Lodging in Durango and Pagosa Springs, Colorado
There are a number of lodging alternatives, from luxury hotels to budget motels to formal campgrounds to (free) camping in the mountains. One of the best places I found to stay was the Durango Hostel (543 E. 2nd Ave., Durango, 970-247-9905, 5-10pm check in, no lock out). The Durango Hostel sits in a great location in the center of town, near a plethora of restaurants and bars. It is a little run down and rustic, but only cost 12-15 USD per night. There is a common kitchen and somewhat antiquated bathroom, but the friendly hippy managers more than make up for the lack of facilities.
The rustic Durango
Hostel
The cheapest hotels in the area include the Econolodge and the Rodeway Inn, both
run about 35 USD per night in the summers (high season). These generic chains are
clean and offer a room with private bath. They are on the North end of town –
a bit further away from the happenings on Main Street on the South end.
There is a free campground close to town. Junction Creek Campground has designated camping spaces and is well marked. Take a left at 15th street, the road turns into Junction Street, then Junction Creek Road. It’s only a few miles from Main Street.
Free camping
at Junction Creek
More free camping is located near Pagosa Springs. Just East of town is route 84;
drive South, one quarter mile then take a left at Mill Creek Road. It’s four
and one half miles from the Mill Creek Road turnoff to the border of the National
Forest. Once inside National Forest land, you can make your own campsite or use
one of the established, but unmarked sites.
Food in Durango and Pagosa Springs, Colorado
There are an abundance of restaurants throughout the region, specializing in all
kinds of food, from the traditional southwestern cuisine, to Mexican, Chinese, American,
Barbecue, and anything else you can think of.
The Rolling Pin Bakery Cafe in Pagosa Springs (970-264-2255) offers delicious homemade
food, big portions and a country ambience. They are open from 7am – 2pm every
day and serve breakfast and lunch items. A decent meal will run about 5-10 USD.
One of the many coffeehouses in Durango is the Catalyst (2nd and College, 970-385-4041). It’s conveniently located half a block from the hostel. Their colorful chalkboard menu displays breakfast and lunch including bagel sandwiches, burritos and wraps. The portions are large, greasy and fantastic. A meal will run about 7 USD.
More mountains
of Southwest Colorado
The Durango Bagel is located next to the train station on 5th Street (970-385-7297).
Their menu is basic, but the bagels are good and their prices are cheaper than the
Catalyst. The drawback is the lack of seating, so it’s best for take-out food.
A good option for lunch is Johnny McGuires, offering sub sandwiches that are huge,
fresh and only 7 USD. These sandwiches are so big that you can make a couple meals
out of them. They’re located on Main Street, a couple blocks from the train
station.
If you want pizza, head to Farquarhts (located on Main Street) for the best pizza pie in town.
Southwest
Colorado 
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