When people plan a trip to Durango, Colorado, I recommend that they stay downtown. Durango is an old town and built on a grid format. Almost everything you would want to do is within walking distance of downtown Durango. The closer you are to the historic main avenue, the easier it is going to be for you to get to restaurants, bars, and shops
If the snow is good in the winter, the skiing is amazing. Purg is a great place to learn and also has lots of fun tree runs, small cliffs, and bumps. The drive from downtown Durango is only about 30- 40 minutes when the roads are clear
There are great hiking trails in every direction out of town and it is very easy to get to remote wilderness areas
If you visit in the fall it’s definitely worth driving the 6 hour loop from Durango to Telluride to Ouray to Silverton and back to Durango. The fall colors are amazing
Renting a house or condo is the best way to go
VRBO is a great place to find vacation rentals
The Best Hotels in Durango, Colorado
I like these hotels because they are clean and easy. Both are about a mile from downtown. Uber is in Durango, so if you like to drink its about $12 to get to town. Durango is known for DUI’s so I would be very careful about drinking and driving
Double Tree
The Double Tree is located downtown at the intersection of Camino Del Rio and 8th street. One block from main street and next to Alberstons grocery store
Hampton Inn Durango
The Hampton Inn in Durango, Colorado is clean and fairly new. The Hampton Inn is located on the northside of town near North City Market
Holiday Inn and Suites Durango Central
The Holiday Inn in Durango, Colorado stands above many of the hotels in the area. The Holiday Inn is located just over a half-mile away from downtown Durango
Camping
Dispersed camping is my favorite. I find new spots every year. The best way to find the perfect spot is pick a forest service road and go explore. There are several campgrounds near Durango. The best looking campgrounds are near Haviland reservoir, north of Durango and Lemon reservoir about 20 miles east of town