Your Guide to Accessible Adventures in Durango, Colorado

Durango sits at 6,512 feet in the southwestern corner of Colorado, tucked between the San Juan Mountains and the high desert mesas of the Colorado Plateau. It's a small city of about 19,000 people, built around a historic downtown that runs along the Animas River, with the famous narrow gauge railroad depot anchoring the south end of Main Avenue. The incredible thing about this place is the mountains being right there. You can be grabbing a coffee at a cafe and gazing up at the incredible view at the same time.

But, is Durango accessible? Yes, with the right planning. Some sections of downtown Durango, especially outside the core blocks, have inconsistent sidewalk conditions including narrower passages and uneven pavement. The city has a long-term plan to widen sidewalks and improve ADA ramps along Main Avenue from 5th to 14th Street, but design work is only partially complete and construction has not yet been approved or scheduled. If you use a power chair or need consistently smooth surfaces, some blocks will take more navigating than others. The Animas River Trail is the most reliably flat and smooth route through town.

Here's the really good news: Every hotel, activity, attraction, and restaurant were visited by expert mappers. This means they went to the hotels and measured/documented over 200 things. This includes details like bed height, space under the bed, shower type and size, turning space, and so much more. This was done for activities and restaurants as well. This will make it much easier to plan your visit so you know what will work for your accessibility needs.

Accessible things to do in Durango

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been running since 1881, originally hauling silver and gold out of the San Juan Mountains. These days it hauls visitors through some of the most dramatic river canyon scenery in the Southwest. The route climbs along the Animas River gorge through sheer cliffs and dense forest before arriving in the old mining town of Silverton, 45 miles north. The full round trip takes most of the day. The train runs year-round, with shorter winter routes available.

Accessibility of Narrow Gauge Railroad: There is one dedicated accessible car on the train that can accommodate two wheelchairs. Boarding uses a lift from the platform. Just make sure to book the accessible car specifically when you make your reservation, as it can sells out early (especially in summer.) The depot is ground-level with accessible paths throughout, 60-plus inches of turning space in the ticket office and gift shop, and 28 accessible parking spaces nearby. One thing worth knowing: the stall door in the depot's general restroom is only 22 inches wide, well below standard. The ADA car has its own dedicated onboard restroom with a 34-inch door that opens outward, grab bars, an 18-inch toilet, and a lever faucet.

Try adaptive sports year-round with the Adaptive Sports Association

The Adaptive Sports Association has been running adaptive outdoor recreation programs in Southwest Colorado for decades. The programming covers a wide range: adaptive skiing and snowboarding in winter, plus rafting, handcycling, kayaking, rock climbing, and more in the warmer months. In winter the program operates out of Purgatory Resort, where the base village is accessible and serves as the gateway for lessons and guided mountain days. Summer programming runs out of their facility at 463 Turner Drive in town. If you're traveling with a disability and want to get outside in Durango, this organization is the first call to make.

Accessibility of Adaptive Sports Association: The Purgatory Resort office has a gentle slope of 1 out of 5, accessible paths, 12 designated accessible parking spaces, and accessible restrooms with grab bars and an 18-inch toilet. A ramp with handrails leads to the back entrance. The summer facility has an automatic push-button entrance door, smooth floors, 60-plus turning space, and a bathroom with grab bars and an 18-inch toilet. Transportation from Durango to Purgatory is available with a lift upon request, just reserve in advance. Register for programs at their website.

Walk or roll the Animas River Trail

The Animas River Trail is 8 miles of continuous paved path that runs through the heart of Durango along the Animas River, connecting the south end of town to the north and passing through parks, neighborhoods, and the edge of downtown. It's the most accessible way to experience the city as it's flat, wide, and free.

Accessibility: The Santa Rita Park entrance at 111 South Camino del Rio is the more central starting point, with ground-level access, hardly noticeable gentle slopes rated 1 out of 5, and accessible restrooms with grab bars and an 18-inch toilet height. Five accessible parking spaces are at the trailhead. The Ox Bow entrance on the north end enters via a ramp with handrails and a slope grade rated 2 out of 5, so manageable for most. But it's worth knowing if you use a manual chair. Surface is paved throughout; concrete sections near Santa Rita Park tend to be the smoothest.

Get on the Animas River with Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours

Durango Rivertrippers runs whitewater rafting and guided tours on the Animas River. The rafting trips involve a manual transfer from your wheelchair into the raft, which sits about 22 inches off the ground. Staff are experienced in assisting with the transfer. If you want to discuss specifics about your transfer needs before booking, calling ahead is the way to go. The base location on South Camino del Rio is ground-level with a very gentle slope and accessible paths throughout.

Accessibility of Durango Rivertrippers: Private accessible bathroom on site with a 34-inch door, lever handle, grab bars, 18-inch toilet height, and 60-plus inches of turning space. One accessible parking space at the entrance. The company also offers jeep tours, but the jeep requires stepping up and a transfer.

Soak at Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Durango Hot Springs sits about 6 miles north of downtown along County Road 203, set into the valley above the Animas River. Multiple pools at different temperatures are spread across an outdoor complex, and the main pool uses a zero-entry design. You can roll or walk directly into the water without navigating steps or a lift. The surrounding terrain has some moderate slopes in parts (rated 3 out of 5 in the main outdoor areas), and the paths are accessible throughout.

Accessibility of Durango Hot Springs: Ground-level entry to the main check-in, seated front desk, accessible paths throughout. The adult pool area has a ramp with handrails and the slope is rated 2 out of 5. It has zero-entry pool access. The family changing room has a roll-in shower with a 52-inch entrance, grab bars, handheld showerhead with a fixed shower seat, and a fully accessible toilet stall. A private accessible bathroom at the main pool has a 34-inch door, lever handle, grab bars, and 60-plus inches of turning space. There are two accessible parking spaces near the entrance. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends.

Explore the Powerhouse Science Center

The Powerhouse Science Center occupies a converted 1920s hydroelectric powerhouse on the banks of the Animas River, right where the river runs through downtown. It's a hands-on science museum which makes it more naturally inclusive than most. The outdoor area has mountain and river views and a gentle slope of 1 out of 5, and the indoor exhibits are all accessible with smooth floors throughout.

Accessibility of Powerhouse Science Center: Ground-level entry with a 34-inch push-bar door. All indoor exhibits viewable from a wheelchair with 60-plus inches of turning space. Private accessible bathroom with a 35-inch door that opens outward, grab bars, 17-inch toilet, and lever faucet. There are two accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

Kayak and fish at Lake Nighthorse

Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir about 3 miles southwest of downtown, open for swimming, paddling, and fishing from late spring through summer. The Bureau of Reclamation manages it, and the access is drive-in, so you just pay at the ticket booth and then park close to the water. There's a dedicated ADA fishing area reached by a gentle ramp with handrails, with accessible paths down to the shoreline. If you want to rent kayaks or rafts, you can do that at 4Corners Riversports. They have a location at Lake Nighthorse.

Accessibility of Lake Nighthorse: Drive-up entry with 6 accessible parking spaces nearby. ADA fishing area with a gentle ramp (slope rated 1 out of 5) and accessible paths. Four private accessible bathrooms on site with 33-inch doors, lever handles, grab bars, and a 19-inch toilet height.

Spend a day at Purgatory Mountain Resort Base Village

Even if skiing isn't on the agenda, Purgatory's base village located 28 miles north of Durango is worth visiting in summer and fall. The resort sits at over 10,000 feet with the San Juan peaks visible at every side, and the base area has restaurants, a plaza, and mountain views without needing to ski or hike to get them.

Accessibility of Mountain Resort Base Village: Ground-level entry throughout the base area with a gentle slope of 1 out of 5 and accessible paths. An elevator serves the mountain club (81 inches wide, 67 inches deep, Braille and raised number buttons). The ticket office has an automatic push-button door. Accessible restrooms with grab bars and an 18-inch toilet height in both the men's and women's bathrooms. Seven designated accessible parking spaces at the base. A shuttle from Durango runs with a lift available upon request.

Visit the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum

The Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum is about 25 miles south of Durango in Ignacio, on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. It covers the history and living culture of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe across multiple galleries and a rotunda, and it does it well. This is a thoughtfully designed building, not a perfunctory display. All exhibits are viewable from a wheelchair, and the museum covers art, history, and present-day Southern Ute traditions. Staff have experience working with visitors with physical, visual, and hearing disabilities.

Accessibility of Cultural Center & Museum: Automatic push-button entry to the lobby, ground-level throughout, elevator serving all floors (81 inches wide, 56 inches deep with Braille and raised number buttons). Smooth cement and tile floors with 60-plus inches of turning space in all gallery spaces. The family bathroom and both gendered bathrooms have accessible stalls with grab bars and 18–19-inch toilet heights. Automatic sensor faucets in shared bathrooms. There are three accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

Try your luck at Sky Ute Casino

Sky Ute Casino is on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, 25 miles south of Durango. It's a full casino floor connected to the resort hotel. Even if gambling isn't your thing, it's worth knowing about as part of the broader Ignacio day trip alongside the Cultural Center. The floor is step-free with 55 accessible parking spaces, automatic push-button entry, and enough turning space to move through comfortably.

Accessibility of Sky Ute Casino: Ground-level entry with automatic push-button doors. Thin carpet throughout, 60-plus inches of turning space. Women's bathroom has a designated accessible stall with grab bars and an 18-inch toilet. 55 accessible parking spaces. If you're staying the night, the connected Sky Ute Casino Resort has roll-in showers and a pool lift (more on this in the hotels section below.)

Where to eat and drink in Durango

Steamworks Brewing Company

Steamworks has been brewing in downtown Durango since 1996 and it's held its ground as one of the better sit-down spots in town even as the restaurant scene has grown. Their food menu is broader than the typical brewery with burgers, fish and chips, pasta, and salads, alongside a full lineup of house-brewed beers. It's a bigger space than it looks from the street, with high ceilings and the brewhouse visible behind glass from the dining room.

Accessibility of Steamworks Brewing: Ground-level entry with a 34-inch push-pull door, hardwood floors, step-free seating throughout. Table heights 29 inches with 27 inches of clearance underneath. Accessible bathroom stall with a 32-inch push-pull door, grab bars, 18-inch toilet height, and automatic sensor faucet. About 100 accessible parking spaces available in the public lot nearby.

Ska Brewing

Ska Brewing is one of Colorado's original craft breweries, founded in Durango in 1995 and still in their industrial space on Girard Street near the south end of downtown. They brew a wide range of tasty beers. The Mexican Logger and True Blonde are popular ones, but the seasonal lineup is where you'll find some interesting ones! The outdoor Bear Garden patio is the best seat in summer, and their onsite kitchen serves things like pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

Accessibility of Ska Brewing: The indoor taproom has a 34-inch entry door, cement floors, and step-free seating. Tables sit at 31 inches high with 28 inches of clearance underneath. Upstairs is an accessible private bathroom with a 34-inch door, lever handle, grab bars, and an 18-inch toilet height. It can be accessed via elevator (81 inches wide, 55 inches deep, Braille buttons). Event spaces are also upstairs. The Bear Garden patio sits at ground level with a very gentle slope that's wide and navigable. Onsite are two accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

El Moro Spirits and Tavern

El Moro is a historic tavern on Main Avenue that traces its roots to the early 1900s. The current version is built around craft cocktails with house syrups and local spirits. They also have a full dinner menu. It's one of the better combinations of cocktail bar and restaurant in Durango. Reservations are worth it on weekends, as it can get quite busy.

Accessibility of El Moro Spirits and Tavern: Entry is ground-level with a 34-inch door, hardwood floors, and 60-plus inches of turning space throughout. Table heights sit at 30 inches with 28 inches of clearance underneath. There is a private accessible bathroom with a 34-inch door, lever handle, grab bars, 18-inch toilet height, and 60-plus inches of turning space. Onsite are 28 accessible parking spaces nearby.

11th Street Station

11th Street Station is a food hall collective at 11th and Main, with several independent vendors sharing one covered outdoor space. The vendor lineup changes, but typically covers pizza, acai and health bowls, comfort food, and coffee. It's a nice, casual spot to grab a bite to eat and hang out. Order at the counter, take a table in the open-air common area.

Accessibility of 11th Street Station: Entry is ground-level with a 35-inch door, cement floors, and 60-plus inches of turning space. It is step-free seating throughout. The front outdoor patio is accessible with a gentle slope rated 1 out of 5. The table heights sit at 30 inches high with 28 inches of clearance underneath. The private accessible bathroom has a 34-inch door, lever handle, grab bars, and a 19-inch toilet height. There are 28 accessible parking spaces in the public lot.

Seven Rivers Steak House

Seven Rivers is the sit-down restaurant inside Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio, about 25 miles south. If you're making the drive to the Southern Ute Cultural Center and the casino, it makes for a perfect stop for dinner. Steaks and seafood are the focus, and the room feels like a proper restaurant with tablecloths, cushioned chairs, attentive service.

Accessibility of Seven Rivers Steak House: Ground-level entry with step-free access throughout. Tables sit at 30 inches high with 28.5 inches of clearance underneath. The private family restroom has a 34-inch door, lever handle, grab bars, 18-inch toilet height, and 60-plus inches of turning space. There are 55 accessible parking spaces.

Accessible hotels in Durango

Hotels can be hit or miss, as you probably know. Accessibility info is vague at best (if it even exists), and because needs vary so much, a hotel claiming it's accessible doesn't mean much. The two hotel options below were assessed and measured with over 200 data points. That way, you can make a decision for your needs and know what to expect.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Durango

Homewood Suites is on Girard Street at the south end of downtown — close to Ska Brewing, the railroad depot, and with easy access to the Animas River Trail. The suite-format rooms make this one of the better options for longer stays: full kitchen areas, separate living and sleeping zones, and more space to manage gear and equipment. The building has automatic 56-inch entry doors from the street and automatic lobby doors at the same width — no wrestling with doors on arrival.

Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown-Animas River by IHG

The Holiday Inn Express sits on the banks of the Animas River, with the river trail running practically past the front door. It's the most convenient location of any verified hotel in Durango for getting outside without getting in a car. The railroad depot is a short roll south, and the Animas River Trail connects directly from the property.

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