If you are an outdoors enthusiast or a nature lover, Durango makes a great home base for your trip. to Southwest Colorado. Adventurous couples have many hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing, camping, and horseback riding options near Durango. In colder months, skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing snowshoeing, dog sledding, and more.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad allows you to view this beautiful area in a unique way that you won’t see by driving yourself. Relax and unplug while enjoying the surroundings of Animas Canyon and the Animus River by train. In the winter, take a heated trip on the Cascade Canyon Winter train.
Durango Hot Springs is another destination in Durango for relaxing sore muscles or self-care with some rest and rejuvenation. These springs have a blend of 32 minerals and as a bonus – they do not have a sulfur odor! What makes these hot springs unique is the design of flowing oxygen through the water with the Aquagen water system that infuses the pools with special bubbles only found here.
Historical Downtown Durango has an Old Western feel with a Southwestern flare for when you are ready to relax on your trip. Slow down by enjoying the local culture and art while you grab a bite to eat. You can find live music concerts and other local events in Durango at https://www.durango.com/events/.
You’ll want to stay a few nights in the area and we’ve identified the best locations for couples to help cut down on options for your trip.
If you are skiing, the most popular ski destination north of Durango is Purgatory Ski Resort. A great option to stay between Purgatory and Durango is:
1. The Rustic Rooster Inn Airbnb Durango
Rustic Rooster Inn’s location is about 15 minutes from Durango and offers peace away from the city while keeping you close to activities. The river is close by for fishing and hiking trails nearby.
This property has a large hot tub to soak in after an active day and a game room with a pool table and foosball in the lower level for in-home entertainment.
Enjoy beverages on the private deck or sit out by the firepit at night.
Another place on the north side out of town and near Hermosa you can stay on a ranch at:
2. A Place at James Ranch Airbnb near Durango
Enjoy gorgeous views of the mountain and countryside from a working ranch. This rental has beautiful pine floors and lots of natural lighting from the large picture windows. A modern rental with beautiful antique charms and personalization.
Cozy up by the fireplace or cook a meal in the full kitchen and craft your morning coffee with a French press. All bedding and towels are organic.
You can get fresh organic fruit and vegetables as well as locally raised meat from the ranch and other farmers at nearby James Ranch & Market or dine in at the Harvest Grill and Greens.
If skiing isn’t your thing or you are just starting to learn, Durango area also has some great slopes for beginners. Chapman Hill, in the heart of Durango, is perfect for beginners to try or you can do some ice skating at Chapman Hill and Ice Skating. Another ski area for beginners is in the small town of Silverton up north at Kendall Mountain.
If you are looking to be closer to many restaurants and brewpubs in Durango’s Historic Downtown area, you can even stay in a historic building:
3. Stonehouse Studio Airbnb Downtown Durango
Stonehouse Studio Airbnb is half a block off Main Avenue in the Durango Historical District.
A few unique features on the property are the natural lighting and skylight views above the kitchen and bed. The bathroom has a clawfoot tub with a shower.
The studio makes good use of the space, perfect to make a couple feel at home. It includes a spacious designated area for you to store gear. You also have outdoor space on your private deck overlooking Buckley Park.
If you are looking for some pampering and want to treat yourself to a luxury experience, check out this penthouse:
4. Downtown Durango MainStreet Penthouse Airbnb
Located in a 1911 historical building, this spacious penthouse was designed by a couple for couples to have an indulgent experience. It had a complete renovation in 2009 with upgrades.
You don’t need to worry about noise as windows are insulated so you can enjoy a quiet stay in a prime location overlooking Main Street. Also, you will park your vehicle in a heated garage, protecting it from Colorado’s unpredictable weather.
A highlight of the experience is the free-standing soaker tub and also a steam shower.
You can also stay a few blocks away from the main street and be in a quiet area with the next property:
5. Avenue Carriage House Airbnb
A beautiful property centrally located a few blocks from downtown & three blocks from the Durango & Silverton Railroad. You can easily walk to restaurants and entertainment nearby but avoid the noise of the main street.
This newly remodeled upstairs loft was upgraded and designed for the perfect rental property—stainless steel appliances in a fully equipped kitchen and an electric fireplace in the living room.
Enjoy a private south-facing rooftop balcony, a quaint space to enjoy your morning coffee. Also, it has a grill for you to cook and relax at night if desired.
#6 & #7 on our list are both unique homes to stay in in the Durango area that help connect you with nature but are close distance to town. If you want to go downtown Durango to eat or do an activity, you’ll only have a 10 to 15-minute drive. For skiers, you’ll be closer to the mountains than staying in Durango.
6. Durango Waterfall Ranch Airbnb
Embrace the country setting, close to Durango, and be cozy in this lower-level studio on a centennial ranch located on the Animas River.
In the spring, summer, and fall, enjoy outdoor living on the property in the flower garden, gazebo with a fireplace, and also a meditation garden. You can hike to the waterfall above the property on the Animas River Wetlands where you are sure to spot a variety of wildlife.
7. Durango Cabin on the Florida River
Relax with beautiful views and enjoy a chance for wildlife sightings while staying at this Florida River cabin. The cabin has large windows that bring in natural lighting, hardwood floors, and a full kitchen.
The home is double sided where you will have your own private space and covered parking from the elements. There is also an outdoor covered patio with a fireplace and a grill.
During the day there are designated hours you have access to the river for fishing or swimming or you can have a picnic in the area on the property.
Other things to do in the area:
After your stay in Durango, check out things to do and see in Ouray or Telluride.
If you didn’t get a chance to do a train ride, you can still stop in Silverton on the way. One of my favorite hikes of all time in Colorado was the Ice Lake Basin Hike near Silverton.
Drive the Million Dollar Highway, a scenic bypass starting in Silverton and going North to Ouray through the canyon for spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. This is a great drive if you love road trips and mountain scenery, but is not for the faint of heart as the road has steep drop-offs and no guardrail. Extreme caution is needed in the winter and any weather conditions. Check current Colorado weather here: https://www.cotrip.org/home.
Ouray is known as the Switzerland of America and holds a unique small-town charm of its own.
Read more about what to do and where to stay in Ouray here: https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/best-airbnb-in-ouray-for-couples-adventures-and-relaxing/
Telluride is a skier’s paradise with picturesque views of the mountains, hiking, and many art, music, and other cultural festivals. You can ride the gondola from Mountain Village into Telluride for amazing views of the area.
Read more about what to do and where to stay in Telluride: https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/best-airbnb-in-telluride-for-couples-adventures-and-relaxing/
Just one visit and you are sure to come back to the Southwest region in the San Juan Mountains for more adventures! We hope this information has helped plan your trip & that you enjoy traveling in Colorado as much as we do.
Cheers! Leah & Jorge
