After visiting Mesa Verde National Park, we stayed at the western slope towns of Durango and Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The area is only about 35 miles from New Mexico, has a moderate climate at 7,000 feet compared to the rest of Colorado, and has the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop.
Durango
Durango was organized in 1880 to serve the local mining district. Main Avenue is a historic area with plenty of galleries, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and other businesses. Durango is known for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Purgatory Resort, hiking trails, Fort Lewis College, and proximity to Mesa Verde National Park and Chimney Rock National Monument.
Lightner Creek
The sites were a little tight, but we had very good neighbors. Our site overlooked the creek. We had a patio and grill, which we took advantage of each night grilling steak, shrimp, and fish. Lightner Creek had 50 amp service, 60 psi water pressure, sewer, but no internet. Our Verizon signal was only 2 bars of 3g. Thanks to our weboost Drive 4G-X, our signal was boosted to 4 bars of LTE allowing us to use our phones as hotspots. We were also able to get our teeth cleaned in Durango. Doctors and dentists can be a challenge when traveling as they are booked so far ahead.
Eno Wine Bar
A very nice atmosphere, good wines, and tapas. We enjoyed a charcuterie board.
Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs was incorporated in 1891. It only has a population of about 1,700, but 60% of property owners are non-residents. Pagosa Springs is known for the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. People are attracted to the area to soak in the warm spring water, hike, fish, ski, and hunt with stunning Rocky Mountain views.
Treasure Falls
It was a short hike to the 105 foot waterfall. We only came across one other couple. Treasure Falls gets its name because of a local legend about “a treasure of gold” buried in the mountain the falls plunge from.
Red Columbine and Creeping Mahonia.
Piedra Falls
A short hike to the falls. It was springtime so the Piedra River was full and the falls intense.
We saw deer, turkey, and a few wild strawberry plants blooming.
The Springs Resort and Spa
The geothermal spring’s water temperature is 144 degrees F. By regulating the spring water’s flow into each soaking pool, the temperature of the water can be adjusted. The Springs has 23 soaking pools with a range of temperatures, even access to the chilly San Juan river, so everyone can find their perfect temperature. We preferred the 92, 100 and 106 degree pools. Pagosa is the Ute Indian word for “bad smell”. There was some sulfur aroma, but very tolerable.
The Springs was a sacred place of peace and healing for the Ute Indians. Over time, settlers and the Army became enamored with the soothing water. The medicinal effects of the water was studied by U.S. Army physicians in the 1860s and their reports concluded: “The waters of Pagosa are without doubt the most wonderful and beneficial in medicinal effects that have ever been discovered.”
The Springs became a hot spot for healing in the early 1900s, but with the advent of modern medicine, the interest in Pagosa Springs’ curative powers waned. The area revitalized in the 2000s and once again became popular, not just for the springs, but for all the other activities.
Mountain Landing
The RV park was less than 50% full. Our site was huge and private. 50 amp service, good water pressure, sewer, and good internet, but Nexflix was blocked. The dog park was next to the RV, which Jake really enjoyed because he was able to watch every dog in the park go by. This is definitely a town we could live in: lots of culture, amazing night stars and fun activities.
