Adventurous Family Getaway in Southwest Colorado: Gold Mining and Train Rides

Day 1: Explore Durango

Durango, Colorado on March 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Durango Diner

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Durango Diner, known for its classic American fare and scrumptious pancakes.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Experience the historic steam train ride offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains on your journey to Silverton.
USD60 per adult, USD30 per child, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Steamworks Brewing Company

Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with delicious pizzas and homemade sodas, perfect for fueling up after your train ride.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Gold Mining Experience

Dive into history with a hands-on gold panning experience where your kids can learn about gold mining and possibly find some real gold!
USD25 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Downtown Durango

Stroll through the historic downtown area, visiting charming shops and enjoying local art galleries.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Lost Dog

Cap off your day with a cozy dinner at The Lost Dog, featuring delicious burgers and a friendly atmosphere.
USD50, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Adventure in Silverton

Silverton, Colorado on March 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bent Elbow

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast of eggs made to order and home-style hash browns at The Bent Elbow.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Scenic Drive to Silverton

Enjoy the gorgeous mountain views along the Million Dollar Highway as you make your way to Silverton.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Mining Museum

Explore the rich mining history of Silverton at the Mining Museum where kids can see mining artifacts and learn about the gold rush.
USD5, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Handlebars Restaurant

Take a break at Handlebars Restaurant with kid-friendly options and delightful sandwiches.
USD35, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ride the Narrow Gauge Railroad

Take another ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this time back to Durango to enjoy the scenery again.
USD60 per adult, USD30 per child, 3 hours

5:30PM

Evening at Durango Riverwalk

Finish your day with a peaceful stroll along the beautiful Animas Riverwalk, a perfect way to relax after a busy day.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at El Moro Spirits & Tavern

Dine at El Moro for a modern twist on classic dishes with great ambiance and craft cocktails.
USD70, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Day in Ouray

Ouray, Colorado on March 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Ouray Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and hearty breakfast items from the local bakery, perfect for starting your mountain adventure.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ouray Hot Springs Pool

Spend a relaxing morning at the Ouray Hot Springs, where your family can enjoy the warm mineral waters and beautiful views.
USD20 per adult, USD10 per child, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Silver Street Stone Oven Pizzeria

Grab a friendly lunch at The Silver Street Pizzeria, famous for its fresh ingredients and many topping options for pizzas.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Horseback Riding Adventure

Enjoy a guided horseback riding tour through the scenic trails that surround Ouray, perfect for kids and adults alike.
USD75 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Ouray Ice Park

Check out one of the unique features of Ouray, the Ice Park, where you can see ice climbers in action during winter months.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Outlaw Restaurant

End the day with a fantastic dinner at Outlaw, known for its great steak and kids' menu.
USD60, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Return to Durango

Durango, Colorado on March 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Farmhouse Café

Indulge in a farm-to-table breakfast featuring local ingredients in a charming café setting.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit a Local Chocolate Shop

Visit the nearby chocolate shop for a sweet treat and maybe find the perfect souvenir to take home.
USD10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Animas River

Spend some time walking alongside the Animas River, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and perhaps see some wildlife.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mahogany Grille

Savor a delightful meal at Mahogany Grille, offering an impressive view of the mountains with your tasty burgers.
USD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Departure

Take some last-minute photos of Durango before heading back home, cherishing all the memories from your exciting trip.
Free, 1 hour