Summer

Well, what can we say. Summer is vacation time by just about everyone’s standards. And there is SOOOO much to do in Durango and Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners that we’re not even sure where to start. But here we go. Ride the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train from Durango to Silverton…a 50 mile trip aboard the bright yellow train, coal fired and plugging alongside the amazing Animas River (Los Animas Perdidas). You’ll end up in Silverton, Colorado and pretty much feel like you stepped back in time there. Dirt streets (except for one); quaint shops and popular restaurants (like Handlebars and The Golden Block Brewery and The Brown Bear) all await your lunchtime appetite and shopping gene.

Visit Mesa Verde National Park just east of Cortez and west of Mancos Colorado. Cliff dwellings from a people who lived over 1300 years ago are simply amazing in architecture and history. And there are other ruins around here too – like Chaco Canyon, The Aztec and Salmon Ruins and more. It’s pretty amazing when you witness these places. Be sure to take a moment and just breathe it in. Go for a ride! Mountain biking or horseback riding are some of the favorites. Enjoy trails your way and get out in nature (ditch your mobile phone…well…you’ll want to take pictures…put it on airplane mode). Go fish! Flyfishing along the gold medal rivers here in the southwest is pretty amazing and very “zen.” The Animas River and the San Juan River are all right here. Go BOAT! Boating on Vallecito Lake just about 30 minutes from downtown is a great way to experience a mountain lake. They rent boats at the marina there and it’s a super friendly place. You can fish there too.

Raft the Animas or other rivers. When the river flows it’s a thrill and when it’s calmer it’s also a treat. We have packages you can choose from. You’ll love it. And you can have water fights and not get in trouble. FORE! Go Golfing. Amazing linx here…and you might see a lynx (probably not but they did reintroduce them to Colorado a few years back). You will see marmonts, deer, maybe elk, foxes…and hopefully birdies! Dalton Ranch, Hillcrest and Glacier Club are all close by. Make a tee time – it gets busy. SUP? Rent paddle boards or other water sports gear for fun on the river or lakes.

JEEPERS…Creepers. You’ll love taking a jeep tour or renting a jeep or RZR  from our partners at Durango Rivertrippers. Head to the high country and see things you’re little legs can’t get you to (at least not as fast). Want some exercise? Take a hike! So many trails, so little time. There literally are thousands of places you can hike around here – long all day trips, overnight back pack trips, or quick jaunts to get your heart-rate up. Remember you are at altitude…so drink lots of water and pace yourself. LOCAL TIP: if you are headed to the wilderness and outdoors, stop by a local fishing or backpacking shop and purchase a card from Search and Rescue. It’s a good thing to have.