EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA
Day 3
One of the top reasons we selected the Durango area was the kid-friendly whitewater rafting available in the summer months, a bucket-list adventure for us. Because the water levels are down, the rapids are less intimidating and the ride is a bit slower and smoother. The family rafting trips include Class I, II and III level rapids, with a squeal-inducing run through multiple rapids in the Whitewater Park. An expert guide ensures safety and plenty of fun on each raft, and ours was excellent with our kids, eager to answer endless questions and empower them to participate in steering the raft. The scenery is breathtaking, and we enjoyed learning about the history of the area along the way. While our youngest was a bit apprehensive in the high class waters, afterward he declared himself very brave. We appreciated the safety precautions of helmets and life jackets for everyone, thorough cleaning of all gear, masks and social distancing required at all times when not on
the water and the ability to travel with just our group in our raft. Durango’s 11th Street Station makes a perfect stop for lunch with a variety of food trucks on site sure to please everyone’s taste buds and providing carry-out or dine-in. From poke bowls with fresh, vibrant flavors to al pastor tacos served with peppers and pineapple, we refueled, relived our favorite whitewater moments and refreshed for an afternoon hike. Back toward Bayfield, Vallecito Creek Trail provided spectacular views of Vallecito Lake and surrounding mountain ranges, shady spots to rest, waterfalls and water wading and a few steep drop-offs that made my mama heart race but my kids loved conquering. In truth, the 12.7 mile trail is wide and easy to moderate in difficulty level. We made our way about 2 miles in before turning around. Another key to our family’s hiking with young children is to head back before the whining about being tired, hungry or bored chose Backcountry Outfitters outside Pagosa Springs for our morning ride. Winding through the Piedra Valley, the trails offer dazzling panoramas of the surrounding mountains and nearby Chimney Rock National Monument, towering twin rocky spires for which the monument is named. While we didn’t spot any wildlife on our trek, elk, deer and even skunk spottings are commonplace! Giving the hard-working horses some extra pats and treats afterward made our kids’ day. The birthday girl opted for a pizza lunch, picnic style, in Durango before heading for an afternoon hike near Purgatory Resort base. Purgatory Trail is a 10.3 mile out and back hike (we opted for much less!) that leads down to a lake with creek and water crossings along the way. The hike is mostly downhill on the way in, which means a lot of uphill on the way back. Several open spots make for perfect places to rest (and snack) while enjoying the gorgeous valley and mountain landscape, lush forests and small waterfalls. We worked hard on this hike, and the birthday girl wanted ice cream, so we made our way over to Purgatory Resort to grab a cool treat and sit at the base to watch the mountain bikers quite impressively flying down what are ski slopes in the winter months.
WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE ANIMAS RIVER
begins! We typically plan together how far we want to trek on each particular hike, depending on how much time we have, how everyone is feeling and the terrain. It helps to have a goal in mind but I’ve found it’s also wise to be flexible.
Day 4
Our fourth day in the mountains happened to be our daughter’s birthday, so we gave her decision-making power in selecting the days’ activities. Horseback riding was top priority, and based on stellar reviews and horses and staff equipped for kid riders, we
HIKING PURGATORY TRAIL WORKS UP AN APPETITE.
Purgatory also offers a number of summertime family-friendly activities, including mountain biking, a mountain roller coaster, alpine slide, chairlift rides, paddleboard, kayak and canoe rentals and panning for gemstones.
HORSEBACK RIDING WITH BACKCOUNTRY OUTFITTERS INCLUDES PRETTY PANORAMA VIEWS OF SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS.
60 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021
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