Things to do in Durango | Strater Hotel

DURANGO SINCE 1881. THE STRATER SINCE 1887.

MAKING HISTORY TOGETHER

SO MUCH TO DO. SO MUCH TO EXPLORE.

Each Strater Hotel Guestroom has a journal that our visitors share their stories in. When we read the journals we often see that people write: “We wish we had stayed longer.” It makes sense since there is so much to do and see and experience in Southwest Colorado. The San Juan Mountains and San Juan Scenic Skyway; Purgatory Resort in summer and winter; Mesa Verde National Park; The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad; rafting, jeeping, golfing, hiking, biking, fishing, and all the “ings” you can think of. Our suggestion? Think about all the things you’d like to do and then BOOK DIRECTLY with us as your basecamp for fun.

DO IT YOURSELF

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Some people like to book tours and others are the DIY-type traveler…or maybe it’s a combination of both. We’ve asked a few locals to put together some suggested itineraries for you to review as you make your vacation decisions and plans!

VIEW ITINERARIES

FOR ALL THAT'S HAPPENING

STRATER EVENT CALENDAR

There’s not only a lot to do in Durango and the Southwest, but right here at The Strater Hotel! The Historic Henry Strater Theatre; live local musicians entertaining audiences in The Office Spiritorium and The Diamond Belle Saloon; Hotel Events; Restaurant and Bar Special Events; and more!

VIEW OUR EVENT CALENDAR

HEAD OUT TO SILVERTON ABOARD THE

DURANGO TRAIN

Ride the historic Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on 45 miles of rails originally laid in 1882 between the mining town of Silverton and the railroad-built town of Durango, Colorado. Travel along the Animas River through wilderness inaccessible by any road! The Durango Train offers different packages for round-trip travel so you can start at The Strater in Durango and end here too.

BOOK TRAIN TICKETS

VISIT THE HOMES OF THE ANCIENT ONES

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

Get a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples who made Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years, from 600 A.D to 1300. Explore some of the most notable and best-preserved cliff dwelling ruins in the United States. Mesa Verde encompasses over 80 square miles and protects over 5,000 archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace and nearly 600 cliff dwellings, some of which are more than 800 years old. This is a trip of a lifetime for all ages.

BOOK GUIDED TOURS

JEEPERS HAVE ALL THE FUN

JEEP ADVENTURES & RENTALS

Bring out your inner explorer when you rent a JEEP and head for the high country. Hit the trails by day and take the family into town for dinner at night. Enjoy the ghost towns above Silverton or head over to the La Plata mountains for the spectacular view at over 12,000 feet. Just get in and explore for a truly local back country experience.

BOOK YOUR JEEP

BREATHTAKING VISTAS

GUIDED 4×4 TOURS

There are lots of options for the 4×4 Guided Tours — half day, full day, and private trips. These trips are guided by experienced guides who really know the area and will take you into hard to find mines, help you discover wildlife and bring you to scenery you couldn’t have imagined to exist!

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THE RIVER WILD

RAFTING TRIPS

The Animas River is one of Durango’s jewels! Choose from an assortment of Animas River rafting trips, including half–day rafting trips, two-hour rafting trips, guided kayak trips, and other amazing things to do in Durango, Colorado. The Animas River offers a great introduction to whitewater sports, and the class III whitewater park makes our river the perfect spot for both first-timers and experienced paddlers alike.

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FISH PRIVATE WATERS IN SOOUTHWEST COLORADO

EXPEDITION OUTSIDE

Discover your new favorite fly fishing spot around Durango. Expedition Outside provides private land on demand by connecting fly fishermen and women with access to private waters in Southwest Colorado. Simply pick a property, book it, and get ready for a killer day of fly fishing.
Note: These are unguided trips with the exception of select properties (for those properties we will provide you with a well-known, trusted guide). Once you book, we’ll send you directions to the property and even some tips on how to fish it. Then, all you’ll have to do is enjoy a day on the river surrounded by only the incredible Colorado landscape.

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LET OUR WATERS CHANGE YOUR LIFE

DURANGO HOT SPRING RESORT + SPA

Surrounded by mountain views, these natural mineral hot springs are like no other on Earth, with a perfect blend of minerals and absence of sulphuric odor. The newly renovated Durango Hot Springs Spa combines the benefits of natural mineral hot springs soaking and a full complement of spa treatments. Enjoy our 26 unique thermal mineral water features including 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools, 8 private Japanese-inspired cedar soaking tubs, a cold plunge pool and a resort-style swimming pool.

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

OTHER IDEAS FOR FUN & ADVENTURE

There is no shortage of “ings” in this part of Colorado no matter what the season. Skiing, snowmobiling, biking, hiking, fishing, golfing, swimming, paddle boarding, boating and maybe even resting! If you’re not sure what you’d like to do, explore some more with these ideas.

MORE IDEAS

YOU CAN GET HERE FROM THERE

GETTING HERE

Planes, trains and automobiles. Quite literally. While Durango can seem out of the way, it’s really easy to get here from where you are anywhere in the world.

SEE WAYS TO GET HERE

WE’RE IN THE CENTER OF IT ALL

AREA AND STRATER MAPS

From parking at The Strater Hotel to driving the San Juan Scenic Skyway, you’ll find maps and information here to make getting around and your stay easy-peasy.

LEARN MORE

800.247.4431

BEGIN YOUR STRATER EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU BOOK WITH US.

BOOK DIRECT