What not to miss while in Durango

[cpr1979]

Going with the family to Durango and staying outside town close to Purgatory. We've never skied and plan to try a day or two but what else is around that we'd want to check out? We're planning on doing some touring depending on weather and would like to see as much as possible.

[BrianG]

My family goes every year. It's awesome! Try the snow mobiles there at Purgatory. It's a really fun tour. If you do try it, do it last. Your ski clothes will smell like exhaust pretty bad. there's a lot of great places to eat in town. One of my favorites is Steamworks Brewery Co. You can take the Train to Silverton. It's pretty. but this time of year they only go half way due to the snow. Hope these help. I'm sure your family will have a blast.

[Texastaxi]

The train, if it's running.

[Pkripper]

Mesa Verde National Park if you have transportation. I'm not for sure of winter closures but it is not to be missed. Also depending on time you can drive to Moab, Monument Valley area is awesome. Nerves of steel for winter drive the million dollar highway to Ouray from Silverton.

[JDC]

Try the Sow's Ear for a nice dinner close to Purgatory. It is just a mile or two south of the resort. There are several cool places in downtown Durango.

[Burntorange Bowhunter]

Drive through the big cemetary west of downtown. Huge mulies and elk in there.

[Ishi&Elvis]

There is an old sporting goods store downtown with lots of gear and some beautiful mounts, especially a nice mountain lion above the door when you walk in. Lots of craft brews. If you go by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store downtown, ask for free tickets and take the tour at the factory, good free samples and a cool tour.

[Randy]

There is an old sporting goods store downtown with lots of gear and some beautiful mounts, especially a nice mountain lion above the door when you walk in. .

That would be Gardenswartz sporting goods. Mostly while in Durango I like to eat.

Eat at Fired Up Pizza and Gazpacho's new mexcian food. On the corner by Gazpacho's there is a book store/junk emporium really cool guy that always has vintage hunting equipment. Not to mention he is just a cool guy to talk to. Linda's Cocina is a good place to catch breakfast.

There is the train but do your research before you ride it all day, fish hatchery, lots of shopping, fish the Animas & San Juan, (Duranglers is a good fly shop downtown) there are all kinds of horse back, 4x4, and hiking tours.

[texan4ut]

I did the Train ride and it is awesome. Fantastic views.

[jlinville]

My wife and I took a dinner/sleigh ride. We were picked up right across from the Durango Mountain Resort entry and rode in the sleigh through the snow covered trees and to an old homestead/cabin. It was very rustic and we even had to walk through the snow to go use the outhouse. The steak dinner was incredible and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
I just looked at google maps satellite where the old cabin was and it looks like there is a new neighborhood there now.

[bigmactog]

The Harley shop there is really nice, old down town is a nice walk - lots of shops. 160 west is a nice ride and so is 550 north.......

[cpr1979]

Thanks guys. We plan on doing the train one evening as they do a Polar express themed ride and the kids will love it.

[DEG]

The wife and I took the train/snowmobile combination trip. Had a BLAST. Train only goes so far then stops for a sack lunch under a Gazebo and a big fire going. During lunch they turn the train around then they dropped us off at Rockwood. Short van ride to waiting snowmobiles then a guided tour through the woods and mountains. Van ride back to Durango. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Todd-ty729]

Love SW Colorado. I can't add anything that has not been mentioned already but you will enjoy the trip.

[DosToros]

I recomend getting a lesson if you have never skied!