Million Dollar Highway, Durango

AfarAug 4

The Only Way to Hike the Secluded, Multiday Colorado Trail Is by Riding a Train from This Outdoorsy City

The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train chugs its way into the gnarly wilds of the San Juan Mountains, ascending nearly 3,000 feet from its origin in downtown Durango. Tourists ...

A 25-mile drive through the San Juan Mountains.

23 things in this story

Durango Hot SpringsSight32 pools infused with nanometer and micrometer oxygen bubbles.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RailroadSightSteam locomotives from the 1880s ascend into the San Juan Mountains.
Weminuche WildernessTrailColorado's largest wilderness area, spanning 499,771 acres.
Chicago BasinSightHome to 11,800-foot peaks and three of Colorado's 14ers.
Needle Creek TrailTrailSeven-mile trail into the Chicago Basin.
Colorado TrailTrailIts highest point is 13,271 feet (4,045 m) above sea level, and most of the trail is above 10,000 feet (3,000 m).
Purgatory FlatsTrail14.5 miles total hike.
Vallecito LakeSight17.5 miles total hike.
Durango's downtown historic districtNeighborhoodLined with antique stores, saloons, and used bookstores.
Million Dollar HighwaySightA 25-mile drive through the San Juan Mountains.
Bread DurangoBakeryIndustrial-chic cafe with green chile cheese croissants.
Hermosa CaféCaféKitschy cafe serving deep-dish quiche and scratch-made scones.
Eolus Bar & DiningRestaurantElevated Colorado cuisine like glazed duck breast and grilled elk.
El Moro Spirits & TavernRestaurantCraft cocktails and plates like pork lumache pasta.
The Bookcase and BarberRestaurantSpeakeasy serving intricate cocktails behind a barbershop.
Ska Brewing CompanyRestaurantPizza-centric menu and Durango's largest beer garden.
Animas Chocolate CompanyRestaurantBean-to-bar confectionery using antique book recipes.
Strater HotelHotelBuilt in 1887, decorated with vintage ephemera.
Diamond Belle SaloonPubThe Diamond Belle Saloon at The Strater Hotel in Durango serves a wide variety of delicious foods and handcrafted…
Office SpiritoriumBarThis unique social center for Durango is located in The Strater Hotel and features handcrafted drinks, an exceptional…
The Boundary DurangoHotelNew motel-style property with record players and vintage books.
Purgatory Ski ResortSight
Second Story BooksPlace

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Million Dollar Highway

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The Only Way to Hike the Secluded, Multiday Colorado Trail Is by Riding a Train from This Outdoorsy City