Discover Durango’s Animas River Trail
Walk, Bike & Enjoy This 7 Mile Path Through The Heart Of Durango
Looking for a way to get active and discover Durango? Take a stroll (or jog, pedal, or even skate) down the Animas River Trail. This paved, mixed-use path is the perfect place to explore the city, with many stops along the way.
The Animas River Trail
The Animas River Trail, also known as ART, provides easy access to parks and open spaces, as well as places including the library, a fish hatchery, a science center, and more. You can even find put-in spots for kayaks and tubes from the Animas River Trail. How long is it? The Animas River Trail is about 9 miles from start to finish. It stretches through the heart of Durango, spanning from Oxbow Park and Preserve to the north to River Road to the south. There are many places to get on and off the trail.
There is a lot to do along the Animas River Trail. You'll find easy access to all kinds of businesses, recreation facilities, gardens, parks, and more. However, a few things stand out as can't-miss attractions you can find along the trail.
Durango Botanic Gardens
The Durango Botanic Gardens, located at the Durango Public Library, is the perfect place to stop and smell the roses. And herbs, trees, and other horticultural wonders. This public garden showcases beauty, education, and demonstration through 9 distinct gardens.
Botanic Gardens
Durango Public Library
Visitors and locals alike love checking out at the Durango Public Library. This destination is the perfect place for people of all ages to relax and enjoy everything from books to technology to board games. You can even check out passes to state parks, the Powerhouse Science Center, and other area attractions. You don't need to be a Durango resident to use the Durango Public Library, as courtesy cards are available for visitors.
Durango Fish Hatchery
The Durango Fish Hatchery helps stocks lakes and rivers around the state with kokanee salmon, as well as rainbow, brown, Snake River, and native cutthroat trout. The on-site wildlife museum lets you learn more about the creatures of Southwest Colorado. Don't forget to bring quarters -- little ones and adults alike will love feeding the fish!
Fish Hatchery
PSC Facebook Page
The Powerhouse
See STEAM come to life at The Powerhouse. This kid friendly science and art center offers everything from a PowSci TinkerLab to get hands on with science to traveling exhibits designed to educate and insight. They've always got events on the calendar, and their wide range of exhibits and activities provide something fun for all ages.
The Powerhouse
Whitewater Park
Durango's Whitewater Park offers river access, fishing, and restrooms right off the Animas River Trail. The first of its kind, the whitewater park begins where the river curves around Smelter Mountain. Take a tube down the river, put-in your kayak, and cast off right from this picturesque park. Check out whitewater rafting trip options and get started.
Whitewater Rafting
Santa Rita Park & Playground
Santa Rita Park is the perfect place to play and picnic. You'll find courts for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball, as well as a soccer field. The playground here is expansive and inclusive. Picnic areas include covered pavilions, tables, and open grass. You can even access the Animas River from Santa Rita Park.
Durango Parks
Expansion at 32nd Street
As of August 31, 2022, the city of Durango has opened a new pedestrian bridge and underpass at 32nd street, connecting the formerly 7 mile long trail past Animas City Park and to Oxbow Park and Preserve, making it an official 9 mile stretch. The completion of the bridge and underpass is said to be the latest accomplishment in the city's long-fought transportation and connectivity efforts. Construction of the entire trail began in 1976, and the new bridge is the 49th Parks & Rec project on it in the past 45+ years.
The Animas River Trail offers easy access to many of the destinations that make Durango great. Walk, bike, pedal, skate, or even rollerblad down the trail to enjoy a true taste of Southwest Colorado. Are you ready to plan your next Durango adventure? Check out other things to do in Durango and get ready to make memories!
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