This National Park is a must-see! The cliff dwellings inhabited by the ancestral Pueblo people show part of the rich history of indigenous people in southwestern Colorado.
Ande and I have climbed Engineer a number of times and we love it! It is about 7 miles out-and-back to the summit, so you can turn around whenever you like. The wildflowers at the meadows below the summit bloc are unparalleled, and July is peak season. NOTE: Only very confident hikers or climbers should attempt to summit, as there is 4th-class scrambling with significant exposure just before the top.
The River Trail is a great place to get out and see the beautiful Animas River from the comfort of town. Dip your toes in the river at any number of spots along the path, or drive a little north to visit Oxbow park to swim.
There are lots of fun things to do at Purg even in the summer! You can go on the alpine slide, take a hike, or just ride the lift and enjoy the views.
For those that want a more relaxed day before or after the wedding, but still want to see the gorgeous La Plata mountains, the train is a great option. There are several lengths of rides you can take through the wilderness between Durango and Silverton, ranging from a few hours to all day.