Weekend Getaways & Hidden Gems

By Coya Pair

In the Durango area, there is much to do and explore. In just a few hours or less, you can get into high mountain ranges or low desert canyons.

“For high country, I love Ice Lake Basin,” Nick Richardson, manager of The Living Tree, said. “You really just can't understand the beauty of that place without going there.”

Ice Lake Basin trail is an eight-mile trail near Silverton, Colorado, leading up to several beautiful lakes. The lower part of the basin is not even two hours from Durango.

“Ice Lakes is such a beautiful hike,” Ellie Arellano, Fort Lewis College adventure education major, said. “I did it in the fall, and the crystal clear lakes at the end of the hike were so rewarding. It's a tough hike, and mostly all uphill, but it was so worth it. Also, it was nice to get out and hear nothing but silence and just be in your own element.”

Another great place for hiking and camping is Chaco Canyon, roughly 3 hours away.

“It’s a place so secluded that there is no light pollution and the stars are just breathtaking,” Charlotte Emm, Durango Joe’s manager said.

Something a little closer is the Weminuche Wilderness, in the San Juan forest.

“We are very fortunate to have the largest wilderness area in Colorado just at our doorstep,” Richardson said. “I love hanging out in the Weminuche wilderness. The area north above Vallecito known as Cave Basin is my favorite.”

Along with the mountains, the desert is also always an option when wanting to get outside.

“My favorite place to go that’s close is Canyons of the Ancients National Monument,” Axel Ryd, FLC outdoor pursuits student leader, said. “It’s really great for just hiking around. It has this desert feel with the sandstone, but it’s still in Colorado, just outside of Cortez.”

If hiking isn’t really your thing, there are also plenty of relaxing places nearby to escape to.

“Ouray is my favorite mountain town day trip,” Richardson said. “The scenery is second to none. The Vapor Caves are so relaxing, and Orvis Hot Springs is just up the road.”

Silverton is another close mountain town that’s worth exploring.

“Any of the hikes around there are really nice,” Madi Lewis, FLC geology major, said. “There are a lot of places to go rock hounding, because of cool minerals out there due to all of the volcanics that happened.”

There are also plenty of ways to escape without even leaving Durango.

“Hogsback Ridge is a super fun, short hike that gives a great view of the city, and it’s super cool to do at night too,” Elli Trussel, a Durango native, said.

Another trail close to town is the Animas Mountain Trail. Like Hogsback Ridge, it overlooks Durango, which is why it is a local favorite, Arellano said.

“I think the areas around Durango have been managed really well,” Cole Davis, editor for 360Durango.com, said. “It’s cool that part of Animas Mountain and areas of test tracks, Twin Buttes and Horse Gulch are closed during the winter to allow wildlife to grow and be left alone.”

Davis isn’t the only resident proud of the way Durango trails and wilderness are managed.

“I think nature and the outdoors are really appreciated here, and people take pride in the awesome diverse landscape we have,” Trussel said. “Volunteer programs like Trails 2000 do a good job maintaining trails around here too, so we’re fortunate for that.”

Whether you like nearby trails, wilderness excursions, or just relaxing days soaking in the hot springs, there’s plenty of adventure awaiting nearby.