DurangoOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Railroad Construction and Town Founding

Durango's history began in September 1880, with the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company. The railroad sought a central point to serve the San Juan mining district, where silver and gold had been discovered since 1872. The company established its own town on the Animas River, south of the existing Animas City. The new settlement was incorporated on April 27, 1881.

General William Jackson Palmer, founder of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, was central to Durango's creation. He named the city after Durango, Mexico, due to a perceived similarity between the two regions. The name itself comes from the Basque word "Urango," meaning "water town" or "well-watered place."

From Mining Center to Tourism

When the railroad tracks reached Durango on August 5, 1881, and extended to Silverton by July 1882, the town became known as the "Smelter City." It served as a processing center for precious metals from the San Juan Mountains. The narrow-gauge design of the railroad, with tracks 36 inches apart, allowed it to navigate the mountain terrain. This period saw a rapid population increase, as people from various countries arrived to work in the smelters, mines, and on the railroad.

By the early 20th century, Durango began to shift towards tourism. The establishment of the San Juan National Forest in 1905 and Mesa Verde National Park in 1906 increased its appeal. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, originally built for hauling ore, transitioned into a scenic passenger route, a function it maintains today. The preserved railroad and historic buildings in the city center reflect this industrial past and its later transformation.

• —Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot — This depot, built in January 1882, is the departure point for the steam train journey to Silverton. Visitors can see the preserved station building and the operating steam locomotives.
• —General Palmer Hotel — Constructed in 1898, this Victorian hotel on Main Avenue is a city landmark. Its architecture and antique furnishings provide a view into the late 19th century. Balconies overlook the railroad depot.
• —Main Avenue Historic District — This district features Victorian-era buildings that once housed saloons, general stores, and hotels. Many structures retain their original appearance and now contain shops, galleries, and restaurants.
• —Strater Hotel — Built in 1887, the Strater Hotel is known for its Victorian decor. Its Diamond Belle Saloon is a preserved example of an Old West saloon.
• —Animas River Trail — This paved multi-use trail runs along the Animas River. It offers pathways for walking and biking, with views of the river and surrounding natural areas. Opportunities for fishing or observing local wildlife are present.
• —Durango City Hall (former Post Office) — This building, originally constructed as the city's post office, displays early 20th-century architecture and represents a part of Durango's civic history.

Durango has four distinct seasons. Summer (June-August) is the busiest, with temperatures around 85°F (29°C) and long days for outdoor activities. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Fall (September-October) offers crisp air, golden aspen foliage, and fewer visitors. Temperatures are mild, suitable for scenic drives and hiking. Late September to early October is best for fall colors.

Winter (November-March) provides mild, sunny days for snow sports at Purgatory Resort. January is the coldest, with lows around 10-14°F (-12 to -10°C).

Spring (April-May) is a quieter period with fewer visitors and lower prices. Wildflowers appear, and snowmelt increases the Animas River flow, suitable for rafting.

Avoid July and August if you prefer less rain, as these are among the wetter months.

Durango is served by the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), located southeast of the city. Access is via US 550 South and US 160 East. Airlines like United, American, and Delta offer flights through major hubs.

Downtown Durango is walkable, with shops and restaurants close to each other. The Animas River Trail provides a route for walking and biking through town.

Durango Transit operates buses and a trolley along Main Avenue. Bus fares are typically $1. A late-night weekend bus runs on Fridays and Saturdays until 2:30 a.m. within city limits.

Parking in downtown Durango includes metered street parking and municipal lots. Meters are enforced Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays. Overnight street parking is not allowed in the Central Business District between 2-5 a.m., but free overnight parking is available in municipal lots.