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Weather in Durango
Narrow gauge steam train to Silverton
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About Durango
Durango is the Narrow Gauge Capital, a Colorado mountain town where a historic steam train chugs to Silverton daily, a living link to the mining era. The town retains Western character, its Historic Main Street lined with saloons and Victorian architecture. Outdoor recreation radiates outward.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September
Things to do in Durango
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride
Mountain biking: 370-mile trail system region reputation
Animas River kayaking and fishing activities
Mesa Verde National Park day trip: ancestral puebloan ruins
Hiking: to alpine meadows and waterfall destinations
Whitewater rafting class III-IV rapids exploration
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
2C
Cold, with occasional showers.
February
4C
Cold, with occasional showers.
March
9C
Cold, with occasional showers.
April
15C
Cool, with occasional showers.
May
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
June
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
July
30C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
Recommended
August
28C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
September
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
October
17C
Cool, with occasional showers.
November
10C
Cool, with occasional showers.
December
3C
Cold, with occasional showers.
Durango is a lively southwestern Colorado town built around the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a coal-fired steam train that climbs through the San Juan Mountains to Silverton along a route blasted into cliffside in the 1880s. The town itself has a walkable downtown of brick buildings, breweries, and outdoor outfitters, and it's a gateway to mountain biking trails, rafting on the Animas River, and Mesa Verde's ancient cliff dwellings nearby.
Best areas to stay in Durango
Downtown Durango
The historic Main Avenue corridor of brick buildings, breweries, restaurants, and the train depot.
Durango & Silverton Railroad route
The scenic narrow-gauge line through the Animas River canyon to the old mining town of Silverton.
Animas River corridor
A path and river running through town, popular for rafting, tubing, and walking.
Mesa Verde National Park (nearby)
A short drive away, home to extensive ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings and mesa-top sites.
Getting to Durango
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Flights
Fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), or Albuquerque (ABQ) about 3.5 hours by car.
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From London
~11-13 hours from London with connections via Denver to Durango, or via Albuquerque plus a drive.
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Getting around
Downtown is walkable; a car is needed for Mesa Verde and outlying trails.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Durango?
Summer offers full access to the narrow gauge railroad, rafting, and hiking, while autumn brings golden aspen colours through the mountains.
Is the Durango & Silverton train worth it?
Yes — it's a genuine working steam train through dramatic canyon and mountain scenery, with the option to return by train or bus from Silverton.
How far is Mesa Verde from Durango?
About 35-45 minutes by car, making it an easy day trip to see the famous cliff dwelling ruins.
Is Durango good for mountain biking?
Yes — it's considered one of the birthplaces of modern mountain biking, with extensive trail networks right around town.
How do I get around Durango?
Downtown is walkable, but a car is useful for reaching Mesa Verde, surrounding trails, and the train depot if not staying centrally.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The narrow gauge train to Silverton was a real highlight, steam engine and all, with the canyon views getting better the higher you go.
Steve R. · September 2024
★★★★☆
Spent a day at Mesa Verde then evening exploring Durango's breweries — a great combination of history and outdoor fun.
Amy K. · June 2023
★★★★☆
Rented mountain bikes and the trails right outside town were excellent, properly technical in places. Town itself has a great laid-back vibe.
Liam G. · August 2024
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