With winter moving out and summer on its way, spring in Durango is all about sunshine, adventure, and making the most of the long beautiful days. There are all kinds of activities to get up too from hiking through wildflower meadows to taking art classes and hanging out in town. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Know before you go by checking trail conditions at Durango Trails. As always, if you see tracks, turn back to help maintain our trails all year long.
Early mornings are spent enjoying local coffee shops and afternoons out hiking local trails like the Horse Gulch System. Spring in Durango offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, and small-town charm. No matter if you’re a first-time visitor or longtime local, here are 20 things to do in Durango this spring to make the most of the season.
With so many ways to enjoy Durango in the spring, from outdoor adventures to relaxing in town, there’s fun to be had all over town.
#1 Soak at the Durango Hot Springs
Take a relaxing dip surrounded by stunning mountain views at the Durango Hot Springs. The naturally heated mineral pools off a soothing escape for both the body and the mind after a long day of exploring Durango.
With a variety of pools at different heated temperatures you can find the perfect soak. A wide ranging size of pools make the Durango Hot Springs a great place for those looking for a deep relaxation or a fun family friendly experience.
#2 Check out Local Museums
Sometimes the spring showers can make playing outside a wet drag. But Durango’s local museums are a fun way to turn a day around. At the Animas Museum, you can step back in time to see historic artifacts and exhibits about Durango’s history. The Powerhouse Science Center is always a hit with the little ones and curious minds of all ages since it offers hands-on exhibits that are interactive and educational.
For a unique experience, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum showcases vintage trains, mining equipment, and fascinating stories from the railroad’s past. Whether you are looking to speed a rainy day out or just want to learn more about Durango, the local museums have something for everyone and every age.
#3 Play Disc Golf on the Fort Lewis College Campus
A great way to get outside and catch some views is to play disc golf at Fort Lewis College. The 18-hole course winds through desert landscape and pinon pines making it a beautiful game. Even if you are just learning or a seasoned player, the course has holes that cater to both skill levels. It doesn’t hurt that the views of the La Plata mountains from the campus course are breathtaking!
#4 Hike to Adrenaline Falls
A hidden gem adventure just outside of Durango is Adrenaline Falls. This short but scenic trek takes you to a beautiful waterfall nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Electra Lake. The trail is relatively easy, though at times it can be a little steep and rocky.
Once you reach the falls, you’ll be rewarded with the sound of cascading water and a gorgeous deep pool— an ideal spot for cooling off on a warm spring day.
#5 Golf at Hillcrest Golf Club
Hillcrest Golf Club is the ideal spot to play some golf while surrounded by mountain scenery. Perched on a mesa above town, the course provides panoramic views of the La Plata Mountains and Animas Valley. The 18-hole, par-71 course features well maintained fairways, rolling terrain, and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels.
#6 Boulder at Turtle Lake
Bouldering at Turtle Lake is a great spot for climbers just a few minutes from downtown Durango. The granite boulders here offer a mix of sun climbs ranging in difficulty. Don't have your own gear with you? Backcountry Experience rents out crashpads. And the best part? The setting. You’re surrounded by towering cliffs, shady pines, and a peaceful little lake, making it the perfect spot to spend a few hours climbing.
#7 Enjoy a Coffee Downtown
Get your caffeine fix and check out the local cafe scene when you grab a coffee at one of the downtown coffee shops. Sip a rich espresso and watch the downtown traffic go by at Durango Coffee Company on Main Avenue. You can sip and peruse art at Smiley Cafe which hosts an art gallery in the building.
Spots like Taste and Hermosa Cafe offer great outdoor seating so you can enjoy the sun while you sip your latte. Sit by a window and watch the world go by, or take your cup to go and stroll Main Avenue— either way, it’s a little slice of Durango life.
#8 Take a Class at the Durango Arts Center
Unleash your creativity by taking a class at the Durango Arts Center. Classes range in age from adult to youth and cover a whole range of visual arts. You can learn how to construct clay creations, paint with watercolors, and so much more. The laid-back and welcoming environment makes the experience perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Make you reserve a spot ahead of time on the Durango Arts Center website. Surprise yourself with what you can create!
#9 Climb Aboard the Durango Train
A scenic train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers. As the vintage steam train chugs along the Animas River, you’ll pass through breathtaking canyons, pine forests, and rugged mountain scenery.
The range of train cars allows you to sit in the open-air car and soak in the fresh mountain air but also enjoy a drink while you ride in the historic train. The experience is pure magic for everyone and a great way to see stunning views.
#10 Watch for Birds at Perins Peak State Wildlife Area
Perins Peak State Wildlife Area is a quiet, scenic spot just outside Durango that is perfect for bird watching. As you hike through the rolling foothills and rocky cliffs, keep an eye out for hawks, eagles, and even peregrine falcons. Make sure you bring your binoculars!
When the wildlife area opens around April 30th, depending on seasonal migration needs,you will be able to sit and listen to the songbirds in the trees. You don’t have to be a serious birder to enjoy the beautiful escape that Perins Peak State Wildlife Area offers.
#11 Take a Scenic Drive on Highway 160 to Pagosa Springs
You might have taken or heard of the Million Dollar Highway which connects Durango to Ouray. A less popular scenic drive is Highway 160 to Pagosa Springs which is a beautiful way to experience Southwest Colorado’s stunning landscapes.
The route winds through the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains and takes you past huge pine forests and rolling meadows. In the spring, wildflowers start blooming along the roadside and you might spot some wildlife along the way.
#12 Gravel Bike Ride or OHV on Missionary Ridge
In the spring Durango’s trails begin to dry. This means gravel biking and OHVing starts up again in full swing. Missionary Ridge is a local favorite for both gravel biking and OHVing, offering miles of scenic gravel forest service roads just north downtown.
Certain spots even offer views of the La Plata Mountains to the west and the Needle Mountains to the north. The well-maintained roadways and easy access make it a perfect spot for a spring OHV trip or gravel bike ride.
#13 Enjoy a Yummy Breakfast
With so many options for restaurants, breakfast in Durango is a meal and an experience. Places like Oscar’s Cafe have something for everyone’s taste buds, even the little ones. Other local favorites like Durango Diner and Rupert’s have a fun atmosphere and delicious items. With cozy diners, charming cafes, and farm-to-table options, breakfast in Durango is the perfect way to start the day.
#14 Get Some Spring Turns in at Purgatory Resort
Spring skiing at Purgatory Resort is all about soft snow, sunshine, and laid back vibes. As the days get longer and warmer, the slopes turn into groomed spring conditions, making for some fun times. The energy on the mountain is all about soaking up the last days of winter with a little extra sunshine. Plus, with fewer crowds and the chance to ski in just a hoodie, spring at Purgatory is the perfect mix of great conditions and good times.
#15 Reel in Some Fish at Haviland Lake
Haviland Lake opens in May and is the perfect spot to cast a line and enjoy a peaceful day of fishing in the mountains. The calm waters and bountiful fish make it a great spot for all ages. Rainbow and brown trout are plentiful, making each cast exciting as the fish rise to the surface. Things start to heat up come afternoon in the spring, so early mornings and evenings bring the best bites. Don’t forget your valid Colorado fishing license!
#16 Relax with a Book at the Durango Library
The Durango Public Library is a gorgeous spot to sit back and relax. With views of the Animas River and a wide collection the library is the perfect place for a rainy spring afternoon or a sunny day inside.
Their children's area is full of fun activities and books for all reading levels. You can grab a coffee from the Crossroads Cafe and unwind with a good book. The mix of local history, new releases, and comfy seating makes for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
#17 See the Wildflowers at Hermosa Creek Trail
North of Durango is the Hermosa Creek Trail which in the spring and early summer offers breathtaking views and showcases wildflowers in full bloom. The trail winds through lush meadows and aspen groves that are bursting with columbines, Indian paintbrush, and lupines.
The challenging trails mix of open valleys and shaded forest makes a scenic and ever-changing landscape. You will feel like you’re stepping into a hidden paradise with the gorgeous flowers all around and the sound of birds overhead. Hermosa Creek Trail is perfect for avid hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves some alpine beauty.
#18 Explore the Durango Botanic Gardens
Right outside the Durango Public Library is the Durango Botanic Gardens. This peaceful and colorful garden is filled with vibrant flowers and a great spot to brush up on your plant identification. Each section offers a unique theme from native wildflowers to fragrant herbs and pollinator plants.
Along the path you’ll spot butterflies, bees, and birds enjoying the blooms as well. The botanic garden is a great spot to take little ones. And it’s in a convenient location just off of the Animas River Trail.
#19 Take a Self-Guided Tour at James Ranch
James Ranch Grill is a local, sustainable farm that operates in the heart of the Animas Valley. A great way to experience all the workings of the farm is to take a self guided tour through their Market and Grill. This allows you to gain a better understanding of all the operations that go into making James Ranch happen. The tour offers something for visitors of all ages and is a fun way to learn about regenerative farming. The best part, you can enjoy a farm-fresh meal before you leave.
#20 View the Cultural Sites Around the Area
Spring time is a perfect time of year to visit some of southwest Colorado’s cultural sites and National Monuments. Areas like Mesa Verde National Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and Canyon of the Ancients have both dry trails and warmer spring temperatures, perfect for a day hike! Explore ancient ruins and learn about the history of the Native American tribes that once inhabited these areas.
These cultural sites and National Monuments offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in our local Native American history and experience an incredible side of the area.
Conclusion
Every season in Durango is a fun time, but spring is one of the best. You get to experience the tail-end of winter and the start of summer at the same time. Whether you're hiking local trails like Horse Gulch, soaking in the Durango Hot Springs, exploring a local museum, or casting a line at Haviland Lake, there’s something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Spring’s mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back vibes make the season truly special.
As the town wakes up from winter, it’s the perfect time to get back outside, try something new, and take in the beauty of the mountains. Who knows, maybe checking out one of the twenty things listed here will put a spring in your step!
