Durango, Colorado is well known for our many outdoor recreation opportunities. From being a mountain biking mecca, to skiing/boarding at Purgatory Ski Resort, to hundreds of miles of trails in town and nearby, and the Animas River flowing through town, the possibilities are endless. In addition to all of these great activities, public parks and green spaces are also a part of our outdoor attractions. Many of these are city run and host a variety of amenities like playgrounds, basketball and sand volleyball courts, picnic areas, music events and more.
Buckley Park
Perhaps one of the most well known parks in Durango, Buckley Park is in downtown Durango on Main Street filling the entire east side of the 12th block. There is a rock garden, benches, and trees for shade or slacklining. The large grassy field is popular for frisbee, bike polo, and even sledding in the winter time. Many community events are hosted here and the city Christmas tree is lit here every year.
Schneider Park
Bordering the west side of the Animas River just off of 9th Street and about 3 blocks from Main Ave., this in town park hosts the city’s skatepark, large grassy areas with some great shady areas, a swing set, and recently added pickle ball courts. The Animas River Trail follows along the eastern border, between the park and the river. Just south of the park, across the 9th Street Bridge, there is easy river access.
Rotary Park
Tucked a block off of Main Ave. and 15th Street, Rotary Park is most known for the lovely gazebo and views of the Animas River. This park is at a crossroad on the Animas River Trail which makes it easily accessible, and many events are held here throughout the year. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks run close to this park making it an excellent spot to see the train go by. The grassy hill and mature landscaping add to this relaxing park.
Overend Park / Etta Ridge
This 300+ acre park is ideal for a fun filled mountain bike ride or hike. Adjacent to BLM land, the high point is nearly 7,500 feet in elevation and home to the well maintained, mostly singletrack trails of Overend Mountain Park.. Bordering the Crestview neighborhood on the west side of town, there are many access points to this trail system. This area includes Hogsback, the smaller ridge in front of Perins Peak which is visible from most parts of town.
Horse Gulch & Grandview Ridge
Horse Gulch is one of the largest in town trail systems encapsulated in over 1,500 acres on the east side of town. Multiple access points and well maintained trails makes this area an ideal place to mountain bike, hike, or dog walk. The views from the top are amazing, especially looking west over town at the La Plata Mountains. Heading south, there are trails that connect into the Grandview Ridge park which adds another 1,500 acres to explore.
Santa Rita Park
One of the largest parks in Durango, Santa Rita Park stretches nearly half a mile along the Animas River, just south of downtown Durango. There are lots of amenities here including a large playground, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, and river put in/take out. A can’t miss event here is the annual Animas River Days festivities which include rafting, kayaking, SUPing (stand up paddleboarding), and more fun-filled events at the White Water Park here.
Oxbow Park and Preserve
Oxbow Park is an amazing river access park on the north side of town. Serving as the northernmost point of the Animas River Trail, this park also hosts a beach area, boat put in ramp, and picnic areas along the river. This section of the river is generally very mellow making it an easy place to swim and paddle board.
Dog Park
Don’t forget about our furry friends! The Durango Dog Park is the only off leash park in the area. Nestled at the base of Smelter Mountain, there is plenty of room for dogs to run, play fetch, and play in the river to cool off.
There are many additional parks throughout Durango ready to be explored and enjoyed. Neighborhoods like Edgemont, Durango West 1 & 2, Skyridge, Twin Buttes, and Three Springs have additional parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Max or Deven about the green spaces and residential neighborhoods in Southwest Colorado.
Post courtesy of TheDurangoTeam.
