If you’re looking for sustainable transportation, Durango has plenty of options. From its public transit system to extensive sidewalks and bike lanes Durango’s got you covered. There is no need for a car when everything is just a bus ride or a walk away. It can get hectic during these summer months with the increase in visitors and driving is sometimes too chaotic.
You’re not stranded though, there are plenty of alternatives to taking those gas-guzzling machines. Many places around town rent bikes or have walking maps of the town. If none of those options sound appealing Durango has a transit system that can take you all directions in and out of town.
Explore Durango sustainably with these transportation alternatives:
Ride the Durango Trolley
Convenient and Eco-Friendly
Traveling in Durango doesn’t have to be a crazy experience. With all the eco-friendly transportation options at your fingertips getting from point A to point B is easy. Driving Main Street Durango can be fun, but by taking the Durango trolley you eliminate the hassle of finding parking.
Parking at the transit center is $5 a day or you can catch the trolley as it goes up and down main. The trolley runs on a fixed schedule every day so make sure you check the times at the Transit Center website. Until August 31, 2024 the Durango Trolley and Busses are free to ride!
Bike Around Town
If you want to get out and move your body, biking in Durango might be the best transportation option for you. Durango’s roads are accompanied by bike lanes on the left and right side that make bike travel safer. Places like Pedal the Peaks even rent out bikes for your transportation needs.
For those who would like a quick zip there are also e-bike rentals all around town. Downtown Durango has a great resource on rental options on their website. And remember to wear your helmet whenever you are biking. Protect your noggin!
Walk and Enjoy the Scenery
Should you be looking for a scenic view, walking in Durango is a great eco-friendly transit option. The Animas River Trail connects the north of town to the south and is a great walking trail to use. This shaded and paved trail allows you access to almost anywhere in Durango. Other options like the Skysteps allow walking access up to the Fort Lewis College campus. There is no bad view in Durango so anywhere you go walking you will be surrounded by mountains and mesas.
Use Public Transit
Sometimes the Southwest Colorado heat can get to a person or the afternoon showers can drench you. If walking or biking doesn’t seem like a viable option for you, the public transit in Durango might work. Besides the trolley, which only goes up and down Main Avenue, there is a public bus system that takes you every which way in town.
During the summer months taking the bus is free. To access the bus schedule download the TransLoc app or check out the online schedule here. When looking to board the bus look for the red bus stops located along different routes. For a list of stops and a riders guide visit the City of Durango bus stop schedule.
Carpool or Rideshare
Carpooling in Durango reduces the amount of congestion on the roads. It also reduces the amount of car fumes being produced and expelled into the atmosphere. Carpooling is also a great way to make friends with other Durango locals or visitors. Whether you’re looking for a ride up to Purgatory Resort or across town carpooling can work for you.
One of the rideshare options offered is Way to Go Durango which offers communal sustainability travel options. Using Way to Go Durango reduces the amount of single-use vehicles on the roads and gets you around Durango in an eco-friendly way. Another option is to join the Durango Rideshare Facebook group which can connect you with others looking to carpool. Next time you rideshare, strike up a convo with your fellow commuters. Maybe you'll make some new friends.
Ridesharing puts the friendly in eco-friendly. Need a late night lift, DuranGo is an on demand evening transit service that can be accessed through an app. DuranGo services run from five p.m. to midnight and serve both Durango and Three Springs.
Conclusion
Travel Durango Responsibly
Each time you choose alternative travel, this small town takes notice. It allows you to experience the wonderful views of Durango by walking or biking. Or offers you a peaceful experience. Driving in Durango can be anxiety-inducing at times and parking can be scarce. By using the sustainable transportation listed in this article you are reducing carbon emissions.
Decreasing our emissions helps maintain the gorgeous scenery that surrounds Durango. Minimizing your environmental impact can encourage others to do so which in the long run helps our climate. Help us get more powder days in the winter and less scorching hot days in the summer by reducing your carbon emissions.
