Summer Travel: Small Town // Big City

{ No.4-Big City: Durango } Noah Caldwell

As you drive south out of Ouray—and into the San Juan Mountains—you find yourself barreling down the Million Dollar Highway. It’s disputed whether it’s named for the cost of its construction or the value of golden ore contained in its pavement (I’m going to bet it’s the former). Regardless, the view is priceless. Continue on to Silverton, where the highway catches up to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway.A

Don’t take in too much of the scenery, because when you get to the “Big City” of Durango, you might be tempted to jump straight on that exact train, touring and admiring the mountains from the luxury of a quaint railcar.

Or, you can jump on to one of their many locomotive events. The Brew Train (August 30 and September 20) takes you to a dude ranch where local craft beer makers will liven up your afternoon with golden ales under the golden sun. Music your thing? The Blues Train (August 22 and 23) features six live music acts in six different cars. Wine & Rails (August 29 and September 19), the Cowboy Poet Train (October 3) and the True West Rail Fest (August 14-17) round out the summer’s railway rendezvous.

Once you alight the train, you have two options in Durango: summon your inner adventure-junky and enjoy some of the best mountain biking in the state, or settle down and indulge yourself with world famous breweries and bites. If you brought your cycling hat, head to Horse Gulch or Dry Fork Loop, both moderate rides that will get you out of town. To really stretch your legs, ride the 20-mile Hermosa Creek trail north of town.

Alternatively, start your gastronomic tour of Durango at Ska Brewing (225 Girard Street). Even if you’re not partial to the delicious bitterness of Modus Hoperandi, Ska’s other brews will tickle your taste buds. Along with obligatory tours, Ska hosts happy hour yoga, live music, and barbecues on a weekly basis.

Steamworks Brewing is the obvious next stop, as your afternoon hazily turns to night. (It’s directly downtown, so you’ll be heading back that way regardless.) If you need a break from the beer, which might be the case depending on your Ska experience, head to Sizzling Siam, East by Southwest, or Lady Falconburgh’s Barley Exchange, which wins our award for Best Named Old World Pub Set In The Four Corners Region.