Durango, Colorado was founded in 1881, at the crossroads of Highway 160 and Highway 550. The largest city in Southwest Colorado, Durango is a hub for the surrounding areas and towns. Learn about our nearby communities and their own unique shopping, culture, and attractions.
Bayfield, Colorado
Just 20 miles to the east, Bayfield is a small town nestled in the Pine River Valley, with the Los Pinos (Pine) River flowing along the western edge of town. This town has a wonderful community-centric appeal and offers a country atmosphere. Mill Street acts as their “Main Street” and features many local businesses, cafes, and restaurants. There are many property options including townhomes, in-town, rural, and farm and ranches.
Pagosa Springs, another 41 miles past Bayfield, adds its own amenities within a short drive such as the San Juan River, The Springs Resort & Hot Springs, and plenty of outdoor recreation.
Ignacio, Colorado
Even smaller than Bayfield, Ignacio is 24 miles southeast of Durango. Just past the Durango - La Plata County Airport, this area is flatter than the mountainous landscapes to the north and hosts many rural properties. The Sky Ute Casino Resort, Fox Fire Farms, and Jack-A-Lope Acres are namesake attractions in this area, and the Pine River also flows on the east side of town.
Silverton, Colorado
48 miles north of Durango, and over two mountain passes, rests Silverton, a true Colorado mining town. Nestled in between tall peaks, Silverton offers year round outdoor activities from skiing and snowmobiling to hiking and 4x4 roads to explore. The town itself is centered around a historic Main Street with many locally owned shops and restaurants. Silverton also hosts the other train depot for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in the summer months, which follows the Animas River down to Durango. If you continue north on Highway 550 - the San Juan Scenic Byway - you’ll reach Ouray, Ridgeway, and Telluride which are three more stunning Southwest Colorado mountain towns.
Mancos, Colorado
The Town of Mancos is the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. This little town is about 30 miles west of Durango and nearly equidistant between Durango and Cortez. The Mancos River passes through town, as do many travelers continuing along Hwy 160 or taking Hwy 145 towards Dolores and then on to Telluride. Agriculture is a big part of this area with many farms and ranches.
Cortez, Colorado
Cortez is the second largest city in Southwest Colorado and offers many of the same larger city amenities 45 miles west of Durango. Encapsulating just under one less square mile than the City of Durango, Cortez has deep roots with western heritage and features many farm & ranches and agricultural properties. There is a traditional Main Street area with restaurants, shops, and more to enjoy. The two golf courses, Totten Reservoir, and Crow Canyon Archeological Center are among the various attractions.
Aztec, New Mexico
Just past the Colorado/New Mexico border, Aztec, NM is just 38 miles south of Durango. Though also a smaller city, Aztec has an amazing culture center with the Aztec National Monument and the Animas River flowing through it. The quaint Main Street has local shops and restaurants. Aztec offers access to Farmington, NM 15 miles further west and Albuquerque, NM if you continue south of Highway 550 south.
We’re very lucky to call Southwest Colorado home and we would love to be able to share this amazing place with you. Please do not hesitate to contact Max Hutcheson or Deven Meininger for more information about the Durango area lifestyle.
