Durango Mountain Valley

 

 

Here, residents can enjoy the great outdoors year-round without the stress and noise that comes with the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. Private, luxurious homes pepper the landscape, giving it a tranquil, homey feel seldom found elsewhere in the region.

The Durango Mountain Valley is relatively untouched, and homeowners have acres of land to enjoy without infringing on their neighbor’s property. Wildlife is abundant, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy year-round, which goes towards helping residents maintain their adventurous, active lifestyles. Living in Durango Mountain Valley means choosing a life filled with abundant natural beauty and space to grow.

James Ranch is a tourist destination with over 400 acres of farmland, a cattle ranch, and an event space. Here, you'll find the James Ranch Market, a local hot spot for buying fresh produce and other fares. The Ranch specializes in fresh organic products grown and produced right on-site, along with products grown and produced by other local farmers. At the Market, you'll find fresh produce, raw milk cheeses, flowers, grass-fed meat, and canned jellies and salsas.

On the same property, you can eat at the James Ranch Grill, which was recently opened to the public. Guests can eat indoors, on the terrace, or on a picnic blanket under the apricot trees. The restaurant serves organic burgers, sandwiches, drinks from local breweries, and soda floats for the kids.

Visiting the Olde Schoolhouse Cafe is like stepping back in time. For over 30 years, this locally-owned restaurant has been a family favorite, serving American fares like burgers, pizza, wings, and calzones. The eclectic decor and pool tables give it a casual vibe, making it the perfect place to eat and play.

Tucked away at the north side of the Durango Mountain Valley, you'll find Purgatory, a resort that attracts visitors from across the globe. Guests can enjoy world-class skiing, upscale dining, and swimming in the outdoor pool. The resort is located on 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, and it boasts 105 trails, 11 lifts, and a vertical drop of 2,029 feet for experienced skiers. Purgatory has something for everyone, including the Inferno Mountain Coaster for kids.

Lemon Lake Lodge is a quaint vacation spot tucked away in the mountains, far from city life. Guests can partake in fishing, horseback riding, and hiking, and many locals take advantage of its proximity as a quick getaway.

One of the most popular tourist destinations is the Cascade Canyon Express, where visitors can ride a steam-powered train to the picturesque Cascade Canyon. The trip lasts just over five hours, taking you through the mountains to stunning viewpoints you can't reach by car.

Residents have the option of joining The Glacier Club. Members get full access to two 18-hole golf courses, several dining options, a fitness center and spa, and tennis courts. The club also hosts a variety of events throughout the year.