Bottom Line: Locally owned store selling quality gear for the outdoors…read more Shortly after landing in Durango my husband realized he forgot his sunglasses so we headed to Gardenswartz Outdoors to see what we could find. The store doesn't have any glamorous displays but it was well organized with great brands like Toad & Co, Darn Tough, Prana, Camelback, etc. I enjoyed looking around while my husband picked out a new pair of Smith sunglasses. The store has gear for men, women and kids. The store is located in historic Durango so that means parking is mostly limited to street parking. We were in town on a busy Saturday so we ended up parking quite far away but it was worth it.

Great small store with high prices. Good selection of items if you happen to forget something at…read morehome or while traveling. They're located in the middle of a tourist trap, and get lots of foot traffic.

I've been shopping here for 25 years. I appreciate the knowledge and expertise of the staff,…read morehaving climbed and skied with some of them over the years. While I don't come in as often now as when I was a rock and ice climber, it's nice that some of the older staff knows my name. I would not expect all this at a "big box" outdoor store, like the one at which I worked in Seattle 35 years ago.

Stopped by when in town recently - super impressed with the staff and the brands they carry. Great…read moreexpertise and great gear.

Huge selection of Zuni beaded items. Very pricey, but completely handmade by the locals with the…read moreuse of beautiful, high-quality beads. They also carry lots of Hopi and Navajo items, blankets, rugs, and American-made clothing and work boots. I bought several pairs of turquoise earrings here and I wear them a ton! If you're near Ignacio, venture into this town and definitely stop by this store! The staff is very helpful.

I love this store. Everything in there is amazingly beautiful, and of course they also have the…read morework clothing, bead making materials, all kinds of things.. to the finest jewelry, Pendleton items, art, just incredible. The owners are always a pleasure to talk to, they are super nice people. Vamash is a gem. I truly recommend you stop by and see for yourself. It is like entering a gorgeous Museum.....

George had an amazing collection of used and unique books for incredibly reasonable price's…read more Additionally, some great music collections as well as a wide array of pieces - instruments, jewelry, etc - to name a few. A great local find that we plan to visit again when we are in town.

a gem! everything i want in a bookshop: wandering isles, crammed shelves, helpful staff, stacks to…read moredig through. the literature section specifically had many authors i often look for and even obscure names you don't usually see, and in varying editions which i love! only criticism is some of the piles at the foot of the shelves go so high that you'd have to move them in order to see the bottom half of the shelf. nevertheless, love this place!

I went in for some ski bindings, and they were super nice and helpful. So nice, in fact, that they…read moresuggested another local business might have more selection. It's so refreshing in today's world to encounter such helpfulness and selfless honesty. Even though I didn't buy my bindings here, I will definitely be a consistent future patron because of their putting me first as a customer.

My interactions with Backcountry Experience (Durango) goes back close to when their doors…read moreoriginally opened (2006?). It has always been a treat to shop at BCE. As the days of consumerism continues to move towards online shopping, it is paramount to support any local business of recognition. BCE is one of those establishments. Not only is their inventory exceptional, but their personnel is also top-tier. Their associates have the wherewithal to remediate any issue, whether it be a repair to gear or replacement (if required and possible) to selling of items that are nice to see in person. Thanks to the crew members Ethan, Crystal and Cal for their expertise!

What a fun place to pick out jewelry! They have all the rings set out so you can try them on as you…read morelike and I picked a beautiful turquoise ring.

My favorite store to go get my ring "fix" I have yet to come in here and not get something!! This…read moreis my collection from the store over the last 5 years. They all were between 30-80$ nice, unique stones, and good quality. I'm hard on my rings and these have lasted!

Rich replaced the batteries in 2 watches for me and it took maybe 5 minutes. Well done and less…read morethan $50 made me happy. The jewelry looked very good and the prices looked reasonable. Thank you Rich!

I took two 15 year old Tag Heuer watches to have the batteries replaced. Was very reasonable, under…read more$50 total for both. And done while I waited. To go to Tag Heuer and have them do it was $400 - $800 and weeks. So I was very pleased. I recommend them/him fully.

It's an odd coincidence, but the few times I've gone in here waiting to get breakfast at the diner…read morenext door there were customers upset with the quality of work they were delivered. Being a bit of a busy body, I couldn't help but get a closer look, and honestly can't say I blame them for being upset. I guess having a great location in a small town kind of gives you a captive audience, but still... this wouldn't last long in a city like Chicago.

What a great find. Amazing selection they also have premade frames so that if you need things done…read morereally fast they're able to accommodate amazing staff very helpful.