Outdoor Recreation

Local Fourteeners
Jul17

Local Fourteeners

As we all find creative ways to explore and practice social distancing, we are continually grateful to live in a place that offers space and distance for adventures. One of Colorado’s unique features is our Fourteeners—Peaks above 14,000 feet. Colorado has roughly 58 of these beautiful peaks, and we live close to a few. One of the local favorites is Handes Peak. It’s only a couple hours’ drive from Durango, and it’s easy and...

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Our Lovely Local Animas River
Jun24

Our Lovely Local Animas River

One of our favorite features about Durango is the Animas River, as it runs through the middle of town. For years, this river has provided a variety of outdoor adventures. According to this article on the Duranglers website, “The Animas River is the major stream draining the high alpine terrain of the Needle Mountains. It heads in small meadows on the flanks of Cinnamon Mountain north of Silverton, then plunges through wild canyons as...

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Purgatory Opens for Summer Activities!
Jun16

Purgatory Opens for Summer Activities!

June 20 marks an exciting day for Durango—Purgatory opens for the summer season! Each year, Purgatory hosts several fun activities for locals and tourists alike, and we are excited to see 2020 is no exception. Of course, most people know it as our local ski resort, but summertime is also a fun time to enjoy the outdoors at Purgatory. There is a morning session and an afternoon session available to help minimize crowds. The Alpine...

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Durango Continues to Provide Outdoor Outlets Amid Crisis
May08

Durango Continues to Provide Outdoor Outlets Amid Crisis

It’s a true blessing to be living in Durango during these times. We have beautiful scenery, great warm spring/summer weather, and access to the great outdoors close by. But what, exactly, is open, and what is closed? We aim to help! Here is an update of current In-Town outdoor closures/openings from the City Of Durango: City of Durango open space, parks and trails are OPEN. Residents are encouraged to continue hiking, biking,...

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Tee Time – Golfing Allowed With COVID-19 Restrictions
Apr16

Tee Time – Golfing Allowed With COVID-19 Restrictions

GOOD NEWS… Hillcrest Golf Course right in-town town re-opened to the public on April 7th with COVID-19 restriction in place to allow golfers a safe outdoor activity. http://www.golfhillcrest.com/ Dalton Ranch, just 6 miles north of town, golf course is now open (Clubhouse is closed) with restrictions in place. Call 970-247-8774 to pre-pay tee time and review restrictions. https://www.daltonranch.com/golf The Glacier Club’s...

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Silverton Skijoring This Weekend!
Feb11

Silverton Skijoring This Weekend!

President’s Day Weekend is upon us and Silverton—our neighboring town—hosts one of the most unique events all winter: Skijoring. This fantastic event comprises of a horse or motorcycle pulling a person on skis holding onto a rope down the middle of the snow-filled street. There are jumps and rings the rider catches on batons, and the rider goes around 35 miles per hour. Does that sound crazy? It’s pretty unique! The event is presented...

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Not So Hidden Gem – The Pinkerton Hot Springs
Jan31

Not So Hidden Gem – The Pinkerton Hot Springs

Driving north from Durango on the incredibly scenic HWY 550 you will find countless beautiful sights. Just before Hermosa there lies a natural wonder wrapped in obscure history. The Pinkerton Hot Springs is fantastic rock formation; painted with vibrant yellows and deep oranges. Only adding to its wonder is the story of James Pinkerton and his magical bottled spring water. Find out more and read the full history here:...

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Ride the Rockies Cycling Tour 2020
Jan15

Ride the Rockies Cycling Tour 2020

In its 35th year, The Denver Post Ride the Rockies Cycling Tour will start June 14 in Durango. After a 418-mile clockwise loop that will feature 28,484 feet of climbing, the non-competitive ride that features 2,500 participants will finish in Durango on June 19.     On June 14th, riders on a 73-mile loop starting and ending in Durango with a pass through Ignacio, Bayfield and Vallecito.  The second day will travel from...

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Durango – “Hallmark” winter wonderland
Jan03

Durango – “Hallmark” winter wonderland

Durango is making national news because of our “Hallmark” winter wonderland.  Take a look at The Washington Post’s excerpt,   “Welcome to Durango, a town so lovely in the wintertime that its website says it could be the best time of year to visit. You see this from the moment you arrive. In the background: the San Juan Mountains under a blanket of snow. In the foreground: cozy locals bundled up in lounge chairs around fire pits...

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McDonald’s Twilight Nights Race Series
Dec27

McDonald’s Twilight Nights Race Series

If you are into Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, or fat biking, you will want to be a part of this exciting series of races at Purgatory Resort.  It’s the Twilight Nights series, presented by our friends at McDonald’s and organized by the Durango Nordic Center. Headlamps required! Twilight Nights is not your typical Wednesday night out.  Set at the base of Purgatory Resort, this short track race series is for nordic skiers, fat bikers,...

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“Top of Purgatory” Nordic Race
Nov16

“Top of Purgatory” Nordic Race

Date: December 14, 2019 Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Purgatory Resort We are bringing Nordic and Snowshoe racing to the top of Purgatory Resort!  This race course will begin just above the top of Lift 1 and follow the power line trail out towards the back side of the mountain.  You will experience gorgeous terrain that is hardly ever touched by skiers. Your entry fee to the race will include a single uplift to get you on the lift. ...

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Christmas Tree Train
Nov10

Christmas Tree Train

Create a new family memory! Ride the Cascade Canyon Train and cut your own Christmas Tree to be hauled back to Durango on the steam train! Ride the regular Cascade Canyon Train but come prepared to cut your own Christmas Tree to be hauled back to Durango on the steam train! Maybe this will be a romantic couples day to choose your first Christmas tree together. Maybe a Family Day with mittens and hot chocolate for everyone! “The...

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Purgatory – Opening Day November 23rd
Oct24

Purgatory – Opening Day November 23rd

Come celebrate the first day of Purgatory Resort’s 54th season!  Join us for the traditional celebration at 9am as the first chair of the season starts spinning!  We will have other festivities as well throughout the day.

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How Much do you Know About the Durango Train?
Sep06

How Much do you Know About the Durango Train?

Founded in 1881, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the must see attractions in Durango, CO.  The rail station is in the heart of downtown and Durangoans are familiar with the sight of the iron engine chugging out of the station near Main Street, steam billowing from it’s stack into the cool morning sky. The Iron Horse of Durango has been carrying passengers since 1882 and beginning in 1951 was promoted...

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Haviland Lake to Be Drained This Fall
Aug29

Haviland Lake to Be Drained This Fall

The Haviland Lake dam and outlet are in need of repair, so Colorado Parks & Wildlife plans to drain the lake following Labor Day. Get out your pole (and fishing license) no bag limit for now! _

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Muck & Mire Mud Adventure Race presented by TBK Bank
Jul19

Muck & Mire Mud Adventure Race presented by TBK Bank

Date: August 3, 2019 Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm Location: Purgatory Resort Get muddy and conquer the obstacles on this adventure race that is fun for the whole family.  This is one of Purgatory’s most popular events of the year. This mud run has more than 20 great obstacles, tons of mud, and the most amazing scenery of any mud run around! Register Here! Presenting Sponsor Huge thanks to TBK Bank, our presenting sponsor! The “Muddy...

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Mountain Archery Festival
Jul06

Mountain Archery Festival

Join us for the inaugural Mountain Archery Festival at Purgatory Resort! Date: July 12, 2019 to July 14, 2019 Where: Purgatory Resort We have been wanting to bring an archery festival to Durango for a long time and it is finally happening. Details & Registration! The festival will include various courses and competition formats over three days, including: Pope & Young course Train To Hunt course Kirsch course Kryptek course...

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Motorbike Safety Tips Ahead Of The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally
Jul02

Motorbike Safety Tips Ahead Of The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally

The streets of Durango come alive over Labor Day weekend, as motorcycles from all over the country rally together for a trip along the Million Dollar Highway. The event kicks off at the Harley Davidson Durango shop, and live entertainment and great food naturally accompany the event. Every day of the weekend has something special, such as the Silverton Poker Chip Run, the Hot Bike Chopper Show, and a Hooligan Dirt Dash. While event...

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Purgatory Summer Fun
Jun28

Purgatory Summer Fun

Purgatory Resort is well known in Durango for its plethora of winter activities, but did you know there’s a full set of activities for summer fun, as well? It’s a place you can stop for a little while, the full day, or longer! The Alpine Slide is a longtime favorite—visitors can ride the chairlift to the top and take in the beautiful Colorado views, then slide down the track at your preferred speed.  If the slide doesn’t appeal, the...

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High Water Offers Rare Experiences
Jun21

High Water Offers Rare Experiences

High water on the Animas River has created the best rafting season in more than 10 years, and it’s opened parts of the river south of Durango that’s rarely passable.

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