It is a popular year-round destination just outside Durango. This is the place to be for outdoor adventures and stunning mountain views.

In winter, it’s a great spot for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. During the rest of the year, it turns into a hub for mountain biking and hiking.

A breathtaking aerial view of the Durango countryside, showcasing a rainbow arching over the mountainous landscape. The scene features golden autumn trees, a tranquil blue lake reflecting the surrounding forest, and a winding road that leads toward the rugged peaks in the background.

Durango Hot Springs

Durango Hot Springs is a relaxing retreat just outside Durango.

You can soak in natural mineral hot springs with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The springs are known for their therapeutic properties.

They have multiple pools at varying temperatures, so you can choose the perfect spot to unwind. The resort also offers spa treatments – perfect after a day of exploring.

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Day 3 in Durango

Mesa Verde National Park

Early in the morning of our last day in Durango, we’ll head to Mesa Verde National Park. It is almost around the corner.

Mesa Verde National Park is famous for its well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.

The park has over 600 cliff dwellings you can check out. The Cliff Palace is the largest and most famous of them all.

I suggest checking out the Mesa Top Loop Road, a scenic 6-mile drive. You’ll pass by several overlooks and stops at cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.

If you are into hiking, you might wanna try the Petroglyph Point Trail.

Lastly, check out the Far View Terrace Cafe in the park for a delicious lunch.

A close-up view of the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, nestled under a large sandstone overhang. The stone structures built by the Ancestral Puebloans blend seamlessly into the natural rock, surrounded by green shrubs and trees.

Animas River Trail

Once you are back in Durango, it is time to check out one of my favorite parts of the town: the Animas River.

We walked the Animas River Trail in the evening right before sunset, and it was a magical experience. The water is beautiful and deep blue, and you can walk on a scenic sidewalk.

This area is especially beautiful in fall and winter when the seasons change the scenery.

A vibrant red maple leaf is held in the foreground, with a forest floor covered in fallen leaves in the background. The rich color captures the beauty of fall, while the close-up perspective adds an intimate touch.

A wooden footbridge framed by bright golden leaves of fall. The trees lining the bridge create a picturesque tunnel effect, inviting a walk through the autumnal landscape. The scene is peaceful and serene, with a deep connection to nature.

Where To Stay for 3 Days in Durango

If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, I suggest staying in the Purgatory Resort (see the picture below). We rented a lovely ski chalet and we had an amazing view of the mountains. It was calm and quiet, and a great way to relax a bit off the beaten path.

If you prefer the hustle and bustle of downtown Durango, the Strater Hotel is a great pick for you. You’ll be directly on Main Street and the hotel itself is a historic building.

If you are in your wellness era you should absolutely stay at the Durango Hot Springs Resort, and let yourself be pampered every single day after exploring.

An aerial view of Purgatory Resort nestled in the mountains during fall. The resort is surrounded by autumn trees with golden leaves, winding roads, and various lodge-style buildings set in the mountain's base with ski trails visible in the distance.

Are 3 Days Enough For Durango?

I think you should stay at least three nights in Durango. We opted to stay a fourth night since we had a long drive ahead of us.

Three days is enough to check out the railroad, the historic downtown, and even Mesa Verde National Park.

If you are into skiing or hiking, you can easily keep yourself busy for a week in Durango.

Keep in mind that Colorado is pretty expensive, so you might want to keep that in mind when planning your vacation time.

A winding, turquoise lake snakes through a forest of tall trees displaying a mix of green and autumn colors. The aerial view highlights the serene beauty of the landscape, with the surrounding mountains and distant lakes adding depth to the scenic vista.

Conclusion: Durango Itinerary

Discover the best of Durango, Colorado, with this 3-day itinerary! Start by exploring Downtown Durango, with its historic charm and the iconic Durango & Silverton Railroad.

On day two, enjoy outdoor adventures at Purgatory Resort for hiking, biking, or skiing, depending on the season, and relax at the Durango Hot Springs afterward.

On the final day, visit Mesa Verde National Park to explore the ancient cliff dwellings and learn about the Ancestral Puebloans.

This itinerary offers a perfect mix of nature, wellness, and instagrammable spots. Of course, we’ll also do some shopping and fine dining on our weekend in Durango.

I hope you love Durango as much as I did – and will have a lot of fun with this itinerary.

About The Author

Sabrina is a 30 year old Air Force Wife and passionate travel blogger, currently based in New Mexico. She loves exploring the Southwest USA with her drone.

Sabrina’s mission is help travellers have an authentic, relaxed and instagrammable trip through the American Southwest.

Hi, I'm Sabrina

Awesome Durango Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days

Table of Contents

3 Day Durango Itinerary Overview