Our home city of Durango is a quintessential Colorado mountain town where life is lived outdoors. Raft or fly fish the Animas River, ride the historic narrow gauge train to Silverton, climb 13,000 ft. Engineer Peak, or grab a beer at one of the five breweries (Ska and Animas River are our favorites). For food, we recommend El Moro Tavern and Eat Zawadi.
Just a short drive from Durango, Mesa Verde National Park preserves the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from 600 to 1300 CE. Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, which are among some of the best preserved in the country.
Colorado’s “Million Dollar Highway” is an incredibly scenic 25 mile stretch of road with Red Mountain Pass as its high point. The lack of guardrails and hairpin turns make for an exciting drive. We recommend combining this pass with Lizard Head Pass and making a loop journey back to Durango.
Telluride is really a top notch mountain destination. Stroll the quaint downtown, visit Bridal Veil Falls in the canyon above town, ride the Gondola up to Mountain Village, fly fish, or hike to startling blue alpine lakes! For food and drink, we recommend Telluride Brewing Company, The Butcher and the Baker, and Tacos del Gnar.
Another scenic, high altitude mountain pass, Lizard Head Pass doesn't disappoint. Don't miss the views of the Wilson Range, the mountains featured on Coors Beer cans. On the way down, check out the tiny mining town of Rico and grab a beer at the historic Enterprise Bar!