Cindy's Guidebook
Cultural Heritage Site
This is medieval America!! No really! this site, the ruins of structures built by the Pueblo People, was constructed and occupied in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is part of the network of Pueblo sites which also includes Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. A must see, free, and only about 10 minutes away!
32 locals recommend
Aztec Ruins National Monument
725 Ruins RdThis is medieval America!! No really! this site, the ruins of structures built by the Pueblo People, was constructed and occupied in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is part of the network of Pueblo sites which also includes Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. A must see, free, and only about 10 minutes away!
MORE medieval America! (and the most well-known of these sites), Mesa Verde is a must-see, and only an hour and a half away. These are also ruins of the ancient Pueblo People, this time astoundingly built into the sides of cliffs! And you can climb down and up into them with a guided tour (sign up at the Visitor's Center)...OR, take some of the easier paths and just look. It is ALL breathtaking!
276 locals recommend
Mesa Verde National Park
MORE medieval America! (and the most well-known of these sites), Mesa Verde is a must-see, and only an hour and a half away. These are also ruins of the ancient Pueblo People, this time astoundingly built into the sides of cliffs! And you can climb down and up into them with a guided tour (sign up at the Visitor's Center)...OR, take some of the easier paths and just look. It is ALL breathtaking!
Yet another Pueblo Peoples ancient site (in fact a cluster of sites to explore!), this is the longest occupied, from approximately 850-1250. It is only an hour and 30 minute drive south but take food and water--it is remote!
26 locals recommend
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Yet another Pueblo Peoples ancient site (in fact a cluster of sites to explore!), this is the longest occupied, from approximately 850-1250. It is only an hour and 30 minute drive south but take food and water--it is remote!
Outdoor Adventure
A "USA Top-10 Fly Fishing Destination" is 35 minutes away on the San Juan River, just below Navajo Dam. Trout!!! 4.25 miles of them. Looking for a guide? We can point you in the right direction!
San Juan River Country
1547 NM-173A "USA Top-10 Fly Fishing Destination" is 35 minutes away on the San Juan River, just below Navajo Dam. Trout!!! 4.25 miles of them. Looking for a guide? We can point you in the right direction!
ONLY 1 hour and 15 minutes away (don't even rush out the door!), this is the most popular of southern Colorado's ski resorts, and for good reason! 8 main lifts, a snow park, loads of restaurants, a 'bunny hill', an excellent ski school, a sled hill with tubes for rent, and an entire backside for the more advanced adventurer, there's something for everyone! Snowboarder friendly.
151 locals recommend
Purgatory Sports
93 Skier PlONLY 1 hour and 15 minutes away (don't even rush out the door!), this is the most popular of southern Colorado's ski resorts, and for good reason! 8 main lifts, a snow park, loads of restaurants, a 'bunny hill', an excellent ski school, a sled hill with tubes for rent, and an entire backside for the more advanced adventurer, there's something for everyone! Snowboarder friendly.
This short hike, a 35-40 minute drive away, is worth it for the introduction it will give you to classic northern New Mexico: sandstone canyons, arroyos, cedar, pinon, cottonwoods, and even cultural history (don't miss the 'pueblito' at the end of the trail!). If you love the outdoors, you need to do this hike!
Simon Canyon
This short hike, a 35-40 minute drive away, is worth it for the introduction it will give you to classic northern New Mexico: sandstone canyons, arroyos, cedar, pinon, cottonwoods, and even cultural history (don't miss the 'pueblito' at the end of the trail!). If you love the outdoors, you need to do this hike!
Seriously, you need to go here: It's the closest you'll get to feeling like you've landed on an alien planet (without all the hassle of becoming an astronaut...). About an hour drive to the parking area (Google "Bisti Parking/Access"), you can spend all day wandering around in the strange rock formations, canyons, contorted dirt mounds, and weird rock piles. Just don't forget your camera so that the people back home will actually believe you! And don't forget the water and snacks, too. There's nothing out there but, well, badlands. PS. Don't expect a trail. Just park, head through the gate, and and head toward the piles, veering right as you go.
18 locals recommend
Bisti Badlands
Seriously, you need to go here: It's the closest you'll get to feeling like you've landed on an alien planet (without all the hassle of becoming an astronaut...). About an hour drive to the parking area (Google "Bisti Parking/Access"), you can spend all day wandering around in the strange rock formations, canyons, contorted dirt mounds, and weird rock piles. Just don't forget your camera so that the people back home will actually believe you! And don't forget the water and snacks, too. There's nothing out there but, well, badlands. PS. Don't expect a trail. Just park, head through the gate, and and head toward the piles, veering right as you go.
Food scene
Wood fire pizza in a casual setting, plus beer.
550 Brewing & Pizza Parlor
119 N Main AveRubia's Fine Mexican Dining
116 S Main AveCity advice
Useful phrases
"Christmas"
When eating New Mexican food, the server may ask you, "Red or green?" meaning, 'What kind of chile sauce do you want on your food?' (Red is typically not as hot.) If you say "Christmas", it means, 'Put them both on!' It is a great way to experience the local flavors.
Don't miss
Snowdown
Every winter, Durango, CO (45 minute drive) holds a winter festival called Snowdown, usually the end of January through beginning of February. Go check it out! The city of Durango's website will have a complete schedule of events.
What to pack
This is high desert, and the country!
There are next to no paved surfaces at our home; pack for being outside with the real earth beneath your feet! Pack layers as well--the high desert climate experiences rather sharp differences in temperature as the sun comes and goes (the evening can be up to 30 degrees cooler than the peak of the day, especially down by the river!). Bring sunscreen and drink water! We are at almost 6,000 feet in elevation, and the air is clear, so that sun comes a' shining through! Wear sun protection, and remember that staying hydrated can ward off altitude sickness.