Durango is a bustling little community tucked in deep in the southwest part of Colorado, right next to the San Juan Mountains. If your idea of a perfect town is one where you can kayak the Animas River (which as it happens flows right through town) or take a four-wheeler deep into the San Juans, you're going to like Durango. The area is putting its best face forward now, with spring flowers sprouting and summer close on their heels. Come for the camping, hiking, rock climbing, and biking. And when you're done, take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's something about winding your way into the mountains aboard a perfectly restored steam train.

Get in some golf, try some live theater or take a glider or helicopter sightseeing tour. It's all waiting for you in Durango, along with the shopping, downtown art galleries, and a dip in the local hot springs before dinner.

Durango got its start in 1881 when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad decided to build a track to Silverton. It established Durango as the hub of its rail system to transport the ore from the mountains to smelters in Durango. Today, the ride on the Durango-Silverton narrow gauge railway is one of Colorado's most beautiful rides for passengers.

Many of Durango's original buildings can still be seen and are in use today. You can find them in the historic districts of Third Avenue and Main Avenue. Rio Grande Land, located at the far southern end of Main, contains the restored depot built in 1881. The Strater Hotel, built in 1887, and a reflection of the town's prosperity, remains a central attraction in downtown Durango.

The Animas River runs right through the heart of town. Rafting operations line the river, waiting to take you on the ride of your life. Or you can hit the trail with a mountain bike, whether it's your own or a top-notch rental available at shops throughout Durango. Another option is to ride the trail via horseback. Speaking of horses, don't miss the Durango Pro Rodeo several nights a week during the summer months.

Head up the hill to the ski area. Durango Mountain Resort offers more hiking, biking and all kinds of fun, family activities at the base area. You'll also find restaurants and shops.

The biggest attraction at the base is probably the Alpine Slide. Ride the chairlift up and then cruise down the track on a toboggan for over half a mile. Each sled has a control stick that regulates the speed of descent, and there are two banked tracks, running side by side.

Bring along your mountain bike, or rent one at the base. Once up top, you can access over 50 miles of bike trails, from scenic novice loops to the very difficult 1990 World Mt. Bike Championship Trail. It's perfect for exploring the spectacular Hermosa Valley, or flying down a single-track. Mountain bike tours and guides are also available at the base area.

There is a fee for each individual activity. Or you can buy one ticket for everything. It's called the Total Adventure Ticket. It provides unlimited access to the resort's most popular activities, including the Alpine Slide, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, human maze, and mini golf.

Durango's summer events include the Adventure Extreme Series, Kids Summer Adventure Camp and classical music.

Durango can be reached by car via U.S. Highway 550, which provides a route to Grand Junction, Colorado to the north, and Farmington, New Mexico to the south. U.S. Highway 160 connects Durango near Flagstaff, Arizona, to the west and near Pueblo, Colorado, via Interstate 25 to the east.