In southwest Colorado, everything seems a little heightened: higher mountains, bluer skies and so many activities you’ll have a hard time choosing. Spending just a few days here will give you a taste of the glories of true Southwest living.
Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places
Volunteer or donate to the San Juan Mountains Association.
Day
1
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…
Insider's Tip
Take the Train to Silverton
Climb aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through remote wilderness to Silverton for lunch.
Lunch
Handlebars Food & Saloon
Savor the flavor of our Wild West atmosphere in Silverton while enjoying some of the best grub around.
Activity
Mayflower Gold Mill
1929 Mill. Witness first hand how the miners were able to extract gold, silver and base metals from the hard rock ores in this complete mill which…
Dinner
Mahogany Grille
Enjoy handcrafted cuisine while stepping back in time in the ambiance of the Victorian Old West as we serve you an array of eclectic culinary…
Activity
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…
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…
Day
2
Breakfast
Jean Pierre Bakery, Cafe & Wine Bar
Quaint, long-running locale for traditional French breads, pastries & meals amid antique decor.
Activity
Duranglers Flies & Supplies
Duranglers Flies and Supplies is the premier fly shop and fly fishing guide service in the Four Corners region. Located in Durango, Colorado, we…
Lunch
Durango Bagel
Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches Bagels right next to where main meets the train.
Activity
Mild To Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours
Travel back in time and explore historic mining…
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…
Activity
Durango Craft Spirits, LLC
We offer award winning spirits made with all regional grains. White corn from the Ute Mountain Utes and grains from Alamosa complete our…
Lodging
Rochester Hotel
The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities…
Day
3
Breakfast
Oscar's Cafe
Oscar's Cafe - A 50's style diner serving award winning breakfast and lunch. We are a family operated cafe for the last years. Voted a local's…
Activity
Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours
With an untarnished safety record and our 33 years in Durango, Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours offers the safest, finest whitewater rafting…
Lunch
Carver Brewing Company
Since 1986, Carvers has offered Durango the very best in food and beer.
Activity
Hike Pine River Trail in Vallecito Lake
The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, the fishing is fantastic, and the turnoff to Emerald Lake is at mile 6.3 (Trail #528). The trail continues to ascend, sometimes gradually and sometimes moderately.
Activity
The Whiskey Biscuit
The Whiskey Biscuit is an industrial-chic restaurant featuring down-home American eats plus a large selection of whiskey and craft beer.
Lodging
Rochester Hotel
The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities…
Day
4
Breakfast
Durango Diner
The Durango Diner-located on historic Main Street in Durango, Colorado, The Durango Diner has endured as one of the town's few landmark eateries,
Insider's Tip
Head to Pagosa Springs
On your way to Pagosa Springs from Durango, stop at Chimney Rock National Monument to explore the Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site.
Activity
Chimney Rock National Monument
Chimney Rock Interruptive Association in partnership with the Forest Service would like to share with this amazing preserved archaeological…
Lunch
Kip's Grill & Cantina
Kip's Grill started operating out of a caboose on the side of the Highway in Del Norte, Colorado in 1996. The goal was to create seriously fresh,…
Activity
Tube the San Juan River with Pagosa Outside
Tubing on the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa has become a “don’t miss” late summer activity.
Dinner
Boss Hogg's Restaurant and Saloon
Serves lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee. Good for groups, kids, take out, walk-ins welcome.
Lodging
The Springs Resort
Relax and renew at The Springs Resort - hot springs capital of Colorado, with 25 natural geothermal soaking pools, located downtown Pagosa Springs…
Day
5
Breakfast
The Rose
The Rose diner in downtown Pagosa Springs has been a local landmark for three decades.
Activity
Let It Fly
LET IT FLY is a full service fly shop located in downtown Pagosa Springs Colorado. We are privately owned and operated, and we pride ourselves in…
Lunch
Lost Cajun
Authentic Cajun food in the Rocky Mountains? You better believe it! The Lost Cajun is a small, funky restaurant providing ample Cajun-Creole dishes,…
Activity
Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures
Get ready to climb aboard for the flight of a lifetime, enjoying the enchanting sights and tranquility that can only be experienced from a hot air…
Dinner
Alley House Grille
Alley House Grille is the premier dining destination in Pagosa Springs offering an elegant but casual atmosphere featuring Global/Colorado style…
Activity
Riff Raff Brewing Company
Founded in 2013, Riff Raff Brewing Company opens in downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado, in May 2013. The brewery is Pagosa Springs' first downtown…
Lodging
The Springs Resort
Relax and renew at The Springs Resort - hot springs capital of Colorado, with 25 natural geothermal soaking pools, located downtown Pagosa Springs…