The city of Durango, Colorado is home to 19,000 residents and is La Plata County's country seat. In 1881, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad established the town to provide resources to the San Juan mining district. It got its name from the Mexican town of Durango. Visitors to present-day Durango will find numerous archaeological sites near the city, including Durango Rock Shelters Archeological Site and Mesa Verde National Park. Since the railroad serviced Durango, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a popular point of interest to visit in a Durango, Colorado RV rental near town. Visitors can make their way to Silverton, a historic mining town while riding near the Animas River. History buffs will also enjoy the Animas Museum, which boasts plenty of local history exhibits. It is housed in a school building from 1904, and the permanent exhibit is a recreation of an early 20th-century schoolroom.
If you prefer spending time shopping, eating, and immersing yourself in local art, downtown Durango has plenty of eclectic options that highlight the city's Old West heritage. Some of the city's more popular eateries include The Ore House, a quintessential Old West steakhouse, and Michel's Corner Crepes, which features scrumptious French cuisine. If you prefer to grab a drink, check out the popular Steamworks Brewery or head over to the Diamond Belle Saloon.
If you want to drive your motorhome to a national forest near Durango, check out San Juan National Forest. The forest, which is just 40 minutes north of Durango, consists of alpine peaks, lakes, and desert mesas. With over 1.8 million acres to explore, plan to spend a day or two in the forest. Use the scenic byways to get your RV in and out of the park while enjoying spectacular views. Some of the most popular activities RVers enjoy are rock climbing, fishing, and hiking or horseback riding on the area's trails, including the 21-mile Colorado Trail. Colorado's Uncompahgre National Forest, three hours and 45 minutes northwest of Durango, is home to hundreds of miles of trails, some of which were carved by the region's Native American tribes hundreds of years ago. People visit to hike its trails, including Bridal Veil Falls Trail and See Forever Trail, in solitude. Visit the national forest in the winter to enjoy activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Located two hours and 55 minutes northeast of Durango, Rio Grande National Forest features a wide variety of fauna and flora. You'll find 1.86 million acres of land that's home to wildlife such as black bears, Canadian lynxes, and one of the Rocky Mountains' largest herds of bighorn sheep. There are several hiking trails in the forest, including easy-to-moderate rated trails such as Middle Alder Trail #797 and Archuleta Trail. For those who want a more strenuous hike, consider a day-section hike on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
Animas River Days – This annual whitewater rodeo event at Santa Rita Park in Durango began in 1983 and attracts paddlers worldwide each year in June, offering a variety of events for all skill levels from amateur to professional. Spectators will enjoy watching paddlers attempt the rapids and can learn more about healthy living and how to keep the area's rivers cleaner.
Music in the Mountains — This classical music festival is held in July each year at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Chamber concerts are held at venues throughout Durango, but there are also several outdoor concerts presented throughout the month that are perfect for families who want to enjoy a picnic lunch and listen to beautiful music.
True Western Rodeo — The rodeo is held through June and July in Durango with nightly events that include barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, team racing, and more.
Located a mere 40 minutes southwest of Durango, you'll find Mesa Verde National Park. It consists of 52,000 acres with over 4,3000 archaeological sites and well-preserved Puebloan ruins that date back to 7500 B.C. You can visit this national park year-round, but be prepared for heavy thunderstorms during the region's monsoon season in the summer. You can also expect snowy weather during the winter. However, if you enjoy exploring cliff dwellings and learning about ancient civilizations, you'll get several days' worth of exploration out of this park. If you want to stay nearby, check out Morefield Campground, where you'll find ample RV sites to park your travel trailer. Drive your camper van two hours and 45 minutes north of Durango, and you'll find yourself at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The main feature of this national park is Black Canyon, a 12-mile canyon carved by the Gunnison River over a thousand years. If you want to camp in the area, you'll find two campsites in the park. One is located along the North Rim, and the other on the South Rim. The South Rim campground is ideal for RVers who need electric hookups. Popular activities at the park include rock climbing, hiking through the canyon, and spending a day on the water kayaking. If you like to explore national parks in desert climates, check out Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, approximately three hours northwest of Durango. There are multiple miles of trails to hike and explore throughout the park, which is dotted with stunning arches formed over hundreds of years, such as Landscape Arch, Balanced Rock, and Delicate Arch. The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. However, no matter when you visit, be prepared for wild temperature changes that can vary by 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you enjoy water activities like kayaking, sailing, and boating, you'll enjoy Navajo State Park. The state park is 50 minutes southeast of Durango and includes Navajo Lake, a 24-acre lake that's popular among houseboaters. If you're not into water sports, the park also has several miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking. You can stay in the park at one of the 188 campsites and take in nature's beauty while bird-watching. The campsites at the state park's campground include water, electric, and sewer hookups for Class A RVs. Mancos State Park is 40 minutes northwest of Durango near the Four Corners region where Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico meet. Year-round mild temperatures make this park delightful to visit at any time of the year with summer temperatures reaching into the high 80s and winter daytime temperatures rarely dipping below the 50-degree Fahrenheit mark. If you're a bicyclist, you'll enjoy multiple biking trails, including the popular Denver-to-Durango Colorado Trail. The park is also home to Jackson Gulch, a draw for water sports enthusiasts who enjoy activities like kayaking and wakeless boating. Jackson Gulch also offers ample fishing opportunities. For stunning views that could be straight from the pages of a magazine, make the two-hour drive north of Durango to reach Ridgway State Park. The park features craggy, snow-capped mountain peaks that rise high above the serene waters of the Ridgway Reservoir. Bring your kayak or paddleboard and spend hours floating on the park's picturesque lake. If you prefer to stay on dry land, spend time hiking or biking in the park's wilderness. Stay in your fifth-wheel trailer at Ridgway State Park Campground for multi-day enjoyment.
Over 900 years ago, northern New Mexico was home to the thriving Pueblo community. Today, the Ancient Pueblo's existence is preserved at the Aztec Ruins National Monumentin New Mexico, 45 minutes southwest of Durango. The monument is home to stone buildings nearly a thousand years old and a visitor's center that provides visitors with information about the Pueblo's history in the region through artifact displays and a documentary video. While visiting the monument, put on your hiking boots and explore one of the three trails that are easily accessible for people of all ages. Although you'll find plenty of Ancient Pueblo ruins throughout the region near Durango, the Yucca House National Monument is exceptional because nearly all its ruins are in pristine condition. Visitors to the monument get a rare glimpse into what life was like in the region before explorers arrived. Not only are the ruins untouched, but the site isn't visited as frequently as others. If you like to hike, the monument has several easy-rated hiking trails perfect for families that allow you to check out sites like the Great Kiva and West Complex. The monument is a 65-minute drive west of Durango in your Durango, Colorado RV rental. Head an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Durango into Utah and discover a Pueblo mesa over 10,000 years old at the Hovenweep National Monument. The ruins at this site, once home to about 2,500 Pueblo people, are over 800 years old. There's a campground at the monument that many campers choose to use as their home base for a day or two while hiking and exploring the area. If you're looking for a place that offers solitude, Hovenweep National Monument is idyllic since the site rarely hosts large crowds.
If you're looking for pull-through sites with full RV hookups, check out Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. The pet-friendly park has 100 sites with nightly rates beginning at $51 per night. The park offers free Wi-Fi and strong cell reception. If you have a big rig, you'll find this park highly convenient. Although smaller, Westerly RV Park, also in Durango, provides full RV hookups with 30- and-50-amp power. Daily rates start at $37 a day, but there are only 26 pull-through sites, which means you'll want to book early to ensure a spot for your toy hauler & pop-up camper. The park doesn't have on-site bathrooms or showers. If you need on-site shower facilities, check out Molas Lake Campground in Silverton, 55 minutes northeast of Durango. Starting at $20 a night, you'll have 58 pull-through sites to choose from to park your Class C rig that have fire rings and picnic tables. It's important to note that this RV park has very limited cell reception.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Durango, CO RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Durango, CO?Durango has freeway access to make RV driving a breeze. Inside the city are ample parks, trails, and bodies of water to visit. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Purgatory Resort, or Mesa Verde National Park.
What are the RV rental requirements in Durango, CO?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites. if you are unsure about traveling there and any regulations they may have, double-checking with the state will provide some peace of mind!
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Durango, CO?Renting an RV in Durango, CO means endless blue skies and wide open roads. With all the wide-open Colorado space between destinations, make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. Because of the warm summers, you'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with pools and other fun amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or go off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Durango, CO?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Durango, CO RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Durango, CO?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Durango, CO RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Durango, CO?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
