Looking for cheap Flights to Durango La Plata, Colorado, USA (DRO) airport?

Durango, accessible via budget flights to Durango at DRO airport (Durango-La Plata County Airport), is a vibrant historic city in Southwestern Colorado, renowned as a quintessential Old West town and a gateway to the majestic San Juan Mountains and ancient Puebloan heritage, blending steam locomotive adventures, world-class outdoor recreation, and profound cultural history for an unforgettable travel experience.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a world-renowned landmark, offers a breathtaking 45-mile steam-powered journey through the rugged Animas River canyons to the historic mining town of Silverton, showcasing dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and the region’s gold and silver mining legacy. Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 35 miles west, preserves over 4,700 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, including the iconic Cliff Palace, providing a profound window into 13th-century Native American life. Downtown Durango, a National Historic District, captivates with its Victorian-era architecture, independent boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants serving Southwestern cuisine with local ingredients. The Durango Arts Center hosts rotating exhibitions and performances, enriching the city’s cultural scene. The San Juan National Forest, spanning 1.8 million acres, offers endless trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, plus skiing and snowboarding at Purgatory Resort. The 7-mile Animas River Trail winds through town, ideal for walking, biking, and kayaking. Annual events like the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Snowdown Festival celebrate Western heritage and winter fun. With a thriving craft brewery scene and dishes like green chile-smothered burritos, Durango’s blend of historic railroads, ancient cliff dwellings, and stunning alpine landscapes makes it a must-visit for adventurers, history buffs, and culture seekers. Book cheap airfare to Durango for an immersive Colorado Rockies experience.

Why Visit Durango, Colorado

Durango enchants with its iconic steam train ride, ancient Puebloan sites at Mesa Verde, and vibrant downtown historic district. Outdoor enthusiasts revel in San Juan National Forest trails and Purgatory Resort skiing, while foodies savor Southwestern flavors and local brews. With low-fare flights to Durango, it’s perfect for families, solo travelers, and couples seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty. Events like the Durango Film Festival and Cowboy Poetry Gathering add cultural flair, making Durango an unforgettable destination.

Quick Facts & Highlights

• Population: Approximately 19,200 (2023 estimate)
• Founded: 1880
• Area: 17.1 square miles
• Key Highlight: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Notable Event: Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, annual October event
• Fun Fact: Home to the first U.S. ski resort with a high-speed chairlift (Purgatory)
• Local Treat: Green chile burritos
• Landmark: Mesa Verde National Park

Geographic Location & Climate

Durango, in La Plata County, Southwestern Colorado, lies 200 miles southwest of Denver, at 6,512 feet elevation in the Animas River Valley, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. The climate is semi-arid with warm summers (average high 86°F) and cold winters (average high 40°F). Annual rainfall is 19 inches, with 70 inches of snow. Spring and fall (45-70°F) are ideal for hiking, summer suits river activities, and winter offers skiing and indoor cultural attractions.

Vital Statistics & Demographics In Durango, Colorado

Total Population

Durango’s population is 19,200 (2023), with 2.1% growth since 2020, driven by tourism and education.

Age Distribution

Median age is 36.4 years; 16.5% under 18, 14.8% 18-24, 29.3% 25-44, 25.7% 45-64, 13.7% 65+.

Ethnic & Racial Composition

White 82.6%, Hispanic 10.4%, Native American 3.2%, Two or More Races 2.5%, Asian 0.9%, Black 0.4%.

Gender Breakdown

Males 50.4%, females 49.6%.

Household Types & Sizes

Average household size 2.3; family households 58.9%, non-family 41.1%; 21.3% with children.

Population Growth Trends

Growth of 3.8% since 2020, projected to reach 20,500 by 2028, fueled by tourism, outdoor recreation, and Fort Lewis College.

Economy & Living Standards In Durango, Colorado

Major Industries & Employers

Tourism, education, and healthcare lead; top employers:

• Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301
• Mercy Regional Medical Center, 1010 Three Springs Blvd, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango School District 9-R, 201 E 12th St, Durango, CO 81301
• City of Durango, 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Purgatory Resort, 1 Skier Pl, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Walmart Supercenter, 1155 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303
• Southern Ute Indian Tribe, 116 Memorial Dr, Ignacio, CO 81137
• First National Bank of Durango, 259 W 9th St, Durango, CO 81301
• La Plata Electric Association, 45 Stewart St, Durango, CO 81303

Employment Rate & Job Market

Unemployment rate is 3.2%; jobs focus on tourism (35%), education, and healthcare, with seasonal roles in skiing and railroad tourism.

Median Income & Cost of Living

Median household income is $65,800; cost of living 110.2% of U.S. average; median home value $485,600.

Poverty Rate & Economic Challenges

Poverty rate is 9.8%; challenges include high housing costs and seasonal job fluctuations.

Business Environment & Investment Opportunities

Tourism and outdoor recreation drive hospitality and retail. Colorado’s business-friendly policies support adventure tourism and small-scale tech startups.

Health & Wellness In Durango, Colorado

General Health Overview

Health metrics are strong; life expectancy is 79.1 years, supported by Mercy Regional Medical Center and active lifestyles.

Common Health Issues

Altitude-related issues, seasonal allergies, mental health concerns; addressed by wellness programs and outdoor activities.

Fitness Centers & Wellness Studios

• Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Anytime Fitness, 125 Mercado St, Durango, CO 81301
• CrossFit Durango, 602 Half Moon Cir, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Yoga Studio, 1140 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Purgatory Resort Fitness, 1 Skier Pl, Durango, CO 81301

Mental Health Resources

• Axis Health System, 281 Sawyer Dr, Durango, CO 81303
• Mercy Behavioral Health, 1010 Three Springs Blvd, Durango, CO 81301
• San Juan Basin Public Health, 281 Sawyer Dr, Durango, CO 81303
• Durango Counseling Center, 1315 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Fort Lewis College Counseling, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301

Public Health Initiatives

San Juan Basin Public Health runs wellness programs, vaccination clinics, and mental health outreach; recreation centers promote active lifestyles.

Hospitals & Clinics In Durango, Colorado

Hospitals & Emergency Services

• Mercy Regional Medical Center, 1010 Three Springs Blvd, Durango, CO 81301

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics

• Animas Urgent Care, 450 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Urgent Care, 2577 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Southwest Medical Group, 1 Mercado St, Durango, CO 81301
• Four Corners Health Care, 1125 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301

Specialty Medical Centers

• Animas Surgical Hospital, 575 Rivergate Ln, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Orthopedics, 1 Mercado St, Durango, CO 81301
• Mercy Cancer Center, 1010 Three Springs Blvd, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Vision Clinic, 1165 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303

Telehealth & Remote Care Options

Mercy Regional offers telehealth app; Axis Health provides telepsychiatry; most clinics support virtual visits.

Veterinary Services & Pet Care In Durango, Colorado

Animal Hospitals & Emergency Vets

• Durango Animal Hospital, 2461 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Riverview Animal Hospital, 670 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301

Pet Clinics & Routine Care

• Animas Veterinary Clinic, 1351 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303
• Three Springs Animal Hospital, 1770 Lighthorse Rd, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Pet Clinic, 1911 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Grooming & Boarding Facilities

• Paws & Claws Grooming, 1316 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Pet Resort, 1040 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301
• Happy Tails Boarding, 1800 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails

• Animas River Trail, 303 E 9th St, Durango, CO 81301
• Dalla Mountain Park, 2900 County Rd 204, Durango, CO 81301
• San Juan National Forest, 15 Burnett Ct, Durango, CO 81301

Local Government & Public Services In Durango, Colorado

City Hall and Administrative Offices

• Durango City Hall, 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

County Government Services

• La Plata County Courthouse, 1060 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Public Records and Licensing

• La Plata County Clerk, 1060 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango City Clerk, 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Planning and Zoning Departments

• Durango Planning Department, 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• La Plata County Planning, 1060 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Tax and Revenue Offices

• La Plata County Treasurer, 1060 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Finance Department, 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services

• Durango Police Department, 990 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Fire Protection District, 142 Sheppard Dr, Durango, CO 81303
• La Plata County Sheriff, 742 Turner Dr, Durango, CO 81303

Courts and Legal Aid

• La Plata County Court, 1060 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Municipal Court, 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Legal Aid of Colorado, 835 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Public Works and Utilities

• Durango Public Works, 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Water Department, 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Voter Registration and Civic Engagement

• La Plata County Voter Registration, 1060 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Public Library, 1900 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Current U.S. Senators & U.S. House Representatives

Senators: Michael Bennet (D), John Hickenlooper (D)
House Representative (CO-3 District): Lauren Boebert (R)

Education & Libraries In Durango, Colorado

Public School Districts

Served by Durango School District 9-R.

Public School Names and Full Addresses

• Park Elementary, 510 E 6th Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Needham Elementary, 2425 W 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango High School, 2390 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Miller Middle School, 2608 Junction St, Durango, CO 81301
• Riverview Elementary, 2900 Mesa Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Charter and Private Schools

• Animas High School (Charter), 271 Twin Buttes Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• St. Columba School, 1801 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Colorado Timberline Academy, 35554 US-550, Durango, CO 81301

Colleges and Universities

• Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301; Majors: Environmental Science, Business, Native American Studies

Public Libraries and Learning Centers

• Durango Public Library, 1900 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Fort Lewis College Library, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301

Flights & Travel Logistics In Durango, Colorado

Best Time to Book Flights

Book 2-3 months ahead for discount airfare to Durango; February and October offer cheap round-trip flights; avoid winter ski and summer tourism peaks.

Airlines That Serve Durango, Colorado

DRO served by United Airlines, American Airlines; connections via Denver (DEN) or Dallas (DFW).

Nearby Airports and Alternatives

DRO is primary; alternatives: Farmington (FMN, 1 hour), Albuquerque (ABQ, 3.5 hours). Drive via US-550; no direct Amtrak; Greyhound to Durango.

Transportation After Arrival

Car rentals at DRO (Hertz, Enterprise); taxis ($15-20 downtown); Uber/Lyft ($12-18); Durango Transit ($1/trip).

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Pack for high altitude and cold winters; book train and Mesa Verde tickets early; try green chile dishes; rent a car for San Juan National Forest; check Snowdown Festival schedules. Secure budget plane tickets to Durango for savings.

Ready to explore Durango? Book affordable flights to Durango La Plata, Colorado, USA (DRO) airport and save up to $147 with early booking. Keep in mind that the nearest airport to Durango La Plata, Colorado, USA (DRO) may offer low-budget travel deals and alternate date options depending on departure city and season.

Where to Stay In Durango, Colorado

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

• Super 8 Durango, 1155 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303
• Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, 2002 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Days Inn Durango, 1700 County Rd 203, Durango, CO 81301

Boutique Hotels and Inns

• General Palmer Hotel, 567 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Rochester Hotel, 726 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Luxury Resorts and Spas

• Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Purgatory Resort Lodging, 1 Skier Pl, Durango, CO 81301

Family-Friendly Lodging

• Hampton Inn Durango, 3777 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Holiday Inn & Suites Durango, 21636 US-160, Durango, CO 81301
• Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, 400 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Vacation Rentals and Extended Stays

• Airbnb Animas River Cabins, Various, e.g., 800 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• VRBO San Juan Mountain Retreats, Near E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Comfort Inn & Suites Durango, 455 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303

Getting Around In Durango, Colorado

Public Transportation Overview

Durango Transit offers buses ($1/trip); free downtown trolley.

Car Rentals and Ride Shares

Rentals at DRO (Avis, Budget); Uber/Lyft $12-18 for local trips; taxis $15-20; bike rentals ($15/day).

Walkability and Bike-Friendly Areas

Downtown scores 80/100 walkability; Animas River Trail and Dalla Mountain Park bike-friendly.

Parking Tips and Local Driving Rules

Metered parking downtown ($1/hour); free near Animas River Trail; 25 mph in town; watch for winter road conditions.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Activities In Durango, Colorado

National Parks and Scenic Areas

Mesa Verde National Park (35 min); San Juan National Forest (15 min).

Hiking, Biking, and Nature Trails

• Animas River Trail, 303 E 9th St, Durango, CO 81301
• Dalla Mountain Park, 2900 County Rd 204, Durango, CO 81301
• Colorado Trail, Junction Creek Rd, Durango, CO 81301

Wildlife Viewing

Elk, deer, and bald eagles in San Juan National Forest and Mesa Verde.

Lakes, Rivers, and Water Activities

• Animas River, kayaking, 303 E 9th St, Durango, CO 81301
• Vallecito Lake, fishing, 18071 County Rd 501, Bayfield, CO 81122

Camping and RV Parks

• Durango KOA, 30090 US-160, Durango, CO 81303
• Junction Creek Campground, 1310 County Rd 204, Durango, CO 81301

Seasonal Outdoor Adventures

Spring hiking, summer kayaking, fall biking, winter skiing at Purgatory.

History & Heritage In Durango, Colorado

Founding and Historical Background

Founded 1880 as a railroad and mining hub; grew with the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

Major Disasters and Events

Happy: Durango & Silverton Railroad established (1882). Sad: 2018 416 Fire; 1902 flood.

Recovery Efforts for Recent Disaster

Post-2018 416 Fire: FEMA aid, reforestation, community fire mitigation programs.

Historical Landmarks

• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Historic Downtown, 802 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Museums and Cultural Centers

• Durango Arts Center, 802 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Animas Museum, 3065 W 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Southern Ute Cultural Center, 77 County Rd 517, Ignacio, CO 81137

Local Folklore and Legends

Animas River ghost stories; Ute tribal legends; mining boomtown tales.

Indigenous and Pioneer History

Ute and Ancestral Puebloan lands pre-1800s; settlers arrived 1870s; railroad and mining shaped growth.

Prominent Public and Private Personalities In Durango, Colorado

• David Day: Early newspaper editor, shaped Durango’s identity.
• Charles Pike: Railroad pioneer, founded Durango.
• Louis L’Amour: Western author, inspired by Durango’s landscape.

Arts & Culture In Durango, Colorado

Performing Arts Venues

• Durango Arts Center, 802 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301

Art Galleries and Exhibitions

• Durango Arts Center Gallery, 802 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Sorrel Sky Gallery, 828 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Local Artists and Artisans

Western painters, sculptors, and musicians at Durango Film Festival and Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Cultural Festivals and Events

• Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, 699 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Snowdown Festival, 802 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Music Scene and Live Performances

• Animas City Theatre, 128 E College Dr, Durango, CO 81301
• Balcony Bar & Grill, 600 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Food & Drink In Durango, Colorado

Restaurants by Cuisine

• Southwestern - El Moro Spirits & Tavern, 945 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301; Specialty: Green chile burritos
• American - Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301; Specialty: Burgers
• Italian - Mutu’s Italian Kitchen, 701 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301; Specialty: Homemade pasta
• Mexican - Zia Taqueria, 400 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301; Specialty: Tacos
• Western Fusion - Steamworks Brewing Co., 801 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301; Specialty: Elk chili

Farm-to-Table and Local Ingredients

El Moro uses Colorado beef; Durango Farmers Market sources local produce, honey.

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

• Steamworks Brewing Co., 801 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Street Food and Casual Dining

• Durango Farmers Market, 259 W 9th St, Durango, CO 81301
• 11th Street Station (Food Trucks), 1101 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Dietary Options

Zia Taqueria offers vegetarian tacos; Mutu’s has gluten-free pasta; most eateries provide dietary choices.

Shopping & Leisure In Durango, Colorado

Local Boutiques and Artisan Shops

• Durango Farmers Market, 259 W 9th St, Durango, CO 81301
• Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Malls and Shopping Districts

• Downtown Durango, Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Mall, 800 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301

Antique Stores and Markets

• Durango Antique Market, 765 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Animas Trading Company, 1019 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Souvenirs and Specialty Goods

• Durango & Silverton Railroad Gift Shop, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Arts Center Gift Shop, 802 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Events & Entertainment In Durango, Colorado

Annual Festivals and Parades

• Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, 699 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Snowdown Festival, 802 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Farmers Markets and Local Gatherings

• Durango Farmers Market, 259 W 9th St, Durango, CO 81301
• Durango Film Festival, 128 E College Dr, Durango, CO 81301

Sports Events and Recreational Leagues

• Durango Recreation Department, 2700 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Fort Lewis College Athletics, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301

Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Fun

• Durango Christmas Parade, Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Winter Solstice Art Market, 802 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Nearby Destinations In Durango, Colorado

Popular Day Trips

• Silverton, CO (1 hour): Historic mining town
• Mancos, CO (30 min): Mesa Verde gateway

Hidden Gems in the Region

• Chimney Rock National Monument, 3179 CO-151, Chimney Rock, CO 81122
• Haviland Lake, 25 miles north of Durango, CO 81301

Scenic Drives and Routes

• San Juan Skyway, US-550, Durango, CO 81301
• Million Dollar Highway, US-550, Silverton, CO 81433

Regional Attractions Worth Visiting

• Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde, CO 81330
• Purgatory Resort, 1 Skier Pl, Durango, CO 81301

Audience-Specific Guides In Durango, Colorado

Family Travel Tips

Ride the Durango & Silverton Railroad, explore Mesa Verde, stay at family-friendly hotels, attend Snowdown Festival with cheap travel deals to Durango.

Solo Traveler Highlights

Explore Animas Museum, dine at Steamworks Brewing, hike Animas River Trail, visit Durango Arts Center with low-cost airline deals.

Romantic Getaways

Dine at El Moro, stay at Strater Hotel, tour San Juan Skyway, visit Purgatory Resort with discounted plane tickets to Durango.

Business Travel Essentials

Near DRO airport, meeting spaces at Holiday Inn, quick dining, Wi-Fi at Best Western with budget air tickets to Durango.

Accessible Travel Resources

ADA-compliant museums and parks, wheelchair rentals at Mercy Regional, accessible Durango Transit, Colorado Relay services.

Natural Resources In Durango, Colorado

Gold, silver, coal, timber, fish. Gold, a rare and historically significant metal, shaped Durango’s mining boom in the late 19th century, fueling the development of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The region’s gold deposits, once a magnet for prospectors, are highlighted at the Animas Museum and through guided mine tours near Silverton, offering insights into extraction techniques and economic impacts. Visitors can pan for gold at local outfitters, connecting with Durango’s rich mining heritage, a unique draw for history and adventure enthusiasts.

Article Published on August 27, 2025, Last Modified on October 2, 2025. Content subject to change at any time.