The vibrant City of Durango is the main hub of Southwest Colorado and sits at the intersection of Highways 160 and 550. It has the largest airport in the region, a population of approximately 20,000, and a calendar full of ongoing events. However, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a different town offering its own unique things to do, landscapes, and community amenities. Thanks to Durango’s central location, there are many nearby towns worth exploring.
Silverton, CO is the next town you’ll arrive at when heading north about 50 miles from Durango. Nestled between towering peaks, this old mining town is filled with local businesses and an adventurous outdoor lifestyle. It’s known for the arriving station of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Kendall Mountain, and the headwaters of the Animas River.
Ouray, CO - known as the Switzerland of America - is a small town surrounded by dramatic red cliffs. Arriving from the south means traveling on the infamous Million Dollar Highway along the San Juan Scenic Byway and over Red Mountain Pass. Here you can soak in the hot springs, explore Box Canyon Falls, and shop & dine along their Historic Main Street.
Telluride, CO has made a name for itself by hosting internationally recognized events such as the Telluride Film Festival and Telluride Jazz Festival. This stunning town is home to Telluride Ski Resort, which offers world-class skiing and connects Mountain Village with the Town of Telluride. Discover beautiful hiking trails, rushing waterfalls, unique local businesses, and more in this popular town.
Hesperus, CO is just 11 miles west of Durango and is an unincorporated town with a post office, gas station, convenience store, and restaurant. Hesperus serves as a basecamp for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, ATV riding, and more in the surrounding La Plata Canyon area. The La Plata River and Old Fort Mesa are popular draws along with the Hesperus Ski Area.
Mancos, CO offers a laid-back Colorado lifestyle just 28 miles west of Durango with an intimate downtown filled with local businesses, Mancos State Park, and annual events such as Mancos Days and Burrofest. It’s best known as the Gateway to Mesa Verde National Park, a historic archaeological site and International Dark Sky Park welcoming tourists all year round.
Dolores, CO has the Dolores River running through town and is a tight-knit Southwest Colorado community. With McPhee Reservoir, the Boggy Draw Trail System, and access to the San Juan National Forest, there is plenty to do here. Restaurants, local shops, and other amenities make this area a stunning place to visit or call home.
Cortez, CO is the southwesternmost city in Colorado. It is the Montezuma County seat and is located on the way to Four Corners National Monument. You’ll find golf courses, shopping centers, and other city amenities alongside recreation areas, historic sites, and a quaint Main Street here.
Bayfield, CO, located east of Durango, is a small town with the SWCO lifestyle at its forefront. Mill Street (Bayfield’s Main Street) features local shops, businesses, and restaurants plus other community amenities in this one-stoplight town. While in-town living is prevalent, a rural life abounds here with hobby farms and ranches scattered along the Pine River and its multiple creeks.
Ignacio, CO is another small town southeast of Durango and home to businesses and attractions such as the Sky Ute Casino Resort, Fox Fire Farm, Sky Ute Fairgrounds, Jack-a-lope Acres, and the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum. The Los Pinos River (Pine River) snakes through the area, and Navajo Lake is less than 30 minutes away.
Pagosa Springs, CO is well-known for The Springs Resort, home to geothermal hot springs that provide relaxing and healing waters along the San Juan River. You can shop, eat, hike, bike, raft, and much more here, or travel about 30 more minutes to Wolf Creek Ski Area in the winter for world-class powder.
Whether you’re going on a day trip or planning a weekend getaway, these towns near Durango are places you won’t want to miss. Beyond these nearby places, Colorado has many other towns to explore, including famous ski towns and big cities. For more insight into visiting and living in Durango, please contact Max, Katie, and Deven from The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
