National Park Visitors

Use Durango Train as Your National Parks Trip Basecamp

The Durango Train is the perfect destination to kick start your road trip with its abundant access to the Rocky Mountains, National Parks, monuments, and beautiful sights. In fact, Durango, Colorado is located in the heart of America’s Southwest Grand Circle; it is the only point in the United States shared by four states. And this circle contains the largest concentration of National Parks and monuments in the U.S. You can easily make Durango your basecamp, your starting point, or an additional stop for your road trip with the help of all the information on this page. From Travel Tips to Itineraries, we make planning your trip to the Durango Train and National Parks easy!

Visiting National Parks is a great way to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the United States while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. There are over 400 national parks in the U.S., each with its unique features and attractions. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors while learning about the history and culture of the United States.

Plan your Perfect Trip with Our Itineraries

A road trip can be an amazing way to explore new places and experience the freedom of the open road and we’ve created some itineraries to help you plan your trip. These itineraries will show you how to get from Durango to many other national parks and monuments, as well as, some other stops we think you might enjoy. You may even discover some of the best experiences and other hidden gems along one of our national parks road trip routes!

Durango to Grand Canyon Trip

A road trip from Durango, CO to Grand Canyon National Park is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the American Southwest.

Four Corners Trip Itinerary

Visit the famous Four Corners Monument, while also exploring the unique monuments and parks Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah have to offer.

Yellowstone National Park Trip Itinerary

The perfect road trip awaits. You’ll travel through Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming with the more beautiful landscapes and a memorable journey.

Durango to Grand Canyon Trip Itinerary

A road trip from Durango, CO to Grand Canyon National Park is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the American Southwest.

Colorado Trip Itinerary

There are endless things to see and do in Colorado. Here a just a few of the many must see National Park and Monuments!

Four Corners Trip Itinerary

Visit the famous Four Corners Monument, while also exploring the unique monuments and parks Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah have to offer.

Durango to Grand Canyon Trip

A road trip from Durango, CO to Grand Canyon National Park is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the American Southwest.

Four Corners Trip Itinerary

Visit the famous Four Corners Monument, while also exploring the unique monuments and parks Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah have to offer.

Yellowstone National Park Trip Itinerary

The perfect road trip awaits. You’ll travel through Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming with the more beautiful landscapes and a memorable journey.

Durango to Grand Canyon Trip Itinerary

A road trip from Durango, CO to Grand Canyon National Park is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the American Southwest.

Four Corners Trip Itinerary

Visit the famous Four Corners Monument, while also exploring the unique monuments and parks Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah have to offer.

Yellowstone National Park Trip Itinerary

The perfect road trip awaits. You’ll travel through Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming with the more beautiful landscapes and a memorable journey.

Durango Resources

Durango, Colorado is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and historic charm. It is the heart of America’s Southwest Grand Circle and the perfect stop on your national park road trip. Here are some additional resources to help you plan your visit to Durango.

Lodging

You’re sure to find your vacation sweet spot in Durango’s variety of accommodations. From some of the West’s most iconic hotels to comfy B&Bs, cabins and vacation rentals, to a lovely camping spot close to nature, Durango gives you more for your visit. Be sure to book in advance to ensure availability during your travel dates!

Things to Do

There are endless things to see and do in Colorado. Durango, Colorado offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. With Durango as your base, you won’t run out of things to do.

Dining in Durango

A road trip from Durango, CO to Grand Canyon National Park is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the American Southwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are National Parks open all year?

This depends on the park. Most national parks are open year-round, but may have some closed entrances due to weather or construction. The best way to find out about specific opening hours and road closures is to visit the specific park page on the NPS website.

Are there rules for visiting National Parks?

Yes, there are general rules when visiting national parks. The official rules can be found on the official national park website. It is also important to note that some rules change seasonally. For example, campfire regulations may fluctuate depending on drought conditions and the risk of wildfires.

Is Durango a safe place to visit?

Durango, Colorado is a small town that prides itself on being welcoming to all people, including international visitors. Durango has a relatively low crime rate and takes large steps to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors. Additionally, the community actively works to promote inclusivity. Visitors can feel confident that they will be treated with respect and can enjoy all that Durango has to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.

Do the National Parks have guided tours?

Yes, each national park offers guided tours that are hosted by the National Park Service (NPS) or by certified guides. You can find more information about guided tours at each park’s visitor and welcome center.

Where can I get official park maps?

Many national parks have digital, downloadable versions of park maps, as well as, copies in visitor and welcome centers.

Can I drive in to a National Park and is there a fee?

Most of the national parks are accessible by car, RV or bus. When you enter the park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee, which is usually between $20-$40 per vehicle. Depending on the park and season, park passes may be valid for up to seven days. If you plan to visit several national parks, we recommend you buy the America the Beautiful Pass for $80.