- County
- La Plata
- Base elevation
- About 6,530 ft
- Population
- 19,071 (2020 census)
- Downtown Denver
- About 342 mi ยท about 6.5 hr
- Nearest commercial airport
- Durango-La Plata County (DRO), near Ignacio
- Ski area
- Purgatory Resort, about 25 mi north
- Schools
- Durango School District 9-R
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Durango
What it's like to live in Durango
Durango is a town of about 19,000 people in the Animas Valley in southwest Colorado, at the crossing of US 160 and US 550. It has a historic downtown, Fort Lewis College on a mesa above town, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Purgatory Resort is about 25 miles north, so Durango is a ski town without being a resort town. At about 6,500 feet, it is lower and milder than most Colorado mountain towns.
You will find older homes near downtown, newer planned neighborhoods, and rural acreage up the Animas Valley and out toward Bayfield and Hesperus. Condos and cabins cluster near Purgatory. According to the Durango Area Association of Realtors, the median in-town home price was $940,000 in the first quarter of 2026, as reported by the Durango Herald in May 2026.
Distance is the big tradeoff, about 6.5 hours from Denver, though the local airport and a 3.5-hour drive to Albuquerque help. The city allows short-term rentals only in certain zones, caps them in established neighborhoods, and a permit does not transfer when the home sells. Some subdivisions bar them outright, and wildfire risk is part of owning anywhere in the region. I live on the Front Range, so for Durango I team up with a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
Where it is
Where Durango sits in Colorado Mountain Towns
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Durango
Downtown
The historic business district, with older homes and condos within walking distance of Main Avenue and the train depot.
Animas City and the north side
The older settlement about 2 miles north of downtown, now part of town, along the Animas River.
Animas Valley and Hermosa
Rural homes and acreage up the valley north of town along US 550.
Three Springs
A newer planned neighborhood on the east side where short-term rentals are not allowed unless the HOA and City agreements permit them.
Bayfield
A smaller La Plata County town east of Durango on US 160, with more space and a longer commute.
Purgatory area
Condos and cabins near the ski area about 25 miles north on US 550.
Get outside
Things to do in Durango
- 01
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Steam trains on the old Denver & Rio Grande line to Silverton, run as their own railroad since 1981.
- 02
Purgatory Resort
About 25 miles north, open since 1965, with about 1,650 skiable acres and 105 trails.
- 03
Mesa Verde National Park
A World Heritage site about 36 miles west, roughly 45 minutes away.
- 04
San Juan Skyway
US 550 north through Silverton, 48 miles away, and over Red Mountain Pass at just over 11,000 feet.
- 05
Fort Lewis College
A public four-year college on a 350-foot mesa overlooking downtown.
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FAQ
Durango questions, answered
How far is Durango from Denver?
About 342 miles, or roughly 6.5 hours. The usual route is US 285 south, then US 160 west. Many people fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport instead.
Can I rent my Durango home short-term?
Only with a city permit, and only in certain zones. Established neighborhoods have set caps, and a permit ends when the home sells. Some subdivisions bar short-term rentals. Confirm with the City of Durango or La Plata County for any address.
What is the elevation of Durango?
About 6,530 feet. Purgatory's base is about 8,800 feet.
Can you live in Durango year-round?
Yes. It is the largest town in this group, with a college and a regional airport. Winters are milder than in the high resort towns, with about 64 inches of snow a year.
Which school district serves Durango?
Durango School District 9-R. Check the district boundary for any specific address.
How far is the skiing?
Purgatory Resort is about 25 miles north on US 550.
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