Durango, the gateway town for Mesa Verde, is a former mining and railroad town with a lively downtown of its own — worth building extra time around your cliff dwelling visit. Here's where to eat and what else to do in the area.
Durango's Historic Downtown
Durango's Main Avenue is lined with Old West-era brick buildings now home to breweries, steakhouses, and Southwestern restaurants — a good reward after a day of ladder climbs at Mesa Verde. The town has a genuinely lively craft beer scene for its size.
Ride the Durango & Silverton Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, running coal-fired steam trains along the Animas River into the San Juan Mountains since 1882, is one of the most scenic train rides in the country and a great way to spend a day that doesn't involve more hiking.
Beyond the Cliff Dwellings
The Mesa Verde region has more Puebloan sites than just Cliff Palace and Balcony House — Spruce Tree House and the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum offer a closer, less strenuous look at ancestral Puebloan life for visitors who'd rather skip the ladders. Browse Durango-area tours and experiences below to plan your trip.
Pack for Durango and the Mesa
Between train rides and cliff dwelling tours, a durable daypack goes a long way. The VacationGrabs Leather Duffel is a solid choice for a Durango basecamp trip.
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