Of all the ways to escape Durango for a quick mountain fix, a journey into La Plata Canyon’s Columbus Basin is hard to beat! In just 2½ hours, you’ll climb to 10,745 feet for sweeping views of alpine meadows, soaring peaks, and vibrant mountain scenery. Along the way, you’ll discover cascading waterfalls, historic mining sites, and the rich beauty of Colorado’s wild country.

This shorter adventure still packs in plenty of wildlife sightings — keep your eyes peeled for deer, marmots, foxes, birds of prey, and, if luck’s on your side, a moose or bear.

From late June through early August, the meadows shimmer with wildflowers. Come late September to early October, glowing aspen groves take over the scene in a blaze of fall color. Whatever the season, Columbus Basin offers a taste of the San Juan Mountains you won’t forget.