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Frequently Asked Questions - Recreation

fishing in Durango
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Recreation

1. Where is the best place in Durango to watch kayakers?
Smelter Rapid in Santa Rita Park

2. Where can I take a guided hike?
Mesa Verde National Park, www.nps.gov/meve/ or through Durango Nature Studies, www.durangonaturestudies.org, or through Colorado Mountain Expeditions, www.coloradoexpeditions.com. Visit their websites for details.

3. Are there any 14ers in this area?
Mt. Eolus, Sunlight Peak, and Windom Peak, all of which are climbable and located in the Weminuche wilderness area. To learn more about these peaks and other Colorado 14ers visit www.colorado14ers.com.

4. What type of fish is most common in the Animas River?
Trout

5. Where can a fishing license be purchased?
Division of Wildlife offices located at 151 E. 16th, also at fishing retail stores and sporting goods stores throughout town.

6. Where are the 3 disc golf courses located?
Fort Lewis College, Durango Mountain Resort and Colorado Timberline Academy.

7. Where can I go night skiing?
Hesperus Ski Resort, 15 minutes west of town on Hwy 160.

8. What golf courses are in Durango and how many holes does each course have?
Dalton Ranch boasts an 18-hole, championship golf course just 6 miles north of town; call 970-247-8774 for more information. Hillcrest Golf Club, also 18 holes, sits on top of the mesa at Fort Lewis College and is available by calling 970-247-1499.

9. What is the name of the four-wheel drive loop that will take you to Lake City and where can I download a map?
The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway is a scenic route through the San Juans. You can find a detailed map at www.byways.org/travel/byway.html?CX_BYWAY=2105

10. Where can I find hiking trails in the Durango Area?
For a map of the San Juan National Forest visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan, or stop by the Visitor Center at Santa Rita Park for a list of local hikes.

11. Which four-wheel drive pass will take you to Telluride?
There are two different passes that will take you along a four-wheel drive path to Telluride: Ophir and Imogene.

12. Are there any recreation centers in Durango?

Community Recreation Center
2700 Main Ave. (970) 375-7300
Family emphasis - Gym, lap pool, leisure pool, indoor track, racquetball,
fitness, game room, baby-sitting, meeting room, Parks and Recreation
Administrative offices.

Durango Sports Club
1600 Florida Rd. (970) 259-2579
Full service health club, swimming pool, massage, physical therapy services.

13. What are the 3 nearest state parks?
Mancos, Navajo Lake, and Ridgway

14. Which forest service campground is the closest to town?
Junction Creek, 5 miles northwest of Durango

15. Under what circumstances do I need a permit to camp in the wilderness area?
Only if you are receiving payment for leading people into the backcountry.

16. Where can I obtain a National Parks Pass?
At any National Park or any REI store.

 

17. Where is the nearest marina and how far is it from Downtown Durango?
Vallecito Reservoir, just 22 miles north of Durango. For more information visit www.vallecitolakechamber.com

18. How far away from the backcountry lakes should we be for camping?
At least 200ft.

19. What are the different types of hunting seasons for deer and elk?
Archery, Muzzleloading, and 4 Rifle Seasons.

 

20. Do I need to register my ATV for use on public lands?
Yes, at the Public Lands Office in the Durango Tech Center off of Hwy 160 West.

21. What are the names of the two trailheads where the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad stops for backpackers?
Needleton and Elk Park

22. Where can you find a handicapped accessible trail?
The Animas River Trail, a paved trail which runs along the Animas River or the Animas Overlook, an 8 mile trail on gravel which ends off of 25th Street West 10 miles from Main Avenue.

23. What is the name of the 28-mile stretch of dangerous whitewater between Silverton and Rockwood?
Upper Animas River, the same river that becomes friendlier and meanders through Downtown Durango.

24. Where is the alpine slide, when is it open and how far is it from Downtown Durango?
The slide is located at Durango Mountain Resort, 25 minutes north of Downtown. It is open from Father's Day through Labor Day. You can learn more about this and other DMR summer activities at www.durangomountainresort.com/purgsummer or call 1-800-982-6103.

25. Where is the nearest Forest Service office?
Burnett Dr. off Highway 160 West in the Durango Tech Center

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Durango Area Tourism Office, 111 S. Camino del Rio, Durango, Colorado 81302

Durango is located in Southwest Colorado and boasts 300 days of sunshine a year. Come explore our local attractions such as Mesa Verde National Park, Vallecito Lake and Historic Downtown. Enjoy a day at Durango Mountain Resort or a train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Fish on the Animas or play golf on one of our many courses. Durango has something for everyone.
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