Ignacio ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ignacio, Colorado.
1. Sky Ute Casino Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Sky Ute Casino Resort is one of two Indian casinos in Colorado, featuring hundreds of slots and table games including blackjack, Texas hold 'em, roulette, and craps. The resort includes a 140-room hotel, conference center, and an RV park for extended stays. A complimentary shuttle service connects the resort with Durango, making it easily accessible for visitors from the larger city.
2. Southern Ute Museum and Cultural Center
NATIVE HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Southern Ute Museum celebrates the living history of Colorado's longest continuous residents with multi-sensory exhibitions and rare artifact collections. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through colorful exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Ute people. The museum also features a gift store with jewelry, basketware, and other hand-made items created by local artisans.
3. Navajo State Park
EXPANSIVE LAKESIDE RECREATION
Navajo State Park features a vast lake that extends over twenty miles south into New Mexico, providing ample opportunity for water sports and recreation. The park is a popular destination for camping, fishing, hiking, and biking with scenic views of the surrounding landscape. A marina serves houseboats and sailboats, making it one of the premier boating destinations in southwest Colorado.
4. Fox Fire Farms Winery
LOCAL VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Fox Fire Farms is the only commercial vineyard, winery, and tasting room in the Durango/Pagosa Springs area. Located between Durango and Pagosa Springs, the winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a picturesque rural setting. Visitors can tour the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and purchase bottles of their favorite varieties to take home.
5. Jackalope Acres
FALL HARVEST FUN
Jackalope Acres serves as Durango and Farmington's premier pumpkin patch for late summer and fall entertainment. The property features a 10-acre corn maze and over 25 different activities for visitors of all ages. U-pick sunflower fields add a colorful dimension to the experience, making it a perfect family-friendly destination during harvest season.
6. Lake Capote
PREMIER TROUT FISHING
Lake Capote is recognized as the reservation's top trout-fishing destination, drawing anglers from across the region. The lake offers a serene setting surrounded by natural beauty and mountain views. Visitors can enjoy not only fishing but also camping and wildlife viewing in this tranquil natural area.
7. Tracks Across the Borders Scenic Byway
HISTORIC CULTURAL ROUTE
The Tracks Across the Borders Scenic Byway passes through Ignacio on its route from Durango to Chama, New Mexico. This scenic drive offers travelers spectacular views of the southwestern Colorado landscape and connections to important cultural sites. The byway celebrates the region's rich cultural heritage, including Native American, Hispanic, and pioneer influences.
8. Chimney Rock National Monument
ANCIENT ASTRONOMICAL SITE
Chimney Rock National Monument is an archaeological site that was once home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians. The site features unique geological formations that were used by ancient peoples for astronomical observations, particularly during the summer solstice. Guided tours take visitors through excavated pit houses, ceremonial structures, and to stunning overlooks with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
9. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic train that travels between Durango and Silverton through spectacular mountain scenery. The coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive has been in continuous operation since 1882, making it one of America's most authentic heritage railways. Passengers can enjoy a full-day round trip experience or seasonal special events while traveling through remote wilderness areas inaccessible by road.
10. Mesa Verde National Park
ANCIENT CLIFF DWELLINGS
Mesa Verde National Park preserves the spectacular cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years. The park contains more than 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, making it one of the richest archaeological preserves in North America. Visitors can take guided tours through several of the larger cliff dwellings and learn about the remarkable engineering and cultural achievements of the ancient inhabitants.
11. Pagosa Hot Springs
NATURAL THERMAL BATHS
Pagosa Hot Springs boasts the world's deepest geothermal hot spring with 23 therapeutic mineral pools of varying temperatures. These natural hot springs have been drawing visitors for centuries, first by Native Americans who considered the waters sacred and healing. Today, the springs offer a relaxing retreat with stunning mountain views, making it a perfect way to unwind after exploring the region.
12. Animas River Trail
SCENIC URBAN PATHWAY
The Animas River Trail is a paved multi-use pathway that follows the Animas River through the heart of Durango for over 7 miles. The trail connects parks, open spaces, and various recreational amenities while offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains. Visitors and locals alike use the trail for walking, jogging, biking, and accessing fishing spots along the river.
13. James Ranch
SUSTAINABLE FARM EXPERIENCE
James Ranch is a family-owned sustainable farm that produces artisan cheese, grass-fed beef, eggs, produce, and more. The Harvest Grill & Greens at the ranch serves farm-to-table meals featuring ingredients grown and raised on the property. Visitors can tour the operation, shop at the market for fresh products, and learn about sustainable farming practices in a beautiful setting north of Durango.
14. Durango Arts Center
COMMUNITY CULTURAL HUB
The Durango Arts Center serves as a cultural hub offering rotating art exhibitions, theater performances, and educational programs. The center's gallery showcases works by local and regional artists, while its theater hosts productions throughout the year. Visitors can attend art openings, take workshops, or enjoy live performances in this cornerstone of Durango's vibrant arts scene.
15. Vallecito Lake
MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR GETAWAY
Vallecito Lake is a scenic mountain reservoir nestled in the pine-covered hills between Durango and Pagosa Springs. The lake offers excellent fishing for kokanee salmon, northern pike, and trout in a tranquil setting surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. Visitors can enjoy boating, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this popular year-round recreation area.