Durango, CO

Durango is southwestern Colorado's mountain town hub, sitting at 6,500 feet where red rock meets the San Juans. US 160 is your main route in from either direction, while scenic US 550 heads north to Silverton when open. It's the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park 45 miles west and serves serious outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The vintage steam train to Silverton still runs the original 1880s mining route through roadless wilderness.