Vallecito Lake & Durango Area Attractions

DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE TRAIN

40 MINUTES FROM PINE RIVER LODGE

WHERE SCENIC VIEWS MEET VINTAGE RAIL TRAVEL

No trip to Southwest Colorado is complete without experiencing the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – one of the most scenic train rides in the United States.

Departing from downtown Durango, this historic steam train travels through the San Juan Mountains along the Animas River, offering breathtaking views and a unique way to explore the region. One of the most popular options is to ride the train one way to Silverton and return by car along the famous Million Dollar Highway.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a variety of excursions throughout the year including:

• Silverton Train Tour – Classic full-day scenic ride to Silverton
• San Juan Skyway Tour – Train ride combined with a return drive through the mountains
• Dinosaur Train – Family-friendly short ride for kids
• Peanuts Halloween Express – Seasonal themed ride for families
• Cascade Canyon Winter Train – Winter scenic excursion through snow-covered landscapes
• Polar Express Train Ride – Holiday-themed experience for children
• Snowdown Balloon Train – Special event ride during Durango’s Snowdown festival
• Romance on the Rails – Couples-focused scenic experience

WHITEWATER RAFTING & JEEP TOURS NEAR DURANGO

40 MINUTES FROM PINE RIVER LODGE

RAFT THE RIVER – EXPLORE THE MOUNTAINS

For guests looking for adventure, the Durango area offers some of the best whitewater rafting and off-road Jeep tours in Southwest Colorado.

We recommend experiencing the Animas River through guided rafting trips, as well as exploring the historic mining roads above Silverton on Jeep tours through the San Juan Mountains.

One of the local companies guests often choose, and we would recommend is Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours – offering guided river trips, off-road Jeep excursions, and mountain adventures throughout Southwest Colorado and Mesa Verde National Park.

Many of our guests enjoy combining a rafting trip with a scenic Jeep tour for a full-day adventure experience.

All tours are independently operated and must be booked directly with the outfitter.

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

1.5 HOUR FROM PINE RIVER LODGE

ANCIENT CLIFF DWELLINGS NEAR SOUTHWEST COLORADO

Mesa Verde National Park (Spanish for “green table”) is one of the most important archaeological destinations in the United States, offering a rare look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the region for more than 700 years, from approximately AD 600 to 1300.

Today, Mesa Verde National Park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including over 600 preserved cliff dwellings built into the sandstone alcoves of the Colorado mesas. These structures are among the best-preserved ancient dwellings in North America and provide an unmatched window into early Indigenous history in the Southwest.

Visitors to Mesa Verde can explore cliff dwellings, mesa-top villages, and scenic overlooks throughout the park, making it a must-see destination for those traveling near Durango, Colorado and the Four Corners region.

PURGATORY MOUNTAIN RESORT

1.5 HOUR FROM PINE RIVER LODGE

YEAR ROUND MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES NEAR DURANGO

Purgatory Resort is one of the most popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding near Durango, Colorado, located about 1.5 hours from Vallecito Lake.

In the winter, Purgatory offers a wide range of terrain for all skill levels, along with scenic views of the San Juan Mountains. During the summer months, the resort transforms into a hub for outdoor adventure, featuring activities like the alpine slide, lift-served mountain biking, hiking trails, and family-friendly attractions.

If you’re looking for year-round activities near Vallecito Lake, Purgatory is a top destination for both winter sports and summer mountain experiences.

All activities, lift tickets, and rentals are operated directly through the resort.

WOLF CREEK MOUNTAIN RESORT

1.5 HOUR FROM PINE RIVER LODGE

EXPERIENCE LEGENDARY COLORADO SNOWFALL

Wolf Creek Ski Area is known for having some of the most consistent and abundant snowfall in Colorado, making it a favorite for skiers and snowboarders seeking deep powder conditions.

Located approximately 1.5 hours from Vallecito Lake, Wolf Creek offers a more laid-back, less crowded experience compared to larger resorts, with a strong reputation for natural snow and wide-open terrain.

This is an excellent option for those searching for skiing near Vallecito Lake or a more traditional Colorado ski experience focused on great snow and scenic mountain views.

Lift tickets, rentals, and services are managed directly by the ski area.