Durangoans already knew it, but now the

The internationally distributed news outlet highlighted the city as part of a 10-day road trip on its 10Best platform. The 1,100-mile loop route encourages visitors to travel through northern Colorado, the Western Slope and the Front Range – but particularly, to visit Durango.

“The drive to Durango is less than two hours (from Ouray), if your mountain driving is sharp,” wrote Aimee Heckel, travel expert, in the article published Jan. 28. “This road can scare folks new to cliffside cruising, but if you can calm your jitters, the views are worth the fear sweats.”

The road: The Million Dollar Highway, which draws locals and tourists for its pristine views of the San Juan National Forest.

Once visitors get to Durango, Heckel suggests staying extra time to check out the Animas River Trail, the Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa, Lake Nighthorse and Carver Brewing Co.

Or, visitors can stay an extra night to visit Silverton or embark on the only two off-loop bonus trips listed in the article: visiting Mesa Verde National Park or Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

The entire loop spans Fort Collins, Vail, Beaver Creek, Grand Junction, Ouray, Durango, Mancos, the Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Antonito, Pagosa Springs, Colorado Springs and Boulder.

Durango has been featured by USA Today before, most recently as a social distancing-friendly getaway.

It has been featured as an “undiscovered city” and ranked as a top 50 place to live.

smullane@durangoherald.com