Families move to Southwest Colorado for all kinds of reasons, but the outdoors is usually near the top of the list. Here, a normal week can include a river float, a bike ride after school and a weekend at a national park. The trick is choosing a home and a town that make those adventures easy, not just possible.
Rivers, lakes and summer days
The Animas River runs right through Durango, and the river trail makes it easy to walk, bike or scooter along the water. Families across the region also head to lakes such as Vallecito near Bayfield and McPhee Reservoir near Dolores for paddling, fishing and camping. Living close to water can turn summer evenings into mini-adventures without much planning.
Ski days and winter fun
Purgatory Resort, north of Durango, gives families a home mountain for ski and snowboard days, and local hills and parks offer sledding when the snow falls. Winter also brings practical questions: think about driveway grades, snow removal and how far you're willing to drive on snowy mornings. Our guide to winter and rural living covers what to expect.
Trails for every age
Mountain biking is a big part of local family life. Trail systems like Overend Mountain Park in Durango and Phil's World near Cortez include options that work for riders who are still learning, along with plenty to grow into. As a mountain biker and a mom of two boys, Allison knows how much it helps to live where a short family ride doesn't require loading the car.