The term “spring break” tends to conjure images of tropical beaches or crowded theme parks. But for those seeking a blend of stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-city charm, Durango, Colorado offers a refreshing alternative. From family-friendly getaways to romantic retreats, The Leland House invites you to explore the vibrancy of springtime in southwestern Colorado. Read on to learn about some local activities to consider adding to your spring break itinerary.
Explore Durango’s Great Outdoors
As the chill of winter dissipates and spring breathes new life into the Four Corners region, Durango offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. While the weather can be a bit unpredictable at this time of year, average daytime temperatures during March and April hover in the 50s and 60s, with mostly sunny days—making it an excellent time for activities like the following:
- Hiking and Biking: With over 100 miles of trails in and around Durango, the city offers plenty of options for outdoor exploration at any time of year. Spring weather means comfortable temperatures for exploring trails such as the Animas Mountain Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Animas Valley, or the River Trail, which winds along the Animas River and is suitable for all skill levels. You may even catch sight of the first blossoms of the season, as species such as lupine, columbine, and Indian paintbrush begin to transform the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors.
- Enjoy End–of-Season Skiing: From Chapman Hill—Durango’s family-friendly, in-town skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating venue—to Purgatory Ski Resort (located just 25 minutes from The Leland House), the winter sports season typically extends through April. At this time of year, enjoy hitting the slopes under sunny blue skies, with fewer crowds than during the winter. Our team of local experts is always available to assist with booking equipment rentals, lift tickets and more, ensuring that your experience is as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible.
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: A favorite way to experience the wilderness surrounding Durango at any time of year, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad transports passengers through majestic mountain canyons on a vintage locomotive. During March and April, the railroad features a Cascade Canyon Spring Excursion, a 26-mile journey through the scenic San Juan National Forest and along the Animas River. The train ride leaves from the Durango Depot, conveniently located a short walk from The Leland House.
- Visit Mesa Verde National Park: Located a short drive from Durango, Mesa Verde is home to several ancient cliff dwellings constructed by the Ancestral Pueblo people. The park, which is certified as a World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park, protects the rich cultural heritage of the Puebloans while offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the past.
Find Your Spring Renewal
As a season of renewal, spring is the ideal time to relax, restore, and refresh your body and mind in Durango’s serene setting. In addition to spending time connecting with nature through hiking, biking, and other activities, one of the area’s most rejuvenating experiences is soaking in natural hot spring pools at Durango Hot Springs, located just eight miles north of downtown Durango. Surrounded by majestic mountain views, these thermal pools offer a perfect blend of minerals without any sulfuric odor. They are the only natural hot springs in the world to infuse nanometer and micrometer oxygen bubbles, which increases the health benefits and purity of the waters. The 
Durango Hot Springs Resort encompasses over 40 unique water features, including 32 different hot springs mineral pools (19 of which are family-friendly and 13 adult-only), two cold plunges, a 25-meter resort-style swimming pool, five optional private Japanese-inspired cedar “Ofuro” soaking tubs, a reflexology walking path, and a mineral water rain tower.
At The Leland House and Lola’s Place, we’ve strived to create a restorative environment for our guests, where relaxation is woven into every detail. From blackout blinds and memory foam mattresses that ensure a peaceful night’s sleep to the thoughtfully prepared, healthy food and beverages at Lola’s Place, your well-being is our priority.
We’re also proud to be part of Durango’s thriving wellness community. During your stay, we can help you personalize a wellness retreat tailored to your needs. Whether you’re interested in yoga classes, relaxing spa services, or guided mindfulness experiences, we’re connected to the best local providers to help you enhance your well-being. Lola’s Place also hosts wellness talks and demos with local experts, providing inspiration for a healthier, more balanced life.
Spring Festivals and Events in Durango
As the weather begins to warm up, Durango bursts to life with an exciting calendar of local events, including:
- Durango Celtic Festival: From March 28-29, 2025, the 11th Annual Durango Celtic Festival will celebrate traditional and modern Celtic music, covering the sounds of Ireland, Scotland, the Hebrides, and Cape Breton, along with original blends.
- Durango Bluegrass Meltdown: Featuring several indoor and outdoor locations for informal jamming, this long-standing annual event will take place from April 11-13, 2025. With many downtown bars and restaurants hosting musicians, the festival offers a chance to enjoy live bluegrass and other styles of music while sampling great food and drink.
- Durango Wine Experience: With proceeds benefitting the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado, this popular annual event pairs good times with a good cause. From April 25-26, 2025, the Durango Wine Experience will feature a fun and engaging lineup of events, including the Walkabout Durango Tasting, which showcases hundreds of wines along with light appetizers at multiple downtown locations.
Relax and Recharge at The Leland House
After a day of exploring, return to The Leland House Suites—your cozy spring break retreat in downtown Durango. When you stay with us, you’ll enjoy a variety of perks, including:
- Home-Like Comfort: Each of our 12 suites is thoughtfully designed with kitchens or kitchenettes, making it easy to prepare snacks for the day’s adventures or enjoy a quiet dinner in your room.
- Unbeatable Location: Nestled in Durango’s charming Second Avenue District, you’ll be steps away from local shops, galleries, and restaurants, with close proximity to hiking trails and other activities.
- Lola’s Place: Stop by our on-site bar, coffee shop, and restaurant for a cup of locally roasted coffee in the morning, a delicious meal, or a local beer or craft cocktail.
This spring, skip the crowds and head to Durango for a memorable mix of adventure, relaxation, and family fun. Whether you’re hitting the slopes for some late-season skiing, exploring Mesa Verde National Park, or simply enjoying a leisurely weekend in our charming downtown, The Leland House Suites is the perfect place to call home. As Durango locals, our team is here to make your spring break planning seamless, from recommending the best hiking trails to booking unique experiences. Visit https://lelandhouse.com to learn more or secure your suite today!
