Sponsor Listings

4 Corners Whitewater
Durango
970.259.4608
www.raft-kayak.com

Soaring Tree Top Adventures
964 County Road 200, Durango
970.769.2357
www.soaringcolorado.com
A full day Canopy Tour Adventure for all ages. Soar over a mile of cables between tree-top platforms. Enjoy a 4-course gourmet lunch in the trees.

Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs
800.693.2398/970.247.0111
www.trimblehotsprings.com
6475 CR 203 & Hwy 550N Durango, CO 81302
Durango's only geothermal hot springs and spa experience open to the public! Two mineral-rich hot pools, outdoor heated Olympic-sized swimming pool, huge lawn for picnics and tanning, and more than 20 massage and body treatments that heal, tone, and pamper. 100% natural ingredients. A stay in the Starlight Room for couples comes with private overnight access to the Red Rock Spa Pool. See website for specials.

Durango and Outdoor Recreation Go Hand-in-Hand

Mountains, forest, rivers, lakes - with 2.5 million acres of public lands in Southwest Colorado, Durango is all about recreating in the out-of-doors.

Indeed, there is truth behind the joke: "Why don't Durangoans park their cars in their garages? Because those garages are filled to brimming with all their outdoor gear - and cumulatively it's likely worth more than the vehicle."

No matter the season, Durango offers an opportunity for outdoor adventure - from a relaxing fly fishing trip on some of the finest fishing rivers in the country, to a heart-racing Jeep trek along jagged backcountry roads.

Durango, which translates as "water town" in Spanish, draws its name from the river that literally runs through it, Rio de las Animas Perdidas - the Animas River. A paved trail runs the length of the river and the town, offering a gentle venue for a stroll, run or leisurely bike ride.

On-river activities include kayaking and rafting. A host of rafting companies offer several guided trips per day, ranging in length depending on the time of year and water levels. Animas River Days celebrates the popularity of kayaking the river, and newcomers to the sport can learn in the teaching pool at Four Corners Riversports before ever setting out to conquer the "real thing." Upper stretches of the Animas are revered for its Class 4 and 5 rapids - and are suggested for only the most experienced river-runners.

The public lands surrounding Durango are filled with trails, ranging from easy to expert, and many are accessed right from town. In the height of summer, the high country fields are a sea of wildflowers.

The region's trails are also shared by mountain bikers, and Durango has earned the title of "Mountain Biking Mecca".

Because of the terrain, as well as friendliness of the community, national competitive events are regularly scheduled. Downtown cycling retailers such as Mountain Bike Specialists and Pedal the Peaks offer rental packages for those visitors who didn't happen to pack their biking gear.

Road cycling is also popular, with Durango gaining national recognition due to the annual race to Silverton against the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge. On any given day, vehicle drivers share the road with brightly-clad cyclists. A favorite ride is through the Animas Valley to Baker's Bridge - a famous location used in the filming of the movie "Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid."

Trails are horse terrain as well, and the Durango area has been said to possess the largest per capita domestic horse population in the country. It's a nod to the region's ranching and "cowboy" heritage. Fully-equipped outfitters offer guided trips to the backcountry, where the horses watch the trails, and allow their riders to keep their head in the clouds. Guided trips are also organized during the various autumn hunting seasons, luring sportsman to the woods for an ultimate challenge against nature.

With the proximity of Durango Mountain Resort (DMR), downhill skiing and snowboarding are a natural in the winter, but to truly enjoy the beauty of the backcountry draped in snow, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing have emerged as favorite pastimes. During the summer, DMR hosts a variety of outdoor activities, including the popular Alpine Slide and wildflower hikes.

Durango does have its "more traditional" outdoor activities as well - such as golf. The mountains provide an elegant backdrop for challenging rounds at any of three local courses - The Glacier Club, Dalton Ranch Golf Club or Hillcrest Golf Club.

At the end of the day, for those worn and tired muscles, Trimble Hot Springs lures with a "relaxing" adventure - a welcome soak in the naturally heated, thermal pools.