Durango, Colorado

All Aboard for an Amazing Weekend Getaway!

Whether you want relaxing or adventure, Durango will definitely deliver. I wanted a mixture of both on this trip and I got what I was looking for. It was a 4 day solo-get away, planned one week prior and it was perfect. I can not wait to go back.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” -Anita Desai

Things to D0

The Train

The Durango-Silverton train was by far my favorite thing on this trip. I was nervous about it being an all day event. I thought 9 hours on a train might be a little much, but those 9 hours flew by before I knew it. It was 3.5 hrs to Silverton and you are so mesmerized by the beauty that you don't notice the time.

Your coach options are: open air, general and first class. Because this was last minute (and the train books up fast), I was limited on seating options, so I had to chose the general class. I think it was the best choice after seeing the other options. The seats were comfortable, they turned around if needed and you could open the windows to feel the amazing breeze and stick your head out.

You will see stunning overlooks of the San Juan Mountains, cross bridges and even run alongside the Animas River which was my favorite part. You stop in Silverton for 2 hrs, which is a VERY small town with maybe 4 streets near the station. Their revenue is strictly tourism from the train. The food options weren't amazing, but there were lots of little stores worth going through and it was nice to get up and walk around for a little while. The ride back was the same scene, but just as pretty. It didn't get old. We saw a bear, deer and lots of large birds on the way back. I decided that every time I go to Durango, I will be doing the train.

Hiking

Hiking is very popular here. There are numerous options from easy to difficult. I spent one day walking the Animas River Trail, which is a flat, paved trail that runs along the river near downtown. I wouldn't consider this a hike; it was more of a bike/walking path. It had a great mixture of shade and sun and was well trafficked. I walked about 3 miles very easily that morning and then ended near the Doubletree by Hilton on the grassy area overlooking the river and read my book for the afternoon.

On my last day, I only had a few hours to get a hike in before heading back to Phoenix, so I had to chose a short one. I did the Purgatory Trail up and back for a quick 2.5 mile hike. It wasn't difficult and the views at the top were a great way to say goodbye to Durango. I loved every bit of it. The weather was great and I wasn't attacked by bears. That's always a plus.

Rafting

The Animas River is a playground in the summer. You can kayak it, raft it or play on one of the many shorelines. I decided to go "white water rafting" with one of the tour groups (The River Trippers). I wanted to feel young and wild for a moment on my solo trip. The water level was low as it was the end of July, so we mostly had Class 1 and a little bit of Class 2 rapids. I enjoyed every bit of it. I was paired up with a really nice family and our guide was awesome. He kept us laughing with his impeccable dad jokes and really wasn't bad to look at either. Oh - and he kept us alive! They even let us get out at one point and float down a section of the rapids in just our life jackets. That was AWESOME!! If I do it again, I'd go in May or June when the water level is higher and see if I can get some Class 3 rapids.

Places to Stay

Being that this was a last minute trip, my options were limited. Durango books up quickly in the summertime. But I found a great deal at the Best Western plus Rio Grande. They had free breakfast and 2 free cocktails from 5:30-7:30 per adult. The rooms were nice, staff great and I could walk to downtown. I feel like I saved money not having to buy breakfast, drinks or parking. Parking can be horrible in Durango (and costly), so it was nice being able to walk where I needed. I was a 5 minute walk to the train, 5-10 to most dining and 15 minutes to walk to the river. I would highly recommend staying downtown if you plan on spending time there. Next time I go back, I might consider the Doubletree by Hilton (where I read my book) for the views and tranquility.

Where to Eat

If you are a foodie - you will have a blast here. Durango has almost 200 restaurants in its downtown area and only 3 of them are chains. If you try to decide by reviews, it will be impossible because they are all 4-5 stars. Their food scene really is amazing. I have a feelings that you wont get a bad meal anywhere you go here. I know that I didn't.

Gazpacho Mexican Food - was right by my hotel. I had the green chile stew and was so blown away by it that I brought a few orders back to Phoenix with me. It had just the right amount of spice to it. $$

RGPs Flame Grilled Wraps - was recommended by my river tour guide and had great reviews. They are only open for lunch and are really busy. I ordered my wrap for Pick Up and was quoted a 45 minute wait. I was warned about this, so I made that part of my plan. I walked up to it on my river/book day. It was honestly the most creative, tasty wrap that I have ever had. I would highly recommend stopping here. $

Eolus Dining - was my fancy meal of the trip. It did not disappoint. It was one of the best steak and lobster dinners that I had in a long time. They had fancy drinks, great desserts and friendly bar staff. I walked home very happy that night. $$$

Durango doesn't really have much for a nightlife scene. Most places close around 9-10pm, but I did find some live music at Diamond Belle Saloon for a few hours. Their old west style theme and costumes gave the room that extra charm that was fun to be in.

Durango - you let me relax AND be adventurous and you amazed me with your beauty!

Thank you. I WILL be back!

~Nicky

Date: July 2021

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