As Southwest Colorado heats up in the coming months, the rivers and lakes of Durango are going to become hotspots for fun and relaxation. There is nothing quite like spending a day in the water soaking up those summer vibes. Hubs for water activities like the Animas River and Lake Nighthorse become the perfect place for rafting, boating, and so much more. Surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and fresh air, a day on the water is the perfect time to unwind, explore, and soak up a little adventure. Don’t know where to start? Here are 10 ways to enjoy Durango rivers and lakes.
From peaceful moments to adrenaline-pumping adventures, there are plenty of ways to splash around in Durango’s rivers and lakes this summer.
#1 Rafting
If you are looking for a family-friendly adventure that gets you splishy and splashy you might want to give rafting the Animas River a try. The Animas River offers calm, scenic floats with a mix of some white water action. The Lower Animas is an ideal spot for beginners with its fun Class II and Class III rapids. Outfitters like Mountain Waters and Durango Rivertrippers offer fun family friendly trips.
Other outfitters offer trips on the Upper Animas which challenges experienced rafters with intense Class IV and V sections. Anywhere you go on the Animas River you will be surrounded by views of the mountain scenery.
#2 Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding Durango’s waters is a fun way to slow down and enjoy the area. Local favorites are Vallecito Lake and Lake Nighthorse which offer calm, clear water along with mountain views. Local outfitters offer paddleboard rentals along with other water sports equipment.
For those feeling a little more adventurous, the calm sections of the Animas River during low CFS welcome skilled paddleboarders looking for some action. Paddleboarding is a fun time for anyone looking to get outside and float under the sun.
#3 Fishing
Another fun way to enjoy Durango’s waters is fishing its rivers and lakes. The Animas River is a solid spot for catching brown and rainbow trout, and you don’t have to go far since some of the best access is right in town. Farther out of town spots like Vallectio Lake and Lemon Reservoir are home to trout and some salmon.
If you’re up for a short drive and hike, less popular streams like Vallecito Creek are great for fly fishing. There are plenty of streams and lakes around Durango offering fishing for beginners and experienced anglers. Fishing in Durango is a great excuse to slow down, be outside, and maybe catch a few fish while you’re at it.
#4 Wakeboarding or Waterskiing
Durango offers excellent opportunities for wakeboarding and waterskiing, particularly just outside of town at Lake Nighthorse. Some local outfitters even rent out boats you can use to board and ski on Lake Nighthorse.
Other popular spots to wakeboard and waterski are Navajo Reservoir and McPhee Reservoir. Both offer gorgeous views as you glide along the water. Wakeboarding and waterskiing is an exhilarating way to get outside for both beginners, just trying it out for fun, and seasoned riders.
#5 Kayaking
Kayaking in Durango offers a wide range of experiences from gelding along mountain lakes to paddling through technical rapids. The Animas River flows right through downtown offering both tranquil stretches and heart pumping rapids.
The Lower Animas allows paddlers to navigate churning rapids like “Smelter”, “Santa Rita” and “Sawmill” with calmer sections before and after. The best part, you’re right downtown, so after your kayaking adventure you can refuel at a local restaurant.
If the rapids sound intimidating or you are looking to take it chill, Lake Nighthorse and Vallecito Lake offer serene environments and mountain views. Local outfitters like rent out kayaks that cater to both novices and seasoned paddlers. There is a wide range of kayaking adventures you can get up to in Durango, making it a fun flexible adventure for anyone.
#6 Swimming
Taking a dip in Durango’s lakes and rivers is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat and soak up the sun. A local favorite is Lake Nighthorse, just minutes from downtown, where a designated swim beach makes it easy to spend the day hanging out by the water. Lake Nighthorse is also a fun spot for the kiddos since there is a beach to play on. Vallecito Lake and Lemon Reservoir are some other local spots that offer cool, clear water and plenty of space to relax.
Another favorite spot is Oxbow Park and Preserve which is the north most access point in town for the Animas River. The winding curves of the river slow the water down and make it a perfect spot to swim around.
#7 Boating
Boating on Durango’s lakes is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer sun and soak in gorgeous scenery. Only three lakes in the area allow powerboating, Navajo Reservoir, McPhee Reservoir, and the popular Lake Nighthorse.
No powerboat, no problem! You can also go cruising on a pontoon boat in designated areas of Lake Nighthorse and other alpine spots like Vallecito Lake which offers rentals in the summer.
If you are powerboating make sure you follow local regulations, including mandatory boat inspections to prevent the spread of aquatic species. Whatever you are doing, be it fishing, watersports, or simply cruising, Durango’s lakes are bound to be a boatload of fun.
#8 Tubing or Floating
Tubing down the Animas River is a favorite summer activity to many. A common route starts at the Durango Recreation Center, where you can fill up your tube, and takes you all the way down to the 9th Street take-out at Scheider Park.
It is important to check river flow levels before you head out since tubing is recommended when flows are below 800 cubic feet per second. For a safer experience when tubing be aware of cold water temperatures, rapids, and changing weather.
If the water is too high you can also go tubing at local lakes and reservoirs around Durango. Don’t have a tube? Later in the summer local outfitters will offer tube rentals, making it easy to get out on the water. Tubing and floating Durango’s rivers and lakes is a relaxing way to enjoy Durango’s natural beauty.
#9 E-Foiling
E-foiling is an exciting water sport where you glide over the water on an electric hydrofoil surfboard. This thrilling sport offers a sensation akin to flying and is only available at Lake Nighthorse.
Where do you even get started?
Southwest Foils in downtown Durango has you covered. They provide everything you need, lessons, rentals, and tours for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Their compressive sessions include ground and on water instruction ensuring a safe yet exhilarating experience. You don’t need to be a novice foiler to have fun and glide on the area’s scenic waters.
#10 Bird and Wildlife Watching
Durango offers abundant opportunities for bird and wildlife watching, thanks to its diverse landscape. On the Animas River Trail downtown you might see waterfowl like mallards and ruddy ducks. La Plata Canyon, northwest of Durango, is home to magnificent animals such as elk and bighorn sheep.
A great spot to sit back and watch for birds is Perins Peak State Wildlife Area. Here you might see some great horned owls, black-chinned hummingbirds, and Colorado’s state bird the lark bunting. Right in town there is Oxbow Park and Preserve which is a sanctuary for various birds and home to blooming wildflowers in the summer. Bird and wildlife watching is a great way to get out and see all the scenic spots Durango has to offer. And it's a fun family friendly activity that might even get the kids excited.
Conclusion
Summer in Durango is always a splashing success!
Enjoying Durango’s rivers and lakes means a day full of peaceful paddles and high-speed thrills. With so many ways to enjoy the water, it’s easy to fill your summer days with kayaking at Vallecito Lake, rafting the Animas River, relaxing on a calm float, and so much more. Maybe you want to fish for trout or maybe you want to try something new like E-Foiling. Whatever your speed, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the water in Durango. Make sure you bring a towel, or two!
