During a colorful season, here are the best places to visit in Colorado’s Four Corners area

By the Thirst Team

Durango’s small-town charm exists alongside an array of outdoor opportunities that attracts folks of every age who might want to experience the backcountry from a comfortable train seat -- or from the notorious Colorado Trail. And, fair weather affords fall visitors the chance to participate in everything southwest Colorado has to offer.

Some great hotels line Main Avenue downtown, but just one street away are a few boutique hotels that cater to outdoorsy types who might be traveling with bikes, kayaks or other gear while also trying to maintain business relationships. The Leland House Suites and the Rochester Hotel are across the street from each other at 700 block of East 2nd Ave. The Rochester offers a courtyard and small bar. The hotels share a coworking space. The Leland House is planning upgrades to allow more storage space for long-term travelers, as well as those who bring gear for multiple activities planned for the Four Corners area.

Here are a few ideas to get the party started when staying in Durango.

2021 Animas Valley Balloon Rally

Want to see a flying clown? Or a flying circus (the nylon kind, not the Monty Python variety)? A highlight of the fall is the stunning sight of two dozen colorful and creative hot air balloons rising over a train and the San Juan Mountains.

The event begins with a balloon festival all day Friday, Oct. 15, closing with a balloon glow at dusk in front of the Durango Silverton Railroad. Then the rally culminates with mass ascensions at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 16 and 17, at Hermosa Creek Trail.

All events are free, including free tethered balloon rides on Saturday and Sunday morning, weather permitting. Donations are accepted and tax-deductible, as the rally is hosted by a non-profit organization.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

It’s hard to find a better way to unplug and see the fall colors in the rugged San Juan National Forest than on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This National Historic Landmark does as much as possible to mirror the experience of the first trips back in 1882.

That includes limits on modern technology. Don’t think about live-tweeting your ride. A lack of cell service or wifi along most of the route will force the whole family to put down the devices and enjoy the vistas.

Through Oct. 31, one-way and round-trips are available. The trip takes about 3 ½ hours each way, with a two-hour stop in Silverton, a historic mining town with two breweries and several restaurants and shops within walking distance of the historic train depot.

The 8 a.m. departure includes stops for backpackers’ wilderness access. The 9 a.m. train is more of an “express” ride.

The Skyway tour is a third option, combining the train ride with a deluxe bus ride in either direction, saving a little time and offering a different view and experience.

Colorado Trail

Durango is also the western terminus of the Colorado Trail, a long-distance trail running for 486 miles to the mouth of Waterton Canyon, southwest of Denver. Its highest point is 13,271 feet above sea level, and most of the trail is above 10,000 feet, so check weather conditions along the route if you trek the trail in the fall.

There is no single right way to travel the Colorado trail, which has been called the most beautiful trail in the nation. Many people take it piecemeal one or two days at a time, while others take on the challenge of climbing a total of 90,000 feet while through-hiking the whole trail.

If you want a serious challenge, try to finish the entire route in less than nine days and 14 hours to beat a record set by Aspen’s Nika Meyers. In August, she set the fastest recorded time for a self-supported traverse of the Colorado Trail by a woman.