the wandering chick
and its scenic surroundings
the Animas River, Durango
...Durango
The Animas River flows through the heart of Durango. It has a 14-mile hike and bike trail and is a popular spot for river rafting and kayaking.

Durango is a great little city with lots to offer. The Animas River is definitely its main attraction, but it also has a charming historic downtown area.

It's the largest city, at a population around 16,000, in La Plata County in Colorado's southwest. It's nestled in the Animas River Valley, and the San Juan mountains surround it.

the Animas River, Durango
the Animas River, Durango
Kayakers on the Animas River, Durango
the Animas River, Durango
the Animas River, Durango
a kayaker on the Aniimas River
Overlooking Durango
Overlooking Durango
Along the riverwalk of the Animas River
The Animas River, Durango
Along the riverwalk of the Animas River, a suspension bridge
Along the Animas Riverwalk
Overlooking Durango
Overlooking Durango
Durango's residential section
Durango historical homes
Just outside Durango's historic downtown is East 3rd Avenue on which are several homes of historical distinction. This one was built in 1883.
Home built in 1892
East 3rd Avenue
The avenue is lined with draping old trees and manicured lawns.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
A northern flicker
this northern flicker was hanging out on the bank of the Animas River.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Fort Lewis College
The Durango & Silverton train
Fort Lewis College has a unique history in that it was first a U.S. military fort. It then became a Native American boarding school before becoming a Colorado state public school. It sits atop a 6800-foot butte which overlooks the city of Durango and the Animas River Valley. In the background are the La Plata Mountains.
The Durango & Silverton Train depot is located in Durango's historic downtown.
Outside Durango
The highway 550 runs through Durango, and on the north side of the city these red cliffed hills parallel the highway.
outside Durango's north end
outside Durango's north end
east of Durango
East of Durango the County Road 250 meanders along the side of the Animas River offering quiet, pleasant views such as this. There are also ranches and private homes along the route.
Along CR 250
Along CR 250
cow and calf
blue copper butterfly
East Animas Climbing Area
East Animas Climbing Area
Don't get your britches in a bind, MIssy. I'm just taking a picture.
East Animas Climbing Area
Also on CR240 is the East Animas Climbing Area. This particular rock is, according to their Web site, called Apple Cider. There were two climbers descending when I happened upon it.
CR 240 Durango
Blue copper butterflies were seen on Vallecito Lake, east of Durango on Country Road 250.
Vallecito Lake
Vallecito Lake
Vallecito Lake is less than 20 miles east of Durango on County Road 250. It's a large lake with 12 miles of shoreline and sits in the heart of the San Juan National Forest. It's open year round with both summer and winter activities.
In July of 2002 a devastating fire on Missionary Ridge burned for three weeks, wiping out 70,000 acres of Ponderosa Pines and other trees on both sides of the lake. Fifteen hundred homes were evacuated, and 58 were lost. One life was lost. More than 4000 firefighters helped distinguish the fire. Evidence of the damage can still be seen today.
Lake Vallecito fire
Tour of Carvings, Vallecito Lake
Vallecito Lake

A comeback story:

After the fire, a local artist started a project to make carvings from the burned trees using actual photographs taken of firefighters battling the fire.

The 15 trees make up the Tour of Carvings and can be found throughout the Vallecito Lake area.

The mission of the carvings is to pay tribute to the firefights and to hopefully restore tourism to the lake area.

Pinkerton Hot Springs
Hesperis Fritillary butterfly found along the Vallecito Lake trail
A Hesperis Fritillary butterfly found along the Vallecito Lake trail
Pinkerton Hot Springs was named after a ranch owner in the area named James Pinkerton. The springs are located on Highway 550 about 10 miles outside Durango. It appears the spring is not totally authentic since a pipeline underground was rerouted to place the springs at this location. Hmmmm.
farmhouse outside Vallecito Lake
A farmhouse in the countryside near the Vallecito Lake area
old farm buildings
old farm buildings on a hill
old farm buildings
The lucious green hillsides of Highway 160 between Durango and Mancos
Old dilapidated farm buildings sit high on a foothill just off Highway 550 on the way to the Durango airport.
The lucious green hillsides of Highway 160 between Durango and Mancos
The lucious green hillsides of Highway 160 between Durango and Mancos

If you'd like to continue viewing pictures of the San Juan Skyway, click any one of these links. A link on that page will lead you to others.

Highway 145 from Dolores to Telluride

Highway 550 from Durango to Ouray

Ouray

Telluride

Hikes along the way

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