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Colorado is often referred to as the Rocky Mountain state, evoking images of high alpine meadows, world class ski areas and John Denver songs. However, there are also many areas of rugged, high desert terrain, wide fields of prairie grasses, fruit trees, alfalfa and hay, and numerous, ancient archeological sites dating back a thousand years.
Durango is located in such a diverse region. Within an hour you can be 4 wheeling up a 13,000' mountain peak, paddling your kayak down the Animas River, enjoying the unbroken vistas of red, slick rocks and scrub brush on foot or bike, or skiing down the well groomed slopes of Purgatory Ski Area. Public lands are not only diverse and fascinating, but plentiful. Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, mountain biking, backpacking, horseback riding, hang gliding, cross country skiiing, snowshoeing, 4 wheeling, are just a few of the sports you can enjoy in this area. For the photographer, artist, writer, and musician there are endless opportunities to capture the creative spirit.
Downtown Durango has been succesful, unlike so many modern towns, to retain its historic architectural integrity. Many buildings that house the numerous unique shops and restaurants are well over 100 years old and still maintain their proud and rugged facades of stone and brick. The usual souvenir shops are in evidence, but are well out-numbered by the kind of businesses that the average, local resident would also frequent, such as quality furniture stores, outdoor sporting goods, art galleries, office supply, and the small town diners where the locals meet and greet. Numerous street fairs occur each year, including the not to be missed "Taste of Durango," at which you can taste the best of the many wonderful restaurants in the area. River rats flock to the annual kayaker's rodeo which takes place along the Animas River and concludes at Santa Rita Park, just 2 miles south of town. In the summer months you can attend the local professional rodeo every Tuesday night at the fair grounds, practically in the center of town.
The La Plata and San Juan mountain ranges add to the skyline to the north and west, while unbroken expanses open up to the south toward New Mexico. One of the most fabulous and popular tourist attractions is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad.. This historic steam engine train runs daily, traveling almost 100 miles roundtrip from Durango to the old mining town of Silverton, along a breathtaking route following the Animas river. If the scenery doesn't impress you, then the engineering feat that made it possible certainly will.
Winters are full of outdoor opportunities as well. If you don't ski, you can rent snowshoes, snowmobiles,or cross country skis. Horse drawn sleighs are available for dashing through the snow, and will even take you to a country house for dinner. Purgatory is perfect for families and first time skiers. They even offer an Adaptive Sports Program for teaching all levels of the handicapped to ski. For the truly adventurous, snow cat skiing is available for those wanting to ski or snowboard a truly fresh expanse of snow in the back country.
For a visit or change of residency, this corner of southwest Colorado is truly worth exploring. I did and I stayed!
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