A winter paradise in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Purgatory is known for its unmatched scenery, terrain for all abilities and a vibrant, historic downtown. Purgatory Lodge has all the amenities of a world-class facility, including restaurants, shops, pool/spa, fitness center, private lounge and game room, and concierge.
The mountains and canyons surrounding Ouray are filled with some of the West’s most unforgettable scenery. Heritage activities abound along the back roads and Scenic Byways: you can see vistas where old Hollywood westerns were filmed and explore high country ghost towns that were once booming mining cities.
Silverton’s main business section was built in the late 1800s. Unlike many other mining towns, Silverton never experienced a major fire, and most of the buildings are still standing. Silverton is a National Historic Landmark, part of the San Juan Skyway (with the Million Dollar Highway connecting Silverton to Ouray), home to Animas Forks and the Alpine Loop, the summer destination for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride.
Mesa Verde has over 4,700 archaeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings and the mesa top sites of pithouses, pueblos, masonry towers, and farming structure, with many more yet to be discovered. The structures ranged in size from one-room storage units to villages of more than 150 rooms.These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved ruins in the United States.
Located within the San Juan National Forest amid the majestic San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs offers visitors a rich geological and cultural history to explore. The soaring cliffs, ragged peaks, magical alpine pools, undisturbed wilderness, cascading rivers, and soothing hot springs reveal a dramatic geological history that invites voyagers, young and old, to venture into the backcountry.
Located to the West of Durango, this small community offers guided fishing trips, old-fashioned sleigh rides, dog-sled tours, four-wheel-driving trails and guided hunting trips.
Sheltered in a secluded mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level, Vallecito Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in Colorado. Spanish for “little Valley”, Vallecito became the name of the sparkling waters of the lake it surrounded. Located 18 miles East of Durango.
The Durango & Silverton Train has been one of the Southwest’s most sought-after tourist attractions for over 130 years – since 1882! Experience the pristine backcountry of the San Juan Mountains as you travel from Durango, Colorado to historic Silverton, Colorado aboard one of the last surviving narrow gauge railroads.
Durango Colorado is an idyllic setting in the heart of the Four Corners region. Home to a historic, western downtown as well as iconic attractions like the Victorian Strater Hotel and the famous Durango & Silverton Railroad.
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