Durango, CO has a unique charm shaped by cultural influences, especially in its pronunciation of street names, local spots, and businesses. Here’s a guide to help you speak like a local Durang-a-tang!
Places
Florida Road
No, not like the state! Florida Road, also known as County Road 240, is pronounced floor-ee-da. This Spanish influence is found in other street names and surroundings such as the Animas River and Camino Del Rio.
Vallecito Reservoir
Vallecito (pronounced vi-uh-see-toe) Reservoir literally translates to “little valley”. The lake is a great place to fish, boat, paddleboard, and ride horses, and it offers housing options for experiencing a tranquil setting daily or seasonally.
The Valley
“The Valley” refers to the Animas Valley which includes County Roads 203 and 250, Baker’s Bridge, and Missionary Ridge Road. It features scenic red cliffs, and the Animas River winds through it. There are many homes and ranches along with a few businesses including PJ’s Market, Durango Hot Springs, Bar D Chuckwagon, Hermosa Creek Grill, and James Ranch.
Ouray
“Our-a”, “oo-ray”, or “urr-ra”? It’s actually pronounced your-ray! This beautiful little mountain town is nestled between two cliffs about 23 miles north of Silverton, CO. You can enjoy many outdoor activities, scenic views, hot springs, and their quaint Main Street shops here year-round. It’s also a stop along The Loop (see below).
Local Businesses
South City Market vs. North City Market
Two of Durango’s most popular grocery stores are City Market, which offers two locations in town. North City Market is located on the corner of Main Avenue and 32nd Street while South City Market is in Town Plaza on the corner of Main Avenue and 9th Street. Locals tend to have a favorite and stick to that one. They‘re frequently used as landmarks when giving directions.
Natty O’s
A locally owned and operated health food store, Nature’s Oasis is sometimes referred to as Natty O’s. Originally located on Main Avenue, where Natural Grocers currently is, this store provides a wide variety of alternative and locally sourced products. Their current location also features River Liquors, Jack's Meat Market, and Serious Delight’s Bakery.
Kroeger’s (Ace Hardware)
The Kroeger family opened the Ace Hardware in Town Plaza in 1921. Even though this store transferred hands in 2021, the store name remains the same and is pronounced kray-gers. This hardware shop offers tools, lawn care, seasonal goodies, homewares, kitchen gadgets, auto accessories, and locally made items, plus much more.
Purg
Once known as Durango Mountain Resort or DMR for short, Purgatory Ski Resort is commonly referred to as Purg! Our Durango ski mountain offers plenty of runs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers and snowboarders. They also offer lessons and inclusive opportunities with Adaptive Sport Association. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here year round, as well as various lodging options.
Trimble
Durango Hot Springs has a long history dating back to the 1880s. It changed ownership and was rebranded in 2019; however some locals still refer to it as Trimble, recognizing its original name: Trimble Hot Springs. The natural hot springs are a wonderful place to soak and relax while taking in the stunning views of Missionary Ridge to the east. Trimble is also used to describe the area surrounding the intersection of Hwy 550 and CR 252 (Trimble Crossing).
More Durango Area Slang
The Loop
The Loop is a 233-mile circle that takes you on a mountainous adventure through eight of Southwest Colorado’s cities and towns. Paved highways allow you access with any vehicle (weather permitting!) and pass through Silverton, Ouray, Ridgeway, Telluride, Rico, Dolores, Mancos, and back to Durango. This is a wonderful day trip or you can make it a whole weekend and stay or camp somewhere along the way. There are many Forest Service roads and dispersed camping spots accessible throughout this route.
14er
This is not a Durango-specific term, but you will hear it a lot here. “Bagging a 14er” means to summit a mountain peak that exceeds 14,000 feet. This is common here, as our wilderness areas are home to fourteen 14ers including Mt. Eolus, Windom Peak, and Handies.
Every community has its own quirks and Durango is no exception! From unique pronunciations to beloved local slang, these little nuances add to the area’s rich character. And it doesn’t stop here - even across Colorado, we have our own way of saying Ignacio, Del Norte, and Buena Vista! If you’ve stumbled across a word or term in Durango that left you scratching your head, please reach out - we’d love to share more local knowledge!
