La Plata: Forests, Water and Seasonal Experiences

The Columbine Ranger District manages 691,310 acres of the San Juan National Forest in Colorado’s La Plata and San Juan counties. This scale gives the landscape a broad sense of space. At the same time, you can distinguish specific travel interests: would you like to plan a seasonal train trip, activities on the water, trails through Durango, or winter pursuits? Choosing the right focus can help you tailor your vacation rental search to your plans.

Forest Landscapes and Far-Reaching Views

The Hermosa Roadless Area is part of the Columbine Ranger District. The Forest Service describes it as Colorado’s largest roadless area without Wilderness status. The name points to a distinctive type of landscape: “roadless” refers to an area without roads, while Wilderness status is a separate protection category. If you’re interested in undeveloped natural areas, this gives you a specific point of reference for understanding the landscape.

Water and open mountain views also feature in the activities described here. Motorboating is permitted on Vallecito Reservoir, where calm waters offer panoramic views of the mountains and mesas in eastern La Plata County. Because boating regulations can change, it’s a good idea to check the current rules before heading out. This lets you choose a clear activity and enjoy the scenery without making the whole day revolve around a sporting pursuit.

Travel Ideas by Season

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has operated continuously between Durango and Silverton since 1882. During the summer season, from May through October, it travels 45.4 miles along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton. The history and the journey go hand in hand: the route is not just a connection between two towns, but also follows the river. For specific day planning, check the schedule, as the seasonal timetable can vary.

Activities in the La Plata Mountains also vary by season. In summer, you can hike, camp, backpack, fish and picnic there. In winter, options include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering and snowmobiling. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you’d rather focus on longer outdoor activities or winter pursuits, instead of choosing accommodation alone and adjusting your daily plans later.

At Vallecito Reservoir, your options also depend on the season. When the water freezes in winter, you can ice fish, snowshoe and cross-country ski on the ice. Vallecito Nordic Center offers a groomed trail network for non-motorized recreation; grooming conditions vary by season. For a winter stay, it’s therefore worth considering each activity and its conditions. In summer, motorboating takes center stage. The two seasons offer different ways to enjoy the water and surrounding landscape.

Water, Trails and City Life

Lake Nighthorse has designated areas open to the public for swimming, fishing, boating and hiking. You can also kayak, stand-up paddleboard, canoe and enjoy other forms of non-motorized boating. Rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon are found there and can be fished. The options range from spending time by the water to getting out on it; if you’re fishing, be sure to follow the current regulations. Seasonal operating conditions can vary.

The Animas River Trail is a paved, 7-mile multi-use path through Durango along the banks of the Animas River. You can walk, run, cycle and ride an e-bike on it. The trail has fishing spots, river access points, picnic areas and beaches; several habitats and viewing areas also offer opportunities to observe birds and local wildlife. If you’d rather plan a route through town than a longer active outing, you can make these options a distinct part of your day.

Durango-La Plata County Airport is another important regional point of reference: it is the primary regional airport for southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico and the entire Four Corners region. When choosing a vacation rental, first decide on your planned priorities, then compare the specific locations of available rentals with your plans. Train travel, water activities and trails in Durango are different planning considerations; checking the address can help you choose accommodation that suits your priorities.

Places to Explore Next

Explore more places: Durango, Hesperus, Ignacio, Bayfield.

Explore more destinations: Prowers County, Alamosa County, Montezuma County, Costilla County.

Return to the main travel overview: Colorado.