Durango Local Information

Durango History 
Durango was founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, when they extended their line from Durango to Silverton in order to haul precious metals from high country mines. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad now hauls only tourists. Last year about 200,000 people rode the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. 

Population 
Approximately 16,000 in Durango. Approximately 64,000 in La Plata County. 
National Forest 
San Juan National Forest 

Mountain Range 
San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains 

Special Events 

Durango offers a wide range of events throughout the year for all types of interests. 

 Elevation

6,512 feet above sea level. 

Climate 
Transition zone between semi- arid and mountain, summer daytime temps in the 70's and 80's, nighttime lows in the 50's.