City Profile

Elevation: 6,523'
Population: 13,922
Average Midsummer Temperature: 81 degrees

Museums & Galleries | Restaurants | Must See | The Railroad | Golf | City Pools | Summer & Festival Events | Fort Lewis College

Durango actually came into existence after the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad built a depot 1-1/2 miles south of the bustling agricultural community of Animas City, after the railroad's demands were turned down by the perhaps short-sighted Animas City fathers. The gold fever in 1874 resulted in the early mining settlement of Silverton, 50 miles north of what was to become Durango, and the narrow gauge railroad would connect Silverton to the south. The first stake was driven in 1880 and Durango became the transportation hub of the area. Within one year of its founding, Durango had a population of 2,000 and a daily newspaper – the Durango Record.

The Historic Strater Hotel

Although tourism drives the economy of Durango today, its colorful past includes agriculture and mining and smelting operations. There are no longer any smelters in or around Durango but the narrow gauge train tracks remain. They were built more than 120 years ago to haul ore from the mineral-rich San Juan Mountains to smelters in town. These tracks still act as the pathway used by today's Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is an excursion train for tourists.

Former territorial governor A.C. Hunt had passed through Durango, Mexico (a name meaning "water town") on his way to the Animas Valley location and he saw similarities between the two places and suggested the name. Today, the two Durangos are sister cities, joined by Durango, Spain -- which perhaps is the ultimate origin of the name.

The Animas River (as it is known today) flows through town and was named by Spanish explorers in 1776, who called it Rio de las Animas Perdidas, meaning the River of Lost Souls. Today, the river is enjoyed by kayakers, rafters, fishermen and bikers and walkers along the Animas River Trail. When the trail is completed it will run without interruption from 32nd Street to the Wal-Mart shopping area.

A jolly little red trolley

Durango has a diverse cultural population, with the three main cultures reflecting Anglo, Hispanic and Native American. The art community in Durango is strong and thriving. For a town its size, Durango's arts and culture are surprising, pleasing and varied.

Public Transportation - There is public transportation available in Durango on bright red, rubber-tired trolleys. In the summer season, they travel up and down Main Avenue every 20 minutes, seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 10:40 p.m. The fare is 50 cents. All trolleys are fully accessible.

 Durango Summer Events

Memorial Day Weekend – The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic (cyclists race the D&SNG train to Silverton)

June 4, July 2, August 6, September 24 – The Durango Gallery Association's gallery walks

June 4-6 – 13th Annual Art in the Park

June 6 – La Plata Quilters' Guild - Small Quilt Auction (proceeds to charity)

June 18 – Durango Mountain Resort opening day

June 18-20 - Day Out with Thomas the Tank (railroad event)

June 30, July 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24 – Durango Pro Rodeo

July 4 – 4th of July Festivities

July 9-11 – 27th Annual Fun in the Sun Arts & Crafts Show

July 9-11 – The Four Corners Gem & Mineral Show (970-247-9648)

July 18 - August 8 – Music in the Mountains (festival of classical music)

July 30, August 1 – 69th Annual Durango Fiesta Days

August 11-15 – La Plata County Fair

August 14 & 15 – 11th Annual Main Avenue Arts Festival

August 18-22 – 6th Annual Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Railfest

August 26-29 – Durango NORBA National Finals Mountain Bike Event

September 2-6 – Four Corners Rally in the Rockies (motorcycle rally)

September 6 – Durango Mountain Resort summer season closing day

September 25 – Photographers' Special (special train for photographers to capture fall colors and repeated "run-bys" of the train and locomotive for photo opportunities)

September 25 – Durango Open Studio Fall Art Tour & Sale

September 30 through October 3 – Durango Cowboy Gathering (poetry, stories, songs and a parade)

Rocky Mountain Festival for Runners

Lisa Mills wins the 2003 Women's Durango Marathon

The Rocky Mountain Festival for Runners is a weekend-long community festival celebrating running, health and fitness and the human spirit of achievement. Races, events and activities will be held in Durango on October 9 & 10. The biggest event in the festival is the Durango Marathon. This course has been designed to be runner friendly – no killer hills here. You'll wind your way through the Animas Valley surrounded by mountain views and red cliffs — this is the same valley where the 1969 classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was filmed. Unmatched for beauty, you'll agree that Durango is truly a runner's paradise. The finish is in the middle of the Harvest Block Party in downtown historic Durango. For more information, or to register for the races online, visit www.durangomarathon.com, or call 970-375-2413.