By Staff Writer James Schryver
Southwest Colorado has so many possible adventures into the backcountry as well as in some of the towns in the surrounding area.
The opportunities for pursuing outdoor activities around the Durango area are practically endless. There are three hikes that come to mind that I have done in the area that are so much fun. The first hike is Ice Lake outside of Silverton. This hike is an 8.3 mile out and back trail that climbs almost 3,000 ft in elevation. The destination is a blue alpine lake fed by mountain snow runoff that sits at over 10,000 ft in elevation. This spot is gorgeous and should be planned to be completed in late summer due to the snowpack in the area. There are some difficult portions of this trail, but with a little perseverance can be completed.
The next hike is Engineer Peak on the Engineer Mountain Trail. This hike in total is a 13.1 mile out and back trail with over 3,000 ft of elevation gain. This is not for beginners as there are some technical portions as well as due to the length of the trail. Engineer Peak sits at 12,927 ft in elevation and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
The final trail is the Gudy’s Rest Trail. This is probably the simplest of the hikes even with its 9.1 mile out and back trail. There is only a 1,000 ft elevation gain and little to no technicality. This is a fun family hike as there is a lookout point on the top of Gudy’s Rest, perfect for a picnic or light lunch.
These are not the only hikes, but this will start you off on a very good path. I would recommend beginning with Gudy’s Rest and ending with Engineer Mountain. Please make sure that if you pack it in, you pack it out. Leave the area undisturbed and better than you found it.
Along with these hikes, Durango and the surround areas offer rafting, climbing, and ziplining. These can be found through different guide companies throughout the area.
Another fun activity in Durango and Pagosa Springs is visiting the Durango Hot Springs and Pagosa Hot Springs. These are natural hot springs. Both locations have spas in which people may use as well as can get massages and such. Past Pagosa Springs, there sits Wolf Creek Pass and Wolf Creek Ski Resort. Wolf Creek Pass is right along the continental divide. There is a song by C.W. McCall detailing going over the pass as a truck driver. It is fairly nerve wracking even in a passenger vehicle, but well worth the views on top.
Again, Southwest Colorado has near endless opportunities to get outside and get active. Just download a hiking trail site or grab a map and, with the right amount of research and preparation, you could be hiking near every day.