Discovering southwestern Colorado's treasures from Durango-La Plata County Airport

Your rental car opens up access to some of Colorado's most remarkable destinations, from ancient archaeological wonders to breathtaking mountain vistas. The region surrounding the airport offers incredible diversity, including historic steam train journeys, world-renowned cliff dwellings, and pristine wilderness areas perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. An SUV enhances your exploration with elevated seating for better views of the dramatic landscapes, while providing the ground clearance needed for mountain roads and the space for all your adventure gear.

Mesa Verde National Park and its ancient cliff dwellings

Mesa Verde National Park protects some of North America's best-preserved archaeological sites, featuring spectacular cliff dwellings built by ancestral Puebloan people over 700 years ago. The park's winding mesa-top roads offer stunning overlooks and access to ranger-guided tours of these remarkable structures. Your rental SUV provides excellent visibility for spotting wildlife like mule deer and black bears that call this area home. The elevated driving position allows you to fully appreciate the sweeping views across the Colorado Plateau, while ample cargo space accommodates cameras, hiking gear, and souvenirs from the visitor center.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad adventure

This historic steam-powered train journey through the San Juan Mountains ranks among America's most scenic railway experiences. The vintage locomotives follow the same route used by miners over a century ago, winding through spectacular canyons and alpine meadows. Parking near the historic depot is readily available, and your rental car allows you to explore Durango's charming downtown area before or after your train adventure, with its excellent restaurants, breweries, and western heritage museums.

San Juan National Forest wilderness exploration

The vast San Juan National Forest surrounds the airport area with nearly two million acres of pristine wilderness, featuring towering peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and endless hiking opportunities. Forest roads provide access to remote trailheads and scenic overlooks that showcase Colorado's dramatic mountain scenery. Your rental SUV offers the perfect platform for forest exploration, with higher ground clearance for navigating unpaved roads and spacious interiors for camping equipment, fishing gear, and picnic supplies. The commanding view from your elevated seating position helps you spot elk, deer, and other wildlife that frequent these mountain forests.

Animas River Valley scenic drives

The Animas River carves a spectacular valley through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, creating some of Colorado's most photogenic landscapes. Scenic byways follow the river's course, passing through historic mining towns, lush meadows, and towering canyon walls. Your rental car provides comfortable access to numerous pullouts and viewpoints where you can capture stunning photographs of the rushing waters and surrounding peaks.

Purgatory Resort and mountain recreation

Purgatory Resort offers year-round mountain recreation, from world-class skiing in winter to scenic chairlift rides and mountain biking during warmer months. The resort sits high in the San Juan Mountains, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness areas. Your rental SUV ensures comfortable transportation up winding mountain roads, while providing ample space for ski equipment, hiking boots, and mountain bikes. The elevated seating position offers spectacular views during the scenic drive to the resort, where you can enjoy alpine dining, mountain coasters, and outdoor concerts throughout the summer season.