Durango Colorado National Parks
National and State Parks Near Durango, CO
Durango, CO. Even the name evokes a sense of excitement and adventure. Lucky for us, this little mountain paradise is so much more than a place with a pretty name. Durango is bursting at the seams with opportunities for taking in all the recreational splendor that nature has to offer. First and foremost on the list of things to do when visiting Durango is checking out the many national and state parks as well as the public lands in and around the area. Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan National Forest immediately spring to mind when thinking of starting points to any Durango vacation. Need a cool-off spot? In addition to the Animas River that flows right through town, Durango hosts several lakes and reservoirs for additional aquatic activities.
Whether you’re coming to Durango to hike, bike, climb, raft, swim, or to learn about the area’s fascinating Southwest American history, Durango’s parks and public lands have a little something for everyone. If you’re at all into outdoor adventure, then you’re all but guaranteed an awesome time. With all that on the table, let’s take a deep dive into some of these awesome locations.
National Parks and Monuments
Mesa Verde National Park
Established in 1906, Mesa Verde National Park preserves the archaeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who called the region home for 700 years. The park hosts and protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 built beneath overhanging cliffs. Step back 1,400 years in time to explore the immaculately preserved Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House on informative ranger-guided tours. Or, for the more adventurous traveler, take on the 8-mile tour across scenic mesas and down imposing canyon walls to reach Spring House, the largest excavated site in the park.
Hovenweep National Monument
Although most of the structures standing at Hovenweep were built between 1200-1300 A.D., human habitation in the area dates as far back as 10,000 years ago. Take a stroll through ancient history to see notable sites such as the Cajon Group, Cutthroat Castle, and the Square Tower Group. And if that wasn’t enough, Hovenweep is also recognized as a Dark Sky Park. If you’ve ever wanted to embark on a scenic stargazing adventure (10/10 would recommend), Hovenweep is where it’s at.
Chimney Rock National Monument
With 200 preserved ancient homes and ceremonial buildings across seven square miles, Chimney Rock is one of Colorado’s more intimate national monuments. Open for visitors from May 15th to October 15th, this national monument offers self-guided tours and tours with a volunteer interpretive guide along primitive trails that haven’t changed in 1,000 years. The ancient structures, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery of this monument make it a must-see site for anyone traveling through Southwest Colorado. Also, Chimney Rock is just a lovely and inviting name for a national monument.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
First things first, early settlers of the region hosting these ruins did mistakenly designate them as a part of the Aztec Empire in Mexico when they were actually built by Ancestral Pueblo people. Nevertheless, Aztec Ruins National Monument is a beautiful site hosting well-preserved ruins, a heritage garden, and Spanish trails leading to downtown Aztec, New Mexico. However, the highlight of the monument is the 900-year old Ancestral Pueblo Great House of over 400 masonry rooms.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Located about 50 miles west of Durango, Canyons of the Ancients contains the highest archaeological site density in the United States. The more than 6,355 recorded sites include villages, field houses, check dams, reservoirs, great kivas, cliff dwellings, shrines, sacred springs, agricultural fields, petroglyphs, and sweat lodges. The real kicker is that those are just the recorded sites and that there could be upwards of 30,000 sites at the Canyons of the Ancients. Truly, this is a national monument you don’t want to miss.
Moab National Parks and Monuments
If you want to check out even more awesome national parks and monuments, consider heading out to Moab, Utah. The drive from Durango to Moab clocks in at just under 3 hours and this equally adventurous town offers access to the world-renowned Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
State Parks and Public Lands
Local Lakes & Reservoirs
If you’re looking for summertime aquatic activities, Durango has you covered! Apart from the rafting opportunities along the Lower and Upper Animas River, there are also several lakes and reservoirs to check out close by.
Lake Nighthorse
Constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Animas La Plata Project, this is one of Durango’s latest and greatest public recreation areas. Lake Nighthorse is a perfect spot for paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Plus at only two miles from downtown Durango, it’s a super convenient spot as well.
Lemon Reservoir
Located 16 miles northeast of Durango, Lemon Reservoir is an awesome hidden gem. Hiking, camping, biking, and boating are the signature activities at this reservoir. For eagle-eyed visitors, you can also LITERALLY spot bald eagles soaring above and/or nesting near the reservoir. They’re fast flyers though, so be sure to have your camera at the ready.
Vallecito Lake
San Juan National Forest
Colorado Trail
Although it technically starts within the San Juan National Forest, this epic trail deserves a spot of its own. Spanning from Durango to Denver, the Colorado Trail is a 485-mile route of natural excellence. Hiking, trail running, and mountain biking are the signature means of exploring the Durango section of the trail, all of which are exceptionally fun in their own regard. No trip to Durango is complete without taking the trek along the Colorado Trail to Gudy’s Rest, where you’ll find one of the area’s several jaw-dropping overlooks. The selfie game is definitely strong with this location.
