Durango is a starting point for many outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, biking, backpacking, horseback riding and camping. The San Juan Mountain Association (15 Burnett Court, phone 385-1210) is an excellent source for trail maps. Its Durango Area Recreation Map not only shows the trails between Farmington Hill and Shalona Lake, but also yields a mountain of information about these trails, such as length, difficulty, and uses allowed. There are also safety tips and rules for the use of Forest Service lands. Sporting goods stores in the area also sell topographical maps for the entire region.

The SJMA also publishes the Southwestern Colorado Public Lands Campground Guide, for anyone wishing to find a Forest Service campground. In newspaper format, full of maps and tips, this paper lists nearly 50 Forest Service campgrounds throughout the San Juan Basin. With few exceptions, off-site camping is also permitted throughout Forest Service lands. Stays are limited to 14 days in any one spot. Check with the SJMA for up-to-date fire restrictions. For those wishing a more comfy type of camping (think flush toilets), the Durango Chamber Resort Association, located in Santa Rita Park (111 South Camino del Rio, phone 247-0312) has information on about a dozen privately owned area campgrounds.

When you decide to "hit the road" 4X4 style, there are some important things to keep in mind. If you are the least bit skittish, you may find yourself in a situation that is pretty unpleasant. If you are a good driver and the tight and sometimes extreme conditions don't bother you, you will still want to be sure that your vehicle is in top mechanical condition and won't fail you. Check with the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management for road conditions. Many roads can become very slippery with even just a little rain and most especially those roads with a clay base - usually red clay. Descend from these slick roads to more secure roads if rain begins.

Almost without exception, the vehicle traveling uphill will have the right-of-way. This is common sense. That vehicle moving uphill cannot see to back down the hill, but the vehicle moving downhill can see to back UP the hill. There are times when a turnout is available and the UPHILL moving vehicle can pull into it before the vehicle moving DOWNHILL arrives at that same place. THINK. A 4X4 road is absolutely no place for "bullish" behavior. Be certain you know the rules of the road and STAY on the road. Going offroad does NOT mean off the road. Always remain on marked trails. If a trail isn't marked, it probably is because there is no way to get off the road because the terrain does not allow it.

If there has been a moderate to pretty substantial winter, most 4X4 roads are not open until well into the summer. Even the upper end of La Plata Canyon (on the way to Kennebec) can be impassable owing to roads still covered with snow from slides. Always be prepared for weather changes. Always carry plenty of water and have warm clothing along. Temperatures can change rapidly and radically.

Enjoy your 4-wheeling excursion. Have a picnic and take some pictures. The scenery is truly spectacular as you see things from your perch "on top of the world." (And, by the way, it is pretty much tradition to nod, wave or smile at the other vehicle as you pass each other going in your different directions. If the other driver doesn't do any one of those things, cross it off to some serious white-knuckled-pretty-darned-nervous-driving going on and he/she doesn't dare let go of the wheel, even with one hand, nor take his/her eyes off the road.)

The following is a list of some popular 4X4 roads in our area.

Kennebec Pass – This road is a 4,500-foot climb to just over 11,600 feet at Kennebec Pass and connects with the Colorado trail. It is very popular with both 4WD enthusiasts as well as Mtn. Bikers, who will ride their bikes from the pass down to Durango. Directions: In Hesperus turn right off of Hwy. 160 at Kennebec Café on to 124. After approximately 4.5 miles the pavement ends and the road turns to gravel. Continue on this road through Mayday and past Kroeger campground. After approximately 6.5 miles from Kennebec Café the gravel road turns into a 4WD road. The base of the road is excellent and is all that is needed to continue on as long as you have a 4WD truck or SUV. Continue straight on this road and do not turn right towards Columbus Mine or Snowstorm. You will reach the summit after approximately 15.4 miles.

Ophir Pass – From the highway junction just south of Silverton go approximately 4.8 miles on Hwy 550 towards Ouray. Turn left onto Ophir road. The majority of this road is relatively smooth and easy traveling but there are sections which are very rocky and narrow and 4WD with clearance is needed. This road will not improve for approximately 7.75 miles until you are over the pass and nearing the "town" of Ophir. At Ophir you can go north on Hwy. 145 and continue on the San Juan loop to Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray and end back at Silverton. From the beginning of Ophir road to the pass is a 2,400 foot gain.

Clear Lake – From the junction just south of Silverton head north on Hwy. 550 towards Ouray approximately 1.8 miles and turn left onto the road to Mineral Creek Campground. Continue on this dirt road for approximately 3.6 miles when you will see a road leading up on the right hand side. If you reach Mineral Creek Campground you have gone too far. This road can be steep and narrow at times and drivers should watch ahead prior to going up the narrow sections so that they do not meet another 4WD and have to back down a road with sheer drop-offs and little room for error. From Mineral Creek road it is 3 miles to the lake with an elevation increase of over 2,500 feet. This is a great road for flower lovers to view in late July.

Cinnamon Pass – Go north through downtown Silverton and turn right onto Hwy. 110 towards Animas Fork. Continue on this road approximately 11.25 miles and turn right just past Animas Fork onto the road to Cinnamon pass. Continue on the Alpine Loop Byway for approximately 14.25 miles until you reach improved roads. From the improved road it is only 10 miles north to Lake City. This road is very steep in the beginning with a 3,400-foot climb in the first 2 miles and then a 5,200-foot decline to the improved road south of Lake City.