Durango, CO

[Longhorn_Fan68]

So the wifey and I are looking to take a 2-week trip to see her father in Angel Fire, NM and her mom on Lake Powell in UT. I noticed after looking at a map that Durango is about half way between the two. Does anyone here have some recommendations as to places to stay there? Also, what's to do? i visited when I was a soph in college but i was with rents so i didn't get much of a chance to check out the night life or much of the things to see, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[MizzouSnives]

well, there are several different ways to stay in durango. they've got a million chain hotels/motels that are all pretty comperable (the doubletree is probably the nicest, imho), or you can stay at one of their "historical" hotels. these are generally really nice and old west-ish. pretty cool, and several are right near or in downtown.

are you looking for daytime things to do for a few days, or just nightlife? i would implore you to eat at Steamworks brewery, get the cajun boil, and wash it down with the microbrew of your choice. also, there is a fantastic little pizza joint called Home Slice just off main street. if you want to mellow out at a coffee joint, i would suggest Durango Joe's, which is right by Home Slice. free wifi, great coffee, and a pretty relaxed atmosphere.

if you like fancy beers, i would suggest Lady Falconberg's Barley Exchange on main street (if it's still there). it wasn't quite the bier hall atmosphere i was expecting, but they had a large (if pricy) selection. hope that helps!

 

[Uninformed]

Apple Orchard Inn is a great bed and breakfast near Durango as you head towards Silverton and skiing.

 

[jimmyjazz]

Whatever you do, avoid the Sheraton Tamarron "Resort", which is about 20 minutes north of town. It's a complete dump, and from what we could tell, is really just a bunch of time-share apartments masquerading as a hotel.

We switched to the DoubleTree after one night at the Sheraton and never regretted it. You can walk anywhere downtown from the DoubleTree and never break a sweat. It's not a 5-star hotel, but it's reasonably nice, and it's clean, which cannot be said for (bear with me here) the Sheraton.

 

[CHIEFLAZYBOY]

I lived in Durango for about 1 1/2 years. It has been a while since I've been back so I won't recommend places to stay, but here are some things to do:

1. River raft the Animas.
2. Ride the train to Silverton (not my cup of tea but alot of folks like it.)
3. Rent a jeep and drive the back country around Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride.
4. Flyfishing at the tailrace of Najavo Reservoir (it is a protected trophy trout area of the San Juan River.)
5. Drink/get high and just take in the scenery.

Chief

 

[CTGA_Horn]

If you're looking at Durango, you should definately take a look at Telluride. I'm not sure of your route, but it is probably about the same in terms of a detour.

It is smaller, and probably more expensive (but you might find a deal in summer) but it is probably the prettiest town in the US. It also has a couple of pretty decent bars within walking distance of your hotel.

If I had a couple of days in that area, I would choose Telluride over Durango (which I also like).

 

[Uninformed]

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[Longhorn_Fan68]

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[chuychanga]

I got married at Blue Lake Ranch about 10 minutes outside Durango, towards Cortez. It's a nice place if you want quiet relaxation, but not so great if you want to be in town a lot. It's a bit isolated.

I second the Double Tree. It's a good hotel in a great location. Lady Falconburgh's is still there. Steamworks is good. Have breakfast at the Durango Diner for sure. Mountain biking is good up at the Purgatory ski resort. Enjoy.

 

[Napoleon]

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[washparkhorn]

Durango is a cool little college/mountain town. I go there once a month or so.

I have stayed in a couple of the historic little hotels and the Double Tree. The Double Tree is easy and convenient (on the river and just across mainstreet from downtown). I love the warm choc. chip cookies at check-in.

The Strater is a cool wild west style hotel. Check out the saloon, even if you don't stay there.

The General Palmer is cool as well.

If you have the time, the Durango Silverton Railroad trip brings you into the most beautiful mountains in Colorado.

When in Colorado - remember to drink a hell of a lot of water. It is dry here and the elevation can be a bear. Water cures all.

Mesa Verde is worth the trip if you are looking for a more active diversion.

The Black Canyon suggestion is also excellent if you have the time. It is a beauty.



Have fun.

 

[Brak]

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[Longhorn_Fan68]

We're still wrangling with picking a hotel. Does anyone have any recommendations for something in heart of everything? Thanks.

 

[washparkhorn]

The Strater is the heart of Durango.

The Doubletree is very short walk and on the river (ask for a room facing the river, then crack your window when you go to sleep - very soothing).

The only other one I have stayed at is the General Palmer - another old West style hotel. It is just a bit north, but no more than a short walk.

All are good hotels. I generally stay at the Doubletree when I am there for business, just because it is easy to park and the rooms are a bit more modern and large. I have stayed at the Strater and the Palmer with my wife - both can be romantic.

 

[Mrmyke709]

Go to Carver Brewing. They're one of the best Brewpubs in Colorado.
The food is top notch as well. Pick me up a to go jug, will ya?

 

[Horn69]

Last time there I went to a place called Cuckoo's which they advertise as a Chicken House and Watering Hole. Good brewpub and the wings were good. Mainly just walk around downtown and let your nose guide you into the different bars; great western atmosphere in Durango.

Hook'em!!!

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

I spent about 1 day in Durango; we had just been in the San Juan National Forest for 5 days of horse packing (+1 mule).

I liked the overall feel of the Durango, but Pagosa was more to my taste 'cause it was smaller. SJNF is (IIRC) the largest national forest in the system; over 1 million acres. It's about 1-1/2 hours E of Durango on the W edge of Pagosa Springs.

There is a section of the trail that goes between Pagosa & Durango called the "Devil's Backbone" & I've been told that for about 1/8 of a mile, the trail narrows to about 7 ft. wide. It's a straight drop down both sides for some ungodly amount of feet & if you look down both sides you'll see horse, donkey & mule skeletal remains where they freaked out & went over, pack & all.

This is me on the 3rd day (our rest & poke around day) of the trip into the San Juan. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the horse is dang near vertical here...

Oh, & let me tell you one thing about rail trips. If you are itching to see "something" more lively than scenery, don't take an all day train ride. I'm a rail fan of sorts, but that can get majorly boring in a hurry if you start to feel stuck in your 2nd hour of a 4 hour one way run where you then have to take the same ride back later on.