What I Learned from My First Durango Summer

Moving to Durango has been one of the most exciting changes I have made thus far. The town is beautiful, the people are friendly and there’s always something going on and something to do! And coming from Florida, there were a lot of differences I encountered…here are some of the things I’ve learned from my first summer living in the amazing Durango, Colorado!

LaPlataWildflowers

  • Never leave your trash out at night! Youโ€™ll give a bear a 5-course meal (and have to clean up the scraps!)
  • Get out on the river as much as possible! During high water, take off work because itโ€™ll be worth it! (especially on the Piedra River โ€“ this river is awesome!)
  • Wear your summer clothes as much as possible! (I havenโ€™t experienced it yet, but I hear the snow is comingโ€ฆ)
  • Take advantage of the hiking right around town! Itโ€™s so easy, you donโ€™t have any excuses!
  • Plan your schedule around the events in town! Durango likes to hold events for any reason – Taste of Durango, Animas River Days, San Juan Brewfest, Iron Horse Classic, Fiesta Days, Music in the Mountainsโ€ฆto name a few!
  • Get out and go camping!
  • Check out the wildflowers in full bloom! Those famous Colorado wildflowers are just around the corner, donโ€™t miss them!
  • Take a guided jeep tour to get familiar with the mountains. (Then, if you have your own vehicle with the clearance, youโ€™ll know where to go and how to get there on your own next time!)
  • Drink a lot of water! All of the time, wherever you are!
  • Wear whatever you want! A dress to work, sweat pants to a restaurantโ€ฆsure go ahead! (Durango was voted the worst dressed town in the nation at one pointโ€ฆ.and weโ€™re proud of that!)
  • If you have a bike, travel with it! Once you get where youโ€™re going, itโ€™s nice to have a quick ride around town/mountains โ€“ the Durango River Trail is a great way to see town and to get to work!

Erica Munz
Trip Consultant