Durango location & climate – Durango Downtown Community Profile

Durango location & climate

Durango is situated near the “Four Corners” — the only spot in the United States where four states meet. Though Colorado towns have the image of being hemmed in by high mountain passes, this is not the case with Durango. Those businesses needing to transport their wares by highway to markets located from the Southeastern United States all the way west to central and southern California, will experience few, if any, problems. No high passes impact access south from Durango to Interstate Highway 40. In addition, Durango is served very capably by aircraft and large interstate motor carriers. The map below helps to illustrate the location of Durango relative to other states.

Distance and Direction to Major Cities
Hwy. Miles

La Plata County’s climate is considered ideal thanks to moderate temperatures and distinctly beautiful seasons. Snowfall at the higher elevations is typically great for skiing and in the towns, such as Durango at 6,512 feet of elevation, snow removal is only an occasional chore of manageable size. In summer temperatures seldom climb above the high eighties and spring is characterized by afternoon showers which bathe the land and stimulate verdant growth. Fall brings the promise of “Indian Summer” and clear, dry, cool days – perfect for hiking or driving in the mountains to view the golden leaves of the Aspen and the dark red and orange hues of the Gamble Oaks. Winters are generally mild, sunny and dry with seldom a day of temperatures even close to zero.

Table I-1 gives climatic data on the Durango area.

TABLE I-1 CLIMATIC DATA: DURANGO, COLORADO

Solar Index: 85 percent of time sun – great solar exposure.
Only 59 days of precipitation per year.

Thanks to La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership and Indiana Reed for information on this page.