As the summer crowds begin to thin and the aspens turn brilliant shades of gold, Durango enters one of its most magical seasons. Whether you’re planning a cozy getaway or you’re lucky enough to call this place home, fall in Durango offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, local charm, and a slower pace.
At The Leland House and Lola’s Place, we believe that autumn is a wonderful time to relax and reconnect—with nature, with community, and with yourself. As the new season begins, we are eager to welcome Durango visitors and locals alike for comfortable stays in casual boutique luxury, crave-worthy meals, and convenient spaces for both public and private events. To help you make the most of your time in our beautiful city, we’ve compiled the following guide of things to do in Durango during the fall.
Experience a Kaleidoscope of Fall Colors
In September and October, the landscapes around Durango erupt into shades of gold, crimson, and orange as the aspen and cottonwood trees change their leaves. We recommend the following options for taking in the beauty:
- Immerse yourself in nature with a hike. From the beginner-friendly Spud Lake Trail to the 20-mile Hermosa Creek Trail, we are surrounded by plenty of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views
of the fall colors and much more. - Take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway. Considered one of the most beautiful roads in the U.S., the Million Dollar Highway lies between the towns of Silverton and Ouray, both of which are within driving distance of Durango. This famous stretch of highway is surrounded by breathtaking vistas of steep, jagged mountains covered in vibrant foliage.
- Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Departing from a station just steps from The Leland House, this iconic coal-fired locomotive transports passengers on scenic routes through the San Juan Mountains and along the Animas River. Leave your car in our free, private lot and avoid parking hassles at the train station.
Celebrate Local Culture and Community
In addition to the breathtaking scenery, fall in Durango is full of vibrant cultural experiences that showcase the creative spirit and active lifestyle of our community. Favorite seasonal highlights include:
- Durango Arts Month. Each September, Durango transforms into a canvas of creativity during Durango Arts Month. This community-wide celebration honors the exceptional artistic talent found throughout Southwest Colorado with a dynamic lineup of gallery exhibitions, live performances, interactive workshops, and classes for all ages. The Second Avenue District, where The Leland House and Lola’s Place are located, will come alive on September 20-21 with the Durango Autumn Arts Festival, which is ranked among the top art festivals in the country and draws an estimated 8,000 attendees each year. Presented as a fundraiser for the Durango Arts Center—the region’s premier non-profit visual and performing arts organization—the festival showcases fine arts and crafts by makers from across the country.
- This annual, all-encompassing celebration of Durango’s active cycling culture is held throughout October. Whether you’re into mountain biking, road cycling, gravel adventures, BMX, e-biking, or just enjoy a casual cruise around town, Spoketober is a festive and inclusive way to embrace Durango’s bike-friendly lifestyle while savoring the crisp autumn air and scenic trails. Lola’s Place often joins in the fun by hosting ride meetups or after-ride gatherings, so be sure to follow us on social media (@Lola’s Place on Facebook and @lolsaplacedurango on Instagram) for updates!
Cozy Days Start at Lola’s Place
With autumn approaching, Lola’s Place is transitioning into the season with new hours. From August 3 until November 3, we’ll be open:
- Sunday – Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or dusk).
Each day, we serve organic, locally roasted coffee and espresso from 7 a.m. until close, with both traditional and Mexican-inspired breakfast served from 8-11:30 a.m. Lunch service is from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday; lunch and dinner is from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
We’re also proud to present regular live music by the following artists into the autumn months:
- Nina Sasaki Band – Fridays from 6-8 p.m. through September; Fridays from 5-7 p.m. in October (through 10/31)
- Jeff Solon Jazz Band – Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. through September
- Ely Cartwright – Sundays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. through October 31
- Ross Douglas – Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. in October through 10/31
This schedule is subject to change, so be sure to visit https://lolasplace.com/calendar/ or give us a call at 970-779-5468 for the latest info about upcoming live music and other events!
Book Your Fall Getaway Today
Autumn in Durango invites you to slow down and soak up the season. From golden hikes to gathering with friends over coffee or cocktails, it’s a time to enjoy the beauty—and the people—that make this town so special.
Explore our suites—all of which blend historic charm with modern comfort—or call us today at (970) 385-1920 to book your stay!
