Outdoor Adventures
Go wild in Colorado's rugged wonderland

Campgrounds | Water Sports | Lakes & Reservoirs | Rivers & Creeks | Off-Road | Resources | Motorcycle Rides | NORBA

Lanterns glow inside tents

DURANGO AREA CAMPGROUNDS

Cayton Campground - 6 miles northeast of Rico on Colorado 145 (San Juan Skyway), about 43 miles from Dolores. Entrance is ½ mile east of the highway on the Barlow Creek Road (Forest Rd. 578).

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN WATER ADVENTURE

Vallecito kayaking

The Animas River (as it is known today) flows through town and was named by Spanish explorers in 1776, who called it Rio de las Animas Perdidas, meaning the River of Lost Souls. Today, the river is enjoyed by kayakers, rafters, fishermen and bikers and walkers along the Animas River Trail. When the trail is completed it will run without interruption from 32nd Street to the Wal-Mart shopping area.

Little or no experience …

Canoes and "Duckies" (inflatables) offer fun for late summer floats in the Animas Valley. They are also excellent choices for paddling around on Electra Lake and/or Vallecito Lake. Local rentals are available, so give it a try! Guided raft trips through numerous local rafting companies are also great options for people of all ages.

More challenging …

How about taking some kayaking classes, parent-child style? Although no experience is required, and any number of children can be included, there will be some fun things to learn. You and your child(ren) will start off in pools, advance to lakes and then work your way up to the river – all in a matter of days! It's safe and you'll learn a skill to enjoy in the future. (This program is offered in Durango by 4 Corners Riversports only.)

Most challenging …

For our area's most challenging river experience, the Upper Animas overnight raft trip would fit that bill. It is a 20-mile adventure. The Upper Animas is a Class 4 & 5 world-class wilderness whitewater experience. This is NOT recommended for a first-time rafting experience. Anyone doing the Upper Animas with a professional guide must be physically fit enough to meet the tour guide's criteria. A swimming test in cold, whitewater will be required, so be prepared to prove you can do it.

DURANGO-AREA LAKES & RESERVOIRS

The Four Corners offers some of the best public fishing in the nation. Many of the lakes and streams have sections that are not open to public access. Make sure that you obtain permission before you fish on private property. Also, regulations for lakes and rivers vary from lake-to-lake and from sections of the same river so make sure that you read the regulations before fishing. In general the daily bag limit is four for trout with a possession limit of 8. There are some sections of area creeks and rivers which are catch-and-release only. A fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older and can be obtained at a sporting goods or fishing store and at some grocery stores. There are hundreds of more lakes open to fishing than are listed in this section. We have featured only a few of the lakes that have easy access without a need to hike.

Vallecito Reservoir - Vallecito is the largest reservoir in the area with both camping, cabins and boat rentals available. Primary fish that anglers will catch are pike, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass and trout. Motorized boats are allowed. To get there: Take County Road 240 east of Durango to Vallecito Road, which leads to the dam, about 23 miles. Vallecito is the largest reservoir in the area with full services.

Potato "Spud" Lake - Follow Highway 550 north past Cascade Village and turn right onto Lime Creek Road, to the parking area about 3 miles down the road. Take the 1/2 mile hike to the lake.

Haviland Lake - The lake is easily accessible by people of all ages and there are excellent camping facilities for both tent and RV campers. The lake is stocked with trout. To get there: Take Highway 550 north about 17 miles, between Rockwood and Durango Mountain Resort. Turn right at the Rapp Guide Service stable. Camping. No motorized boats.

Jackson Reservoir - Jackson is located just north of the town of Mancos on Forest Service road 561. Follow the West Mancos Road to the reservoir which is part of the Mancos State Recreation Area. This is a great picnic and fishing spot for the entire family.

Andrews Lake, Molas & Little Molas Lakes - These lakes are located within a couple of miles of each other at Molas Pass on Highway 550N between Durango and Silverton. All three offer an alpine lake fishing experience without the need for a strenuous hike or 4WD vehicle. These lakes are stocked with trout and offer great fishing for fishermen of all ages. Only flies and lures can be used at Little Molas Lake.

McPhee Reservoir - McPhee has over 50 miles of shoreline that stretch west and north from the town of Dolores. It is only a 10 minute drive to McPhee from Cortez. The Department of Wildlife reported that the catch ratio per man hour at McPhee is the best in Southwest Colorado. McPhee offers fishing for trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass and even crappie. McPhee has over 50 miles of shoreline that stretch west and north from the town of Dolores. It is only a 10 minute drive to McPhee from Cortez.

Echo Lake - Located approximately 5 miles from Pagosa Springs on Highway 84 this lake has easy access and offers excellent fishing for trout, bass, perch, and catfish. This is a good family fishing lake because you can use worms as bait. From Durango, reach Pagosa Springs along Highway 160 East, then go 4 miles south on Highway 84.

RIVERS & CREEKS

Animas River - This river flows from Silverton through the town of Durango and into New Mexico. This river offers excellent trophy fishing - especially for brown trout. Specific areas are Gold Medal Waters and much of the Animas north and south of Durango runs through private property without public access. The best fishing is generally south of Durango.

Lower San Juan River below the damn in New Mexico is the most famous of the rivers in the region and is considered the premiere river in the lower 48 states. This river can be difficult to fish and it is highly suggested that you hire a guide to avoid frustration. Clearly posted regulations are posted for different sections of the river. From the south end of Durango, take US 160/550 south. In 5 miles, bear right onto US 550 south, heading toward Aztec. Continue 35 miles, crossing the New Mexico border, to Aztec, then turn left onto New Mexico 173. In 20 miles, again turn left onto NM 511.

Hermosa Creek - Take Highway 550 north to Hermosa, about 11 miles. Turn left onto Lower Hermosa Road and travel about 4 miles. The creek flows along the same path as Hermosa Creek Trail and joins the Animas River just south of Hermosa, or enter from Hermosa Meadows Road.

Lime Creek - Take Highway 550 north, about 27 miles, just past Cascade Village. Turn right onto Lime Creek Road. Travel for a few miles until you begin to see the creek. The upper entrance to the creek may be found by traveling further north on Highway 550, ascending Coal Bank Pass. The entrance for the north end of Lime Creek Road will be on the right.

Upper San Juan River runs through the town of Pagosa Springs and offers easy access and excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout. The East and West Forks for the San Juan are accessible by traveling east of Pagosa Springs on Highway 160.

Upper Dolores River - Take Highway 160 to Mancos and turn North on Hwy. 184 and travel approximately 18 miles to Dolores. There is public fishing access in Dolores and along Hwy. 145 towards Rico. This river offers good trout fishing.

Mineral Creek - Is accessed in Silverton and offers primarily brook trout fishing for the entire family. The Creek is most easily fished from the Mineral Creek Campground road located just northwest of Silverton on Highway 550 N. Travel on Highway 550 north to Silverton, about 50 miles, and begin ascending Red Mountain Pass. Mineral Creek runs parallel to the road for several miles.

Piedra River - The Piedra River is located between Pagosa Springs and Bayfield on Highway 160. From Pagosa you will travel approximately 20 miles west and special regulations apply on the stretch of the river. The Piedra offers excellent fishing for brown, rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout. This is a river that may be difficult for young children to fish.

HIT THE OFF-ROADS FOR A THRILLING RIDE

View from 4x4 road near Ophir Pass

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 and closures.

The following two passes are often used as a 4X4-loop drive going in to and out of Telluride. You can start in Ouray or Silverton and return to your starting point by making this "loop." (Neither road is one-way.) We are describing the route starting in Silverton.

Ophir Pass Trail (Moderate) Even locals agree that the turn-off to the left (west) to Ophir Pass from Highway 550 is poorly marked, so your best bet is to get specifics and/or a map from a professional 4X4 tour guide in Silverton. It is FR (forest road) 679. Be prepared, as usual, for spectacular scenery to provide photo opportunities. The rocky terrain covers a total of 9.64 miles and finally descends to Highway 145 which leads in to Telluride. You may want to spend a little time in Telluride with its towering peaks on three sides. Snag a local and get the name of the street and directions to it to find the beginning of the second part of the loop over Imogene. Total distance: 9.64 miles. Season: June-October

Imogene Pass Trail (Moderate) Now that a Telluride local has got you directed through some quaint residential streets you will begin your ascent to Imogene Pass (FR 869). Traffic can be surprisingly heavy, but be patient. It's not too bad. If you're the lucky one who gets to ride and not be doing the driving, keep your camera handy. You'll be climbing to 12,144 feet and see breathtaking vistas. You'll encounter plenty of slag-type rocks and you'll maybe even see a northern exposure slope with snow that is being enjoyed by enthusiastic, die-hard skiers and boarders who 4-wheeled to that locale. When you see that, you'll have made it "up and over." Many locals agree that the descent down toward Camp Bird brings with it a totally different look from the ascent from Telluride. Here, majestic trees begin to soften the scenery and there is kind of "magical" mountain spirit. (Something you may wish to keep in mind for another time is a trip up into Yankee Boy Basin from Ouray. It is an indescribable spot.) Total distance: 11.78 miles; Season: July-September.

Black Bear Pass Trail (Difficult) The turn-off from 550 for Black Bear Pass is just before the summit of Red Mountain Pass, but you probably should get specific directions in Silverton from a professional 4X4 tour guide. The turn is to the left (west) and you will be on FR 648 and will complete the route in Telluride. Black Bear is for experienced, skillful drivers with a vehicle that "fits" the narrowness and that is properly modified with heavy-duty tires and suspension. (If you don't know what this means, then your vehicle probably does not meet the required criteria.) Many locals for years have considered driving Black Bear as their graduation day from their other 4X4 trips. The views are unsurpassed, awesome and any other superlative you'd like to use, but warning - there are places that may actually take your breath. Be prepared for extremely tight switchbacks (some require 3 or more point turns) and a narrow path. Total distance: 8.68 miles; Season: June-September.

RECREATION RESOURCES

Outdoor Recreation Hotline: 247-8187, 24 hours a day. Weather, road closures, and more.

Trail & road closures: For current information on Forest Service roads and trails, contact the Public Lands Center at 970-247-4874.

Off-Highway Vehicle registrations: Vehicle registrations are available at the Public Lands Building in the Durango Tech Center, ¼ mile west of Durango on Highway 160. They are required for any in-state or out-of-state vehicle (including snowmobiles) that is not already registered.

Updated Outdoor Recreation Report: See the sports page of The Durango Herald on both Saturday and Sunday.

Fishing Report: For the Southwest Colorado Fishing Report, see the Friday sports page of The Durango Herald. Find out about conditions at area rivers and lakes. Information is provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the New Mexico Fish and Game.

FOUR CORNERS RALLY IN THE ROCKIES

Hog heaven on mountain highways

The Four Corners Rally in the Rockies for motorcycle enthusiasts will be held in Ignacio and Durango during Labor Day Weekend, September 2-6. All bikers and bikes and onlookers are welcome, and local charities benefit, too. Besides eight different concerts rally participants can attend, there will be many other crowd favorites. The thrill-seekers of the bunch can sign up for Biker Bull Busting. Other attractions include Poker Runs, a parade, nearly 200 vendors, Sky Ute Casino, Harley Davidson's Demo Fleet, and the beautiful Rally Angels. Acres of camping are available for both tents and RVs. , Enjoy some of the most spectacular riding in the U.S., and try your luck at winning a custom chopper.

MOTORCYCLE RIDE TOP PICKS

Southwest Colorado is a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts and there are rides that are "musts" while you are in the area. These rides are described using Durango as the base area and all are on good paved roads for smooth, easy riding.

The moon pops over a Skyway ridge

San Juan Skyway Ride. The number one ride that is approximately 250 miles door-to-door is the San Juan Skyway. (Oldtimers used to call this "The Circle Trip" or the "Loop.") You might wish to schedule a little extra time to allow for poking around the towns and catching their spirit. There are plenty of good eateries along the Skyway so no need to pack a lunch unless you prefer a picnic. The thrilling views are unsurpassed. Go north on Highway 550 to Silverton and then continue on the "Million Dollar Highway" from Silverton to Ouray (pronounced yur-ray), the "Switzerland of America." Take a look at that big hot springs swimming pool as you leave town and continue on to Ridgway. At Ridgway hang a left on to Highway 62 to go to Placerville. At that town, pick up Highway 145 to Telluride. Backtrack just a little bit out of Telluride and start south to the quaint spots of Rico and Stoner and then on in to the pretty little town of Dolores. At Dolores you have two options. You can continue west for a short way on 184 and then pick up 491 (formerly 666) on in to the bustling town of Cortez, the "Heart of Southwest Colorado," or you can take 184 to the east which brings you down into Mancos and the beautiful Mancos Valley. From Mancos you will take Highway 160 to the east and it will bring you back into Durango.

Casino-Vallecito Ride. For a wonderful ride in the afternoon that reveals a little bit of everything in southwest Colorado, the recommended number two ride out of Durango is a loop through Ignacio, Arboles (ar-bo-leez), Chimney Rock, Bayfield and a turnaround at Vallecito Lake, then back in to Durango. Take Highway 550/160 south and east to the wye at the light at "Farmington Hill." Do not turn right up the hill. Instead, keep on 160 until the crossroad and light at Elmore's Corner. Turn right off 160 and you'll be on 172. Stay on 172 until you get to Ignacio and the Sky Ute Lodge and Casino. Continue on in to Ignacio until you are "downtown," then turn left (east) on to Highway 151 that goes to Tiffany, Allison and finally Arboles. Out of Arboles, you will stay on 151 until it junctions at 160. Turn left (west) on 160 and pass through the tiny settlement of Chimney Rock. Next will be the busy little town of Bayfield, but 160 bypasses it, so if you want to see this quaint place, take a few moments to get to the main, old business district which lies south of 160. As you head out of Bayfield, go north on County Road 501 and stay on that until you get to Vallecito Lake. Cruise to the north end if you wish and/or cross the dam and ride the east side. There is a PRIVATE bridge at the northeast corner of the around-the-lake-loop that is closed during part of the year (winter for certain) and you may encounter closures at other times of the year also. Backtrack south from Vallecito a few miles on 501 and you will come to a "T" intersection. Turn right on to County Road 240 and stay on it all the way in to Durango.

Gunnison Overnighter Ride. Choice number three for another spectacular ride is the trip to Gunnison, Colorado. Head north on Highway 550 and travel through Ouray and Ridgway until you get to Montrose. In Montrose, turn right (east) on Highway 50 and remain on it until you reach Gunnison. Between Montrose and Gunnison is the Blue Mesa Reservoir which offers a different kind of scenery. Overnight in Gunnison, the home of Western State College and then head out the next morning by backtracking just a bit on Highway 50 until you come to Highway 149. Turn left (southwest) on 149 and continue on it until you get to Lake City. You may want to pause here for a bit before continuing on 149 to Creede. Following Creede are Wagon Wheel Gap and Masonic Park. South Fork is your next settlement where you will pick up Highway 160 heading west. You'll cross Wolf Creek Pass and descend down to the town of Pagosa Springs. From Pagosa Springs you will stay on Highway 160 all the way in to Durango.

2004 NATIONAL OFF ROAD BIKING ASSOCIATION FINALS

Mountain biking in Durango

World-class mountain biking returns with the NORBA National Finals, held August 26-29 at Durango Mountain Resort. Check out the fan favorite downhill on Purgatory Mountain, or test yourself against the world’s best or in events throughout the weekend. Classes for all age groups and levels in Downhill, Cross-country, Mountain Cross and Short Track. For more information, call DMR at 970-247-9000.