|
There is so much to do on your Durango, Colorado vacation, that the only problem you will have is finding the time fit it all in!
PARKS AND RECREATION
Mesa Verde National Park
Just thirty minutes from the Ranch, Mesa Verde National Park is considered the top Historic Site in the United States. Take a picnic lunch-you can have one made at the Absolute Bakery in Mancos (970)533-1200, and plan on spending the day. Mesa Verde National Park. www.nps.gov/meve/home.htm
The Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Probably the area's best-kept secret, this Ute Mountain Indian owned and operated private park's six times larger than Mesa Verde and contains some incredible archaeology sites-left just as they were found. You must go into the park with an Indian guide - which makes the adventure even more special. The East Entrance to the park is just sixteen miles from the Ranch, and the guides are happy to meet our guests there at around 10:00 am. The tour is usually over around 3:00 pm. You'll need to take a picnic lunch and water. www.utemountainute.com
Heading to Moab?
Only 3.5 hours away from the Inn... Moab Utah is a great place to visit. With great mountain biking, jeep, off road motorcycling trails you can beat a day out on the sun. Rafting through the Colorado or Green River and exploring Arches National Park, there is a lot of things to do in this beautiful dessert town.
We have a wide selection of B&B's you would want to check out
Trip Advisor Bed and Breakfast Moab Utah
Crow Canyon Archeological Center
Have you ever wanted to be an archeologist for a day? The Crow Canyon Archeological Center can make your wish come true. www.crowcanyon.org
Other archeological sites, the Aztec, Hovenweep, Lowrey, and Salmon Ruins are all less than an hour and a half from the Inn and except for the Aztec Ruins, you'll see very few visitors at these splendid sites.
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This scenic trip is a must for visitors to the Southwest. The little train has been in operation for over 100 years and winds through the San Juan National Forest. We suggest taking the train one way and the bus (provided by the train and covered by roundtrip ticket) one way. This cuts about two hours off the trip, and the views from the bus are spectacular. Ask for the canyon side of the train and take the bus up and the train back. Toll-free 888-872-4607. www.DurangoTrain.com
High Country Elk Adventure
A fascinating safari-like tour of the Cervid Elk Preserve just a couple of miles from the ranch. Sight some of the largest elk bulls and families in the west from a secure, open top tour vehicle. Toll-free 800-409-7295 www.HighCountryElk.com
Fishing
The Inn is also less than an minutes from the San Juan and Dolores River. Guides are available at:
Duranglers
www.duranglers.com
(970)385-4081
Don Oliver Fishing Guide
www.donoliverfishingguide.com
(970)982-0364
Fish Durango
www.fishdurango.com
(970)749-5581
San Juan Skyway
Spend a day driving the circle from the Inn to Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango. If you have a motorcycle, ask Carlos for a Guided Motorcycle Tour through the Region. This five and a half hour driving time trip is spectacular in the spring, summer, and fall. www.coloradodirectory.com/maps/skyway.html
Jeep Tours
Let some one else do the driving as you see the High Country from the top. Tours can be arranged by calling OutlawTours www.outlawtours.com (970)259-1800
ANNUAL EVENTS
Annual Shiprock Navajo Fair
The Oldest Navajo Fair on the Navajo Reservation. The annual Fair is held in Shiprock, New Mexico at the Shiprock fairgrounds the first weekend of October. The event usually includes exhibits, rodeo, pow-wow, traditional song & dance, parade and carnival. The main attraction is the Ye'ii Bi Chei ceremony conducted for the first time of the year any where on the Navajo Nation. The famous "Yei" rugs, depicting the Yei deities, have traditionally been woven in the Shiprock area. Call Farmington Convention and Vistors Bureau 800-448-1240 or 928-656-3280 for details. www.shiprocknavajofair.org
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
It started as a contest between two brothers, Tom and Jim Mayer. Jim, Tom's older brother, was a train engineer on the iron horse. Everyday when the train which Jim was conducting passed their home, Tom would jump on his 10 speed bike and pedal 50 miles over the two mountain passes in an effort to beat this brother. As the train pulled into the Silverton station one day in 1971, Jim?s young brother was waiting his arrival sweating and smiling. The following year, Tom and friend, Ed Zink along with 36 cyclists joined the contest which today is called the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.
Today over 2000 cyclists enter this race which is one of the largest bikes races held in the United States . The 47 mile, 5,550 feet climb is scheduled each year for Memorial Day weekend.
http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com
Durango Events Calendar
Durango Special Events Calendar
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Durango Mountain Resort
Durango Mountain Resort, also known by its former name Purgatory (known to the locals) is a ski resort located in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, 15 miles north of the town of Durango. It was originally opened in 1965 and offers 85 trails, including 2 terrain parks, the Paradise Freestyle Arena and Pitchfork Terrain Garden. And also the Divine expression sessions. It has 11 ski lifts, including one six-person "Flying Couch" or "Six pack" and one high speed quad lift. Average annual snowfall is 260 inches per year, and artificial snow is produced on approximately one-fifth of the mountain.[1] The elevation at the summit is 10,822 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,029 feet.
Hiking
There are places to hike near the Inn itself, including a three mile stretch of the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area, and the Inn is just minutes from mountain hiking in the Lightner Creek Valley and along the Colorado Trail.
Colorado Hiker's Guide
Rock Climbing
Kling Mountain Guides lead adventures to some of the most awe inspiring places in the world. From our home base in beautiful Durango, Colorado, we offer guided climbing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing courses, international expeditions, technical rope rigging, AIARE and AAA avalanche courses, and wilderness medical training courses.
Bird Watching
Welcome to Lightner Creek Inn, a Colorado B&B, Bed. We are located in the middle of Lightner Creek Valley near Durango Colorado. Our Inn stay is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature in all its glory. We are surrounded by indigenous trees and beautiful mountains. Many feeders have been placed in the garden to provide close-up views of the numerous bird species that frequent the yard. 30 bird species has been seen in or from our yard. This number includes birds of prey that do their nesting in the mountain pekas, wild turkeys and various types of birds that make their arrival around mid-May, staying through September each year.
Biking
Both Mountain and road bikes (bicycles) are available for rent in Durango through 2nd Avenue Sports, and there are many places to bike in the Durango area, both road and mountain. The Inn is just minutes away from one of Durango's favorite mountain biking trails, Junction Creek/Dry Fork Loop. If you are into road cycling, we are a mile away from one of the most challanging ride in durango, Wildcat Canyon Loop - an advanced ride with a 10 mile climb and it's about 35 miles long. Our guests also enjoy biking on country roads near the Inn and through the Lightner Creek Valley. If you have any question, please call us, we love our bikes!
RENT YOUR BIKE!!
Motorcycle Touring
If you like touring on your motorcycle, you have come to the right area. With over 600 miles of road and beautiful scenery and great places to eat, Southwest Colorado is considered to be a great motorcycle enthusiast locations. From High mountain paths to open road, the four corner region is the place for you and your bike. In addition "THE" Four Corners Motorcycle Rally, Held Annually the Week Before Labor Day, is one of the best Rally for enthusiast of all ages.
Mind to Wild Rafting Trips
Seasonally available. This can be a great family adventure and a good way to see the country. Mountain Waters Rafting (970)259-4191
Flexible Flyers Rafting
Durango Rafting Company
4Corners RiverSports
Southwest Whitewater
Golf
There are two public courses in the Durango area.
www.DaltonRanch.com
www.golfHillcrest.com
An hour away south of the Inn lies Pinon Hills Golf Course in Farmington, NM. Recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the top public courses in the country, our guests rave about the 18-hole course. (505)326-6066
http://www.pinonhillsgolf.com/
Skiing
Winter offers a large variety of activities including some of the area's best skiing. Guests enjoy cross country skiing near the Inn. Downhill skiers can ski at the family oriented local Hesperus Ski Hill seven 35 away or the larger resorts of Durango Mountain Resort & Purgatory or Telluride.
www.durangomountainresort.com
www.wolfcreekski.com
www.ski-hesperus.com
www.tellurideskiresort.com
SPAS
Trimble Hot Springs
Continuously heated and refreshed by a large natural spring, Trimble Hot Springs, 7 miles north of Durango provides a beautiful natural setting for swimming, soaking, and relaxing. There are also beautiful grounds to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner. Call ahead to book a massage. Hours 8:00 am - 11:00 pm in the summer.
(970)247-0111 http://www.trimblehotsprings.com/
Pogasa Springs Hot Springs
COME FOR THE DAY....
The Springs Resort Bath House is open to the General Public for soaking and relaxing in our 22 different hot mineral pools and our new cool water swimming pool and Jacuzzi pool. Hours of operation are daily from 7AM-11PM (Sun-Thur) and 7:00 AM-1:00 AM (Fri-Sat, Holidays and every day June 15-Labor Day). Towels, robes and locker facilities are available to day visitors for a minimal rental fee.
(800) 225-0934 http://pagosahotsprings.com/
Orvis Hot Springs <-Innkeeper's Favorite
A 2 hour drive from the Inn you will encounter one of the best hot springs in the region. Orvis Hot Springs is a clothing optional natural hot springs resort that does not heat or treat our water in any way. We offer seven soaking areas that range in temperature from 98-112 degrees. Four of our soaking areas are outside where you can enjoy the gorgeous Colorado sun and the star filled evening sky. We also offer an indoor pool and two private tubs which are great for getting out of the sun or inclement weather. At Orvis Hot Springs, you will find that our natural lithium water will allow you to rest, relax and feel rejuvenated when you leave.
(970) 626.5324 http://www.orvishotsprings.com/
SHOPPING
Shopping
Durango has many locally owned stores and factory outlets offering the finest in Western wear, cowboy hats, décor, and designer wear. Ask our staff for particulars.
http://www.durangodowntown.com/shops
Trading Posts
The Inn is perfectly located for a circle drive taking in several of the Region's top Trading Posts. The great ones are sometimes hard to find. The Inn's staff will help you find them.
Passing through Bluff?
Twin Rocks Trading Post offers an extensive selection of museum quality, uniquely handcrafted Native American and Southwest art. www.twinrocks.com
Toll free: (800) 526-3448
DINING
Kennebec Café
Chef-owners Barbara and Miguel invite you to dine in an atmosphere of casual elegance, gracious hospitality and warm comfortable surroundings. With gorgeous mountain scenery as the backdrop, your meal at The Kennebec Café and Bakery is a special dining experience. The restaurant is only a 10 minute drive from the Inn, yet, upon entering, you are immediately transported to an intimate European café.
(970) 247-5674 www.kennebeccafe.com
http://www.durangodowntown.com/dining/restaurants.htm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Local Weather
Just type in our zip code 81301 and a local weather forecast will be displayed.
www.weather.com
Road Conditions
www.durango.travel/planning/drivingcond.htm |
|