The Return of Durango Events
Durango’s unique status as a desert mountain town stems from its distinctive location, a transitional zone bridging alpine and semi-arid settings. With such a locale, Durango has unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, ranging from hiking, skiing, mountain biking, rafting, and much more. While COVID-19 has curtailed many activities and has led to business capacity restrictions, Durango’s outdoor playground has always permitted plenty of outdoor activities. But if you’ve been missing group events, there’s good news: Durango group events are returning this summer, ranging from concerts, festivals, rodeos, and more. Here’s the events to look out for:
Animas River Days: June 3-6, 2021
Begun in 1983 by local paddler Nancy Wiley, Animas River Days is an especially unique Durango event: a “white water rodeo” consisting of freestyle kayaking, stand-up paddling, freestyle kayaking, kayak slalom, an inflatable rodeo—and even a costumed river parade. You can watch paddlers from all over the world compete in this year’s National Freestyle Championships and other events. And if you’re a newbie, you too can compete in events. To learn more and to register for Animas River Days, click here.
Rocky Mountain Uke Festival: July 8-11, 2021
Concert and music lovers, don’t miss the Rocky Mountain Uke Festival. Celebrating the ukulele, both skilled and beginner ukulele enthusiasts can improve their skills in workshops, and also enjoy live music from world class musicians. To register and learn more, visit the festival’s webpage.
Music in the Mountains: July 11-August 1, 2021
Have you been missing concerts in Durango? Luckily for us all, Music in the Mountains Festival returns this summer. Taking place at several unique venues, such as River Bend Ranch, throughout July and August concertgoers can enjoy diverse performances of classical, orchestra, chamber, and world music. To view the events schedule and purchase tickets, click here.
Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show: July 9-11, 2021
Calling all rockhounds! Come view an array of dazzling rock specimens, fossils, beads, and more at the 67th Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show. Hosted by Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club at La Plata County Fairgrounds, admission for this event is just $3. This family friendly event will include mini workshops on topics such as metalsmithing, with kid friendly activities happening the whole weekend. To learn more about this event, visit the Club’s website here.
La Plata County Fair: August 11-15, 2021
A tradition for over 70 years, La Plata County Fair is a wonderful family friendly event where locals showcase animals, produce, and crafts while competing for prizes. With live music and homemade food, don’t miss out on this most classic of Durango activities. For the latest updates on this year’s upcoming fair, check out La Plata County’s Facebook Page.
San Juan Brewfest: August 28-29, 2021
If you love beer, don’t miss the biggest beer fest in the Four Corners. Featuring up to 50 breweries and 100+ beers to taste, at Brewfest you’ll receive a 5 oz glass upon entry, and unlimited tastings. And as if that weren’t great enough, you’ll also be supporting a great cause as Brewfest benefits local United Way of Southwest Colorado–in 2019, the Brewfest raised over $50,000 for this charity. Taking place at Buckley Park in Durango, tickets will be available starting June 1st; click here to learn more about Brewfest and ticket options.
True Western Roundup Rodeo Season
Formerly known as True West Rodeo, True Western Roundup is a series of open rodeos taking place each Wednesday and Saturday starting in June; click here to view dates and purchase tickets. Enjoy the spirit of the West by watching events such as steer riding, bronc busting, barrel racing, team roping, and more. Rodeos will be held at La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango and Montezuma County Fairgrounds in Cortez.
Hiking Durango
If group events aren’t your thing, hit up Durango’s trails to savor the great outdoors. Here’s several hikes perfect for the whole family, or for afternoon excursions.
Church Camp Trail System
Located only 10-15 minutes from downtown Durango, Church Camp Trail System is a favorite among hikers, trail runners, and dog walkers. Perfect for even the youngest hikers, the trails are relatively flat and cross through lush meadows. Take the 1.4 mile Church Camp Loop from the main trailhead to cross the meadow and up a hill, and view the Hermosa Cliffs. Winding back down, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall before the trail loops backs to the parking lot. Click here for a map and directions to Church Camp Trail System.
Vallecito Lake Trail System
If you like hiking near water, Vallecito Lake Trail System has miles of trails around and near the lake. Vallecito Creek Trail is a great easy to moderate hike, starting from Vallecito campground. Situated in a narrow glacial valley carved by the creek, the trail follows the flow upstream through pine forests. With a gradual ascent of 500 feet the first two miles, the trail isn’t strenuous but is no less stunning. Turning around at the bridge at mile 3 makes for a great day hike. Tip: be sure to bring bug spray as mosquitos and other insects like congregating by the water. Check out this map for more info and trail descriptions.
La Plata Canyon Trail System
Located west of Durango in San Juan National Forest, this alpine area offers meadows full of wildflowers, aspen groves, and a high-altitude lake. There are several trails available, and as with any high-altitude excursion, it is advised the earlier you start, the better, to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and lightning risk. For more info and a map of the area, click here.
Sand Canyon Trail
Step back into the past by hiking Sand Canyon Trail, located in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, just 46 miles west of Durango. An easy-to-follow trail, enjoy the high heat of the desert while observing plenty of pre-Columbian structures, such as Saddlehorn Pueblo, dating more than 700 years ago. About 13 miles out and back, the trail is easiest the first few miles, with the last miles most challenging; hike for as long or as little as you like. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a hat, as this trail is quite exposed. Pets are permitted but must be leashed; however, it is best advised that you hike with pets in cooler months. View this detailed map here with descriptions of the pueblos.
