The Apple Orchard Inn is for travelers who would rather wake up to birdsong than traffic. It is a small bed and breakfast style inn in the Animas Valley, a few miles north of downtown Durango, where the valley opens into meadows, horse pastures and orchards beneath the San Juan Mountains. The main house and cottages are the kind of lodging that rewards a slower trip: private entrances in some rooms, gardens to sit in, a quiet setting and a host-run feel that large hotels cannot match. It suits couples, anniversary trips and anyone who wants to combine a Durango visit, with its train, river and Main Avenue dining, with a more peaceful night's sleep away from the busiest streets.
Because this is a small inn, the experience depends on the details. Rooms and cottages vary in size, layout and style, and some have features such as a fireplace, a private patio or a kitchenette, so read the descriptions carefully and ask questions before you book. Breakfast is often a highlight at inns of this type, and it can be a good way to meet other travelers, but arrangements and dietary options differ, so check when you book. Quiet hours, check-in times and pet policies also vary more than at big hotels.
The location is a trade-off. You gain peace, mountain views and a gentle valley setting, and the Animas River Trail and nearby paths are good for walks or rides. You give up the ability to walk to Main Avenue, so plan to drive or ride into town for dinner and for the narrow gauge depot.
For many guests that is an easy choice: it is a short trip in a small town, and the return to a quiet inn at the end of the evening feels like part of the vacation. In winter, check road conditions, because snow can affect the valley road.
Timing matters. Summer and early autumn are the busiest seasons, and a small inn with a limited number of rooms can book out well ahead, particularly on weekends and holidays. Spring and late fall are quieter and sometimes cheaper, and winter has a snug, snowy charm. At about 6,500 feet, the air is dry, so bring water, lip balm and sun protection.
If you want a hotel with a restaurant, a fitness room and front desk services all day, a larger property is a better fit; if you want a gentle, personal retreat close to town, this kind of inn can be the most memorable place to stay. Rates, rules and facilities change, so check when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Small country inn setting
- ✓Garden and outdoor seating
- ✓Breakfast (check arrangements when you book)
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Parking on site
- ✓Quiet valley location
- ✓Near the Animas River Trail
- ✓Rooms and cottages (types vary)
Good questions
Where is the Apple Orchard Inn?+
In the Animas Valley, a few miles north of downtown Durango.
Is it good for couples?+
Yes, small inns like this suit couples looking for a quiet, personal stay. Check room features when you book.
Do I need a car?+
Most guests drive or ride into town, since downtown is not a walking distance from the valley.
