Colorado.com
5 Days
Enjoy a Winter in Durango With No Lifts

Taking a rest day from skiing and boarding doesn’t mean missing out on the action. When your sore muscles are begging for a break, take advantage of the countless other activities Durango has to offer. From ice fishing and dog sledding to soaking in the hot spring and dining under the alpine sky, it’s easy to experience a dozen vacations in one.

Sustainability Activity

Join Trails 2000

Join Durango Trails, which plans, builds and maintains trails, educates trail users and encourages connectivity on the road.  

Insider's Tip

Avoid the Crowds

Winter is a great time to visit Durango to avoid the crowds, especially if you plan on exploring downtown Durango. 

Day 1

activity

Durango Dog Ranch

We offer a summery take on dogsledding with scooters and overland tours from June–October. Once the snow falls, we offer two hour and half day sled…

lunch

2nd Deli & Spirits

With delicious and affordable cocktails, wine by the glass, and a lengthy list of canned and draft beers the bar has something for everyone. Come on…

activity

Four Leaves Winery

Four Leaves Winery Durango is a boutique winery located in historic Durango, Colorado. We import the highest quality grapes and then handcraft, blend,…

dinner

Zia Taqueria (South)

We believe in simple, tasteful, authentic food with an atmosphere and price that feels good, warms the soul, and reminds you that some of the better…

activity

Live Music

Check out a concert or show at one of the best nine live music venues in Durango.

lodging

Homewood Suites by Hilton Durango, CO

Welcome to the Homewood Suites by Hilton Durango only extended stay hotel. We are just a very short drive from downtown Durango. Come make your self…

Day 2

breakfast

Durango Joes Coffee

Whether driving through, hanging out with us in-store, or enjoying our legendary coffee from home, wherever that may be, we want to be the bright spot…

activity

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

Experience the adventure of traveling by a historic steam-powered or diesel locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West…

lunch

Bring Your Lunch

Grab lunch on the train ride or pack it beforehand. Bread sells amazing sandwiches.

Insider's Tip

Cascade Canyon Excursion

Departing from Durango, the train leads you on a 26-mile journey through the San Juan National Forest and along the Animas River in the comfort of heated coaches. Sit back, relax and enjoy breathtaking views along untouched land deep in the canyon.

 
activity

The Office Spiritorium

Cleverly named, The Office Spiritorium in the Historic Strater Hotel, this establishment is designed for those who wish to relax after work yet still…

dinner

Diamond Belle Saloon

If you're standing in the Diamond Belle Saloon, located in Durango, Colorado, you just may have stepped back in time. Revered as one of the most famous…

activity

Cream Bean Berry

Our ice cream is made from scratch with 100% organic milk, cream, and sugar. We partner with local growers to offer seasonal flavors, but when can’t…

lodging

Historic Strater Hotel

THE OFFICE SPIRITORIUM, with its lavish and comfortable décor, can't really be called a bar, saloon, tavern, or lounge but a delightful office away…

Day 3

breakfast

Smiley Cafe

The Smiley Cafe is about quality local food and coffee and a great place to enjoy time with friends and family.

activity

Take a Walking Tour

Downtown Durango is on the National Register of Historic Districts and overflows with historic hotels, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, museums…

lunch

Macho's Fast Mexican Food & Drinks

We serve high quality and delicious fast Mexican food with a variety of domestic and Mexican beers and authentic Mexican drinks specializing in tequila…

activity

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Grab some cross-country skis from 2nd Avenue Sports and head out to Vallecito Lake.

Itinerary Tip

Backcountry Safety

Get out in front of backcountry danger this winter, and keep safety top-of-mind! Seek education and training prior to heading out, or utilize a professional guide or a seasoned mentor to explore Colorado's backcountry. Find more ways to get informed and stay safe in Colorado.

dinner

11th Street Station

Seven small, but robust food truck options encircle the original service station now turned Ernie’s Bar, which pours craft brews, libations, coffee…

activity

Museum Hop

Durango features more than a dozen award-winning art galleries, museums and cultural attractions, including the Durango Arts Center, Durango & Silverton…

lodging

Rochester Hotel

The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities and…

Day 4

breakfast

Rochester Hotel

The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities and…

activity

Honey House Distillery

Honey House Distillery produces a variety of hand crafted, small batch distilled spirits including the very first Colorado Honey Whiskey.

lunch

Olde Schoolhouse Cafe

For over 20 years, The Old Schoolhouse Café & Saloon has been serving the best pizza in Durango Area. We also have wings and calzones, along with…

activity

Animas Museum

The 1904 Animas city school building is a charming local history museum which offers a variety of exhibits and programs for all ages. It's also home…

dinner

Pop Sushi

Socialize at the bar and lounge while enjoying delicious and creative Asian dishes.

activity

Animas Chocolate Company

Award-winning Animas Chocolate & Coffee Company handcrafts a variety of chocolate confections in the heart of Durango. Visit us for a taste of our…

lodging

Double Tree by Hilton - Durango

Enjoy a warm cookie and a warmer welcome when you arrive at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango. Skip the front desk and use our state-of-the art Digital…

Day 5

breakfast

Edgewater Grille & Lounge

Comfortable yet elegant. Enjoy casual dining with picture windows overlooking 100-year-old trees shrouding the Animas River. Enjoy a savory selection…

activity

Go for a Walk

Take a walk on the Animas River Trail, which stretches 7 miles through Durango's Animas River Greenway.

Insider's Tip

Feed the Fish

Stop in at the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum to see rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and more being raised. It is the oldest state-owned fish hatchery in Colorado.

lunch

Burger Theory

Our lunch and dinner menu features specialty burgers and Colorado Craft beers, while our Start Fresh breakfast menu focuses on the morning classics…

activity

Go Brewery and Distillery Hopping

Check out Durango's breweries and spirits. Explore the crafted beverages of the beautiful southwest region of Colorado! Visit nearly 40 independent…

dinner

Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen

Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen is a modern American bistro. We specialize in from-scratch Southwestern and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring fresh salads,…

activity

Weeknight Hangouts

Check out what's going on at the best weeknight hangouts and where activities are happening in Durango.

lodging

Historic Strater Hotel

THE OFFICE SPIRITORIUM, with its lavish and comfortable décor, can't really be called a bar, saloon, tavern, or lounge but a delightful office away…