This is an awesome roadside stop for a short, but steep hike. When we went the water was a tickle,…read morebut it was still very pretty. The real highlight is the birds, with a great variety in the treetops. I wish we got there a bit earlier before the headed up. Only downside are the portapoties right by the entrance that smell horrible, even just walking by.

The waterfall is easy to find, with a small parking lot right off the highway and excellent…read moreaccessibility, including easy viewing for those with mobility challenges. Unfortunately, due to the current drought conditions, the waterfall was only flowing at a fraction of what I've seen in photos from previous years, which was a bit disappointing. That said, it was still a pleasant stop on our drive to Durango. I was able to get some nice photos and enjoyed watching the many friendly chipmunks around the parking area. While I wouldn't make a special trip just to see it in its current state, it's definitely a worthwhile and convenient roadside stop if you're already passing through the area.

Had a great experience picking up my access pass! Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable. I…read moreappreciated that I was able to bring in my printed file to pick up a pass in person.

The most enchanting National Forest I've visited in 2021. I hiked to the Rainbow Hot Springs. The…read moreRainbow Hot Springs is a 10 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pagosa Springs. Also located in the San Juan National Forest. The forest occupies land in Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, San Miguel and San Juan Counties!! They have plenty of campgrounds (with friendly campground hosts) and nearby Horseback Riding opportunities. I came here with a good friend of mine, as we visited South Fork, CO. The weather was perfect in May of 2021 and I needed a Chilly Mini for my neck. We spotted some gorgeous waterfalls and really unique plants. San Juan appeared to have had a forest fire in the last 5 years, because we definitely witnessed some aftermath. Lots of old, dead and burned down tree trunks. The trail is fairly easy, a little rocky, but such a great cardio workout for your calves. We spotted some wonderful rivers that kept my friend and I very cool.

This is our 3rd campground in a week and I have to say we saved the best for last, traveling with 3…read moredogs isn't easy not always a lot to do but at this site we can tire them out playing in the water and the grass, then we can sneak off and see the sites while they sleep

Beautiful RV park. SUPER quiet. Almost feels like a "seniors only" location. Staff is VERY…read morefriendly. The only downfall is there is ZERO. internet. I know, I know....we are "glamping" but I need my TV shows at night and to pay my bills online. Other than that....gorheous snd clean!!! Bathrooms CLEAN! Laundry room CLEAN! a sink and folding table would be awesome though.

A landmark and solid stop along any journey through SoCo. Worthy of a detour if you're in the area.read more

I get so tired of reviews on our country's national treasures and history like this I have to give…read morea resounding 5 stars. NOTE drive to top is not hard. If you have ever been to mountains or skied it's easy. It's a gravel mountain road. To clarify as I was confused there is a parking lot w small visitor center aka cabin. This is where you pay your fee. They are building a new super nice visitor center to open next year. The ranger here at base was so nice. I mean amazingly and went out of her way to explain all. From the first parking area you drive to the upper parking lot which is the base from which you hike to top. I was fine at 62 and not in perfect shape to get to top. It's a gorgeous view and the ranger/helper? at top was wordy but very knowledgeable. Now that we live in Albuquerque will definitely go back as it's a short drive under 30 minutes from Pagosa springs. Final thought those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it

This hike was suggested to me by several friends who went to school in the area. It is pretty easy…read moreto find and parking wasn't too horrible. As much hype as this trail got before we did it, I can tell you that we all agree that this might be our favorite hike in Colorado so far. The trail is so lush and covered in wild flowers, knowing that it could have been the time of year, too. I loved that a lot it went through wooded areas before opening up above the tree line. It seemed that once we got above the tree line that there were amazing views everywhere we looked. We saw some mountain bikers but the trail wasn't too crowded overall. The summit is just under 13,000 feet but it is a great hike to get out of Durango for the morning and then to enjoy the afternoon back in town. Here are the directions to get there: Head North on Hwy 550 past Purgatory toward Silverton. Coal Bank Pass is 35 miles north of Durango, 13.5 miles south of Silverton, on Route 550. There is a parking area and restroom facility on the east side of the road at Coal Bank Pass (but don't park there). Just north of that, turn onto a road on the west side(opposite the rest area) which goes to the Pass Creek TH in under 200 yards.Slow down after mile marker 56 (it's between mm 56 and 57), you will see a rest area on the right and about 30 yards from that there is a small dirt road on the left - turn in there. It is hard to see, so slow down. Park at the end of the road on the side of the cul-de-sac. You will see the trail head heading north, and start there. Make sure you have plenty of water, a sweatshirt, and some rain gear. It should take 4 hours to casually hike up and back.

This trail is amazing, the wildflowers were incredible. It's a medium challenging trail up until…read morethe base of the mountain, then it's shale all the way to the top. Amazing views of mountain ranges even if you just make it to the fields. I went late July beginning of August and it was just the perfect temperature and I still can't get over all the wildflowers!

One of the most underrated national parks! Rich in history, this park offers an incredible glimpse…read moreinto the past. Seeing the ancient cliff dwellings in person is an unforgettable experience they're remarkably well preserved and stand as a testament to the people who lived here centuries ago. We visited over Memorial Day weekend, and the weather couldn't have been better. The drive to the park is beautiful, with stunning scenic views along the way that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. If you want to tour the cliff dwellings, be sure to make a reservation in advance, as they can fill up quickly. The visitor center is modern, informative, and very well maintained. We also hiked the Petroglyph Point Trail, and the surrounding rock formations and views made it a memorable experience. Overall, this is a fascinating national park that's often overlooked but absolutely worth visiting. We'd love to come back again someday it's definitely a must-visit!

All National Parks are amazing, but it's rare to find one that has such a a fascinating…read moreanthropological history as well as incredible views and landscapes. We visited in Late June, and although it was warm, the heat was very bearable. Definitely recommend registering for a tour (don't wait - they fill up quickly!) while planning your visit so you can get a better understanding of and a close up look at the cliff dwellings. Also, be aware that some of the tours are strenuous so read the descriptions before making your choices. I knew what they were before heading to Mesa Verde, but experiencing it first hand and getting to walk on in the ancient dwellings really made it come alive for me. The scenic drive was incredible as well. So many beautiful vistas and historical stops along the drive. We were here for one full day and saw quite a bit - Cliff Palace, Balcony House (Both guided tours - check the website before booking since you need to account for travel time in between), and scenic drive with stops along the way. Loved it here!

Love these steps for daily workouts. Youll see people of all ages and fitness levels. Great views…read moreof Durango. At the top wander over to see Fort Lewis campus. Early morning sometimes see deer on the steps. Go left at top of steps to follow a dirt path back down or just use the steps to go down. 529 steps and 7-8 minutes up if fit and acclimated to altitude. Beautifully landscaped amid pines with landings and benches to catch your breath if needed. Park at bottom E 6th avenue and 10th street. Not easy to park legally at the top or near college.

So a local told me this was the best view in town. At the top you get a view of Downtown Durango…read moreand the mountains. At four hundred steps you get some benches. Keep going to five hundred and you are near the end reaching the college. A nice way to keep off the freshman weight gain. On the way up an elderly woman was coming down. I saw her again towards the bottom to do it over again. I smiled and said, "Once is not enough?" She replied, "Not quite." There's hope for us all. There is another option to go on the dirt switchback path. The view going up isn't very exciting until you reach towards the top, but if your goal is exercise, get stepping.

Durango was never on my radar until my fellow hikers recommended it. It is a quaint city and this…read moreriver trail is nice for a stroll or a 9+ mile bike ride. It is mostly in good condition with about 20 percent with cracks that will give you a jolt. The final down river section has two modest inclines. Nice crossovers over wooden bridges. No bathrooms. Thank goodness for Albertson's right off the trail. Parking around Downtown is metered. About five-six blocks away from the river is free street parking. The white water launch park (in one of the photos) has a parking lot with a steam engine locomotive. Free or not I am unsure. Placards along the trail to note the development of the city. Stop for lunch in one of the many options on Main St.

Beautiful trail. A must-see if visiting or living in Durango. This trail is long so we started at…read morethe main point where there is a park with swings and benches.

Beautiful lake for boating, fishing or hiking around. Great area for adventure. Have been coming…read morehere for 48 years.

I live here. It's great, quiet, beautiful, lots of hikes, water sports. Nice people, locals and…read morevisitors.

Just super. There are deer and a bunch of nice birds. There are several gay wolves on premesis…read morekissing

Excellent hike! Would definitely recommend this hike for everyone who is able bodied. It is listed…read moreas an easy hike on All Trails, but it does have some challenging little parts. And it is not accessible, so people with mobility disabilities may have trouble. It is beautifully scenic even with the beetle kill. Love the water falls and river as well as the wildlife. A great adventure for kids too- something new to explore around each bend.