History of Durango, Colorado

Nestled in the Animas River Valley in the rugged southwestern corner of the state, Durango, Colorado, is a town shaped by railroads, mining, mountains, and the enduring legacy of the Old West. Its story is one of discovery, industry, culture, and reinvention.

Indigenous Roots

Long before railroads or ranches, the region was home to the Ancestral Puebloans, whose cliff dwellings, kivas, and cultural artifacts still echo in the surrounding mesas and canyons. After their migration, other Native American tribes such as the Ute, Navajo, and Apache occupied the Four Corners region. The nearby Southern Ute Indian Tribe remains a vital part of the cultural and economic fabric of the area today.

Founding and the Age of Railroads

Durango was officially founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railway, which sought to establish a terminal to serve the booming mining operations in the San Juan Mountains. The railroad was instrumental in transporting silver, gold, coal, and supplies in and out of the remote area. The town quickly developed around the rail yard, and its economy surged with the establishment of the Durango Smelter.

The arrival of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in 1882 transformed the town into a vital transportation link and remains one of its most iconic legacies. The narrow-gauge track was especially suited to the mountainous terrain and allowed for more efficient movement of ore and passengers.

20th Century Changes

As mining began to decline in the early 20th century, Durango adapted by focusing on ranching, tourism, and education. The town became a hub for outdoorsmen, writers, artists, and families drawn to the dramatic landscapes of the San Juan National Forest.

In 1933, the establishment of Fort Lewis College brought an academic and cultural dimension to the city. Originally a military fort and Indian boarding school, the college moved to its current mesa-top location in 1956 and has since become a prominent liberal arts institution.

Durango Today

Modern Durango is a thriving small city that blends Wild West heritage with vibrant arts, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship. With its historic downtown, railroad legacy, riverfront trails, and easy access to natural wonders like Mesa Verde National Park, Durango offers both the charm of yesteryear and the vitality of a forward-looking mountain town.

Top 25 Attractions in Durango, Colorado

1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Ride a steam-powered train through dramatic canyons, forests, and mountains between Durango and the historic mining town of Silverton.

2. Historic Downtown Durango
Stroll along Main Avenue for boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, saloons, and beautifully preserved Victorian architecture.

3. Animas River Trail
A scenic multi-use trail along the river, ideal for walking, biking, and spotting wildlife with several access points through town.

4. San Juan National Forest
Surrounding Durango, this vast wilderness offers hiking, camping, off-roading, and stunning alpine scenery.

5. Mesa Verde National Park
A short drive west, this UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.

6. Purgatory Resort (Durango Mountain Resort)
A four-season mountain resort offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, alpine slides, and scenic chairlift rides.

7. Powerhouse Science Center
A hands-on science and history museum located in a former coal-fired power plant on the Animas River.

8. Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Relax in natural mineral hot springs and enjoy spa treatments against a backdrop of forested peaks.

9. Fort Lewis College and Center of Southwest Studies
Tour the scenic campus and explore exhibits on Indigenous culture, Spanish colonization, and Western settlement.

10. Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers
A Western-themed dinner show complete with cowboy music, storytelling, and hearty ranch-style meals.

11. Animas Museum
Housed in a historic 1904 school building, this local history museum shares stories of Durango’s past and regional culture.

12. Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs
Soak in therapeutic mineral waters in this peaceful retreat just north of town.

13. Durango Wildlife Museum and Fish Hatchery
Learn about Colorado’s native wildlife and see fish feeding stations, perfect for families and young explorers.

14. James Ranch
A working family ranch offering tours, artisan cheese, farm-to-table meals, and scenic views of the Animas Valley.

15. Hermosa Creek Trail
A beloved mountain biking and hiking trail known for its alpine beauty, wildflowers, and seasonal color.

16. Durango Art Center
A hub for local arts featuring rotating exhibitions, community theater, workshops, and events.

17. Rim Trail at Fort Lewis College
Hike or bike this mesa-top trail with incredible views over downtown Durango and the San Juan Mountains.

18. Vallecito Lake
A peaceful lake about 20 miles northeast of Durango, popular for boating, paddleboarding, and cabin retreats.

19. Lake Nighthorse
A newer recreational lake just outside Durango, perfect for kayaking, swimming, and picnicking.

20. The Strater Hotel
An 1887 landmark hotel offering lodging, dining, and a peek into Old West elegance with period furnishings and stories.

21. Animas Brewing Company
One of several craft breweries in town, known for its beer flights, riverside patio, and relaxed atmosphere.

22. Durango Botanic Gardens
A series of beautiful, water-wise gardens located behind the public library along the Animas River Trail.

23. Colorado Trail Trailhead
Start your hike or bike ride on this legendary 500-mile trail right from Durango’s edge.

24. Horse Gulch Trail System
A web of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running just minutes from downtown.

25. Honeyville
A family-run store and tasting room offering honey products, jams, sauces, and honey whiskey made on-site.

Durango is a city where the rails still echo, the river still runs wild, and the spirit of the Old West is alive and well. Whether you’re exploring ancient cliff dwellings, boarding a steam train into the mountains, or sipping a craft beer on a sunlit patio, Durango offers an authentic Colorado experience filled with rugged beauty and timeless charm. It’s a place that welcomes history lovers, nature seekers, and adventure enthusiasts alike—all against the stunning backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.