Mesa Verde

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Mesa Verde National Park. Explore the history and sites of ancestral Pueblo people who made Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years. Mesa Verde National Park entrance is located a half hour away from Durango, but plan for an hour to get to the top of the mesa to see the cliff dwellings.

Make sure to stop at the visitors center at the base of the park for a map, exhibits and information. Once you enter the park you will drive for approximately 21 miles to the first cliff dwelling. Many of the cliff dwellings can be seen from the Mesa Top Loop Road.

There are many self-guided tours that you can explore on your own. The ranger-led tours start in May. Be sure to visit their website for more information on what is open and available prior to your trip.

Click here for directions.

 

 

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Offering two options this spring!

The Cascade Winter Express continues to run through May 5, 2023

This roundtrip excursion departs from Durango and takes you up to Cascade Canyon. This is a fantastic way to see the iconic canyon views along the highline in 5 hours roundtrip . There is a short layover once you reach Cascade Canyon, where you have the opportunity to walk along the river, take photos and have lunch. The Cascade Winter Express offers amazing scenery that takes you into the wilderness that is inaccessible by any roads.

Cascade Canyon Express Schedule: Depart from Durango 9:30am and arrive back by 2:30pm

We recommend that you reserve your trip in advance. See the D&SNGRR website for details.

 

The Scenic roundtrip train to Silverton starts on May 6, 2023.

This trip is 3½ hours each way with a stop of 2 hours in the historic mining town of Silverton. This is a magical journey that takes you through the San Juan National Forest with breathtaking view of the mountains and the Animas River.

Steam Excursions run daily from May 6, 2023 to October 28, 2023 The Silverton Steam Train departs at 9:00AM daily.

Diesel Excursions run daily from May 20, 2023 to August 13, 2023. Departs at 8:15AM *This is the only train excursion offering wilderness access for backpackers.

Skyway Tour (bus/train or train/bus) service options are available for the 2023 Silverton summer season excursions.

There are two bus departures available daily beginning May 20, 2023 running through October 14, 2023.

Please visit DurangoTrain.com for full information and reservations.

 

 

Powerhouse Science Center

Located along the Animas River, the Powerhouse Science Center is housed in an historic coal-fired steam power plant. The Powerhouse offers hands-on, interactive science for all ages. It is open year-round and is a great place for family adventures.

Current hours of operation: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 9am-4pm. Closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Admission: Adults $9, Senior, Military, Student $7 and Children 3-17yrs $9 (abies, 1 year and under Free)

Access to the Powerhouse is off 12^th Street and Camino Del Rio or by the way of the Animas River Trail. Limited parking is available. Click here for directions.

Visit The Powerhouse Science Center website for full details.

 

 

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

The railroad museum is a must see for train enthusiasts, families, and history buffs. The museum is free and is open daily from 10am to 4pm. This 12,000 square foot museum provides many artifacts that tells the history of railroading. It includes giant interactive train model, authentic train cars and engines the kids can explore. Pre-arranged guide tours are offered during business hours. Under current TSA requirements guests are required to wear face masks while inside the museum. Click here for more information.

Click here for directions.

 

 

Durango Fish Hatchery

The Fish Hatchery is operated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and is open from 8am to 4pm daily. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. This unique facility is located in the North Main District at 151 E. 16th Street. You can also access this from the Animas River Trail. The Hatchery produces more than 1.3 million fish a year, and you can feed the fish via coin-operated dispensers. The wildlife museum is open May through mid- September. General information call (970) 247-4755. 

Tours are available in the summer months. Call (970) 375-6766 for more information.

Click here for directions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Animas Museum

Located in the North Main District, they offer a variety of exhibits and program for all ages. The museum is housed in the former Animas City school building, and features an authentic restored classroom from the early 1800s. Located at 3065 West 2nd Avenue. Open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 10-4pm and Wednesday & Friday 1pm & 4pm. Click here for more information