First time visiting Durango, CO - Looking for suggestions/activities (Ouray: 2015, to rent)

[jacobr]

Hi All,

Finally I got myself all setup for my upcoming trip to Durango, CO with my wife and kids this December. I have planned out certain activities but am looking for more recommendations/suggestions from people who have already been there or live locally. I will be driving from Dallas, TX and here is my proposed itenary for the trip.

The Plan -

1) Leave Dallas on 26th (Mon) Noon and arrive at Durango, CO on 27th Dec (Tue noon) and check in at a hotel @ downtown Durango.

2) Spend the afternoon/Evening in downtime/relax at the hotel

3) 28th Dec (Wed) - Start the day with the Cascade Canyon train ride. It departs 9:45AM and is expected to be back by 2:45 PM. Anything else I can plan for the afternoon?

4) 29th Dec (Thu) - Head for the purgatory resort and get busy with skiing/Snowmobile rides, tubing etc..I plan to send the whole day out there

5) 30th Dec (Fri) - My reservation ends at the hotel on 30th (noon). On this day I can either return back to Dallas or I could stay in Durango or travel up north to Ouray. I really do not have any specific plan and I would like suggestions here. I would like to drive up to Ouray and if possible send a day or two up there but I am really not sure what activities I could do?

Is there any other place in between I could spend an extra day or two? I would really love to be with nature and relax. I have 2 kids (4 year old & 10 month old) with us so we wouldn't be looking for anything too aggressive to do outside.

Any suggestion/advice.

Ideally I would like to return back to Dallas only on 31st Dec or the 1st of Jan

Thanks

Jacob

[beezle1]

Mesa Verde is awesome, but it will be kind of unpleasant this time of year (mostly outside stuff).

[SkyDog77]

Breakfast at Carver in Durango.
Dinner at Steamworks.
Check the weather before driving to Ouray. The road is terrifying in bad weather.

[NW Crow]

If hot springs interest, Ouray has a big, popular one. If the drive is not good, there is a small one just north of Durango called Trimble Hot Springs.


City of Durango rec. dept. has a skating rink.


There are indoor climbing wall options in recreation center and in commercial gym.


Could take drive up to Lemon or Vallecito Reservoir for a brief walk or hangout.
There are places to rent a snowmobile or cross-country if inclined.


There is also the river walk in town and other several city parks for a walk ( in snow)


Place on Main St. to take old time west photos.


Silverton Grand Imperial Hotel if you want even more old west experience (staff in period attire, old style rooms,etc.)


Not sure if the horse drawn wagon giving rides downtown still operates in winter but you can find out about that and everything else at the visitor welcome center on Main.


Other options include the train station museum, watching the train come & go when you're not on it, bakeries, art galleries, the bookstore, etc. There is a craft shop on Main where you can make your design glassware overnight (plates, coasters and such)

[HTY483]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

Check the weather before driving to Ouray. The road is terrifying in bad weather.

LOL. Yes, it's a beautiful drive but definitely one that should be done in the summer.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by HTY483

LOL. Yes, it's a beautiful drive but definitely one that should be done in the summer.

I don't mind it in the winter. I would just not recommend driving it in a storm. Ouray is so awesome and definitely worth a visit.

[NW Crow]

I missed that your kids were that young when I responded. So some suggestions may be less practical for you at this time, depending on how much you schedule for their interests. Maybe better for future trips or other visitors.

[mdelcour2015]

Take a drive up the million dollar highway. It's a blast and gorgeous scenery.

[jacobr]

Originally Posted by NW Crow

If hot springs interest, Ouray has a big, popular one. If the drive is not good, there is a small one just north of Durango called Trimble Hot Springs.


City of Durango rec. dept. has a skating rink.


There are indoor climbing wall options in recreation center and in commercial gym.


Could take drive up to Lemon or Vallecito Reservoir for a brief walk or hangout.
There are places to rent a snowmobile or cross-country if inclined.

Noted. Thanks!!

There is also the river walk in town and other several city parks for a walk ( in snow)

I have got this added to Wed evening. After we return back from the train ride.

Not sure if the horse drawn wagon giving rides downtown still operates in winter but you can find out about that and everything else at the visitor welcome center on Main

I have booked with Buck's Livery for Thur evening horse ride.

Buck's Livery - Trail Rides, Pack Trips, Big Game Hunts, Outfitters, Horse Rides - Durango, Colorado

Other options include the train station museum, watching the train come & go when you're not on it, bakeries, art galleries, the bookstore, etc. There is a craft shop on Main where you can make your design glassware overnight (plates, coasters and such)

That sounds interesting to spend some time in the evenings!!

[jacobr]

Originally Posted by mdelcour2015

Take a drive up the million dollar highway. It's a blast and gorgeous scenery.

I am definitely going to do this ride :-)