Durango Magazine Celebrates Durango Trails and ED Mary Monroe Brown’s Legacy
Durango Magazine Celebrates Durango Trails and ED Mary Monroe Brown’s Legacy
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Category: News
Seasonal Wildlife Closures Dec. 1 through April 15
Video campaign highlights the importance of respecting seasonal wildlife closures in Durango – in effect Dec. 1, 2024.
Ever wonder why certain trails in Durango have seasonal wildlife closures? During the winter months, deer and elk need safe harbors and seasonal wildlife closures are essential for the animals to survive. Even when there is no snow on the ground these areas are critical for animals to make it through the winter. That’s why Durango Trails this week launched an informational and educational video campaign aimed at educating and inspiring users to follow certain etiquette and safety guidelines when traveling on trails in Durango and the surrounding area. The first video, “It’s Up To Me,” highlights the importance of abiding by the winter seasonal wildlife closures.
It’s up to me. It’s up to us. It’s up to all of us to protect wildlife in Colorado.
The seasonal wildlife closures go into effect Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2024 until April 15 or 30 (weather dependent) for the following areas:
Grandview Ridge
- Big Canyon and Sale Barn trailheads (access located east of U.S. Highway 160)
- Grandview BLM trails
Animas City Mountain
- Upper Animas Mountin aon BLM lands (about 1.5 miles above the 32nd Street Trailhead)
Twin Buttes Area
- The upper trails only, as marked.
Bodo State Wildlife Areas
- This area is closed with the exception of the Smelter Mountain Trail that is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dogs are prohibited.
Perins Peak
The Durango Mesa Bike Parks Trails also close December 1 but Mesa Connect and Telegraph Connect remain open.
Watch the video here or by clicking the video above. Visit our Trail Conditions Report for up to date trail conditions. You can also learn more about wildlife in Colorado by visiting the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Campaign video made possible through Durango Trails receipt of the Partners in the Outdoors grant from the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The videos were produced by Coldstream Creative and include local talent.
Colorado Gives Day Early Giving starts today
Colorado Gives Day Early Giving starts today
As you reflect on your hikes, runs, or mountain bike rides this year, did you notice the hundreds of downed trees cleared from trails like the Colorado Trail, Dry Fork, Hofheins, Engineer Mountain, and Pass Trail? Did you find joy in the meticulously maintained paths of Horse Gulch, Overend, Dalla Mountain, Twin Buttes, and Missionary Ridge, or the new trails built on Animas Mountain?
Perhaps the new Strike Team quickly addressed a downed tree or erosion issue, or maybe you were inspired by our stewardship campaigns, social media updates, and newsletter stories, deepening your connection to the trails we all cherish.
At Durango Trails, these projects represent just a fraction of what we’ve accomplished in 2024, thanks to your unwavering support. For over 34 years, we’ve worked to preserve and enhance our trail networks. But we couldn’t have done it without you—the incredible community that believes in the power of trails to connect us to nature and to one another. Now more than ever, we need your help. Your year-end gift is critical to ensuring that Durango Trails has the resources to keep our trails open, safe, and thriving for everyone. As trail usage increases and natural challenges like weather and erosion grow, so too do the costs of maintaining these precious spaces. Without your continued generosity, the very trails that bring us joy, peace, and adventure could face neglect. By making a gift today, you are investing in the future of our trails—and in the well-being of our community. Every dollar you contribute goes directly to supporting vital projects: clearing and maintaining trails, building new pathways, and fostering the next generation of trail stewards. Please DONATE Today and Give Back to the trail that Give You so much Joy.
Durango Trails Announces New Executive Director
Durango Trails Announces New Executive Director
Durango, CO – [November 13, 2024] – Durango Trails, a leading nonprofit dedicated to trail development and community building, is excited to announce the appointment of Jen Gersbach-Venzara as its new Executive Director. A longtime Durango resident, Gersbach-Venzara brings decades of familiarity and involvement with Durango Trails and a deep-rooted commitment to the organization’s mission.
“I moved to Durango because of the trails. My unwavering commitment, enthusiasm, and strong desire to build upon the remarkable achievements that Mary and the entire Durango Trails organization have provided our community are exactly why I’m thrilled to step into this role,” said Gersbach-Venzara.
A graduate of CU Boulder, Jen raced professionally as a mountain biker, traveling the world and gaining a rich understanding of trails and trail development. She coaches for DEVO and FLC Cycling and has spent the past ten years as a nurse while raising her two young children. Jen has been a long-time supporter of Durango Trails. She is married to Miles Venzara, and they have a 10-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter.
Jen will succeed longtime Executive Director Mary Monroe Brown, who will step down at the end of 2024 to focus on her business in the outdoor recreation space, Bluebird Consulting. Brown will stay on with Durango Trails to the end of the year to support the onboarding and transition process.
“I’ve known Jen for 20 years, and I’m thrilled to see her passion, excitement, and new ideas come to fruition,” said Brown. “Jen’s commitment to our community and her dedication to raising her family here bring both continuity and fresh vision to help elevate our mission.”
During her tenure, Mary has spearheaded numerous transformative initiatives that have significantly enriched the quality of life in Durango and beyond. Her leadership has not only expanded and improved our trail network but also fostered a culture of community and environmental stewardship among our volunteers and supporters.
“Mary’s impact on our community is immeasurable,” said Steve Schwartz, board member and interim president of Fort Lewis College. “Her passion, vision, and dedication have set a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire us for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for her leadership and the legacy she leaves behind.”
Brown’s leadership has been central to shaping Durango Trails. “She is more than a leader,” Schwartz added, “she is a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration.”
“We are thrilled that Jen has accepted this new role, and we’re excited to work alongside her,” said Christina Rinderle, board president of Durango Trails. “We owe immense gratitude to Mary and her family for nearly 20 years of commitment to this community. Jen is the ideal addition to carry forward the tremendous legacy Mary has built. Jen officially starts on December 1, and everyone is working closely to ensure a seamless transition. We feel incredibly fortunate.”
About Durango Trails
Durango Trails, formed in 1990, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to plan, build, and maintain trails; educate trail users; and foster community connectivity. Through trail development, volunteer engagement, and educational programs, Durango Trails enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, promoting physical and mental well-being through outdoor recreation and community building.
Big Announcement
The @usacycling has announced the mountain bike team for the Olympic Games for Paris including @@rj_amos, @christopherblevs and @saviliablunk. The Durango streak continues with hometown heroes Riley Amos and Christopher Blevins along with @saviliablunk an @flccycling alum and adopted Durango daughter.
Mountain bike was added to the Olympics in 1996 with Durango athlete Juli Furtado, continued with the 2000 Games with @ruthiematthes and the OG @tbrowntrip, the first Olympic mountain biker born and raised in Durango and continued with @yotwells @howardgrotts. Congratulations! Your trails are rooting for you!
Citius, Altius, Fortius
Join Us for Earth Day Celebrations
Thursday, April 18 Release of Trail Crew Brew at Ska Brewing 4pm to 7pm
Saturday, April 20 Trailwork Kick Off!
Monday, April 22 – Durango Trails 34th Anniversary
Seasonal Wildlife Closure December 1-April
Seasonal Wildlife Closures
VIEW DURANGO WINTER WILDLIFE CLOSURE MAP
Colorado Parks and Wildlife seasonal wildlife closures are December 1 through April 15, with possible extension to April 30 if conditions warrant:
Grandview Ridge
- Big Canyon and Sale Barn trailheads (access located east of U.S. Highway 160)
- South Rim Trail, portions of Sidewinder and Cowboy trails on BLM accessed from Carbon Junction Trail
- Grandview BLM trails (access from Three Springs)
Animas City Mountain
- BLM lands above the lower loops (approximately 1.5 miles above the 32nd Street trailhead).
Twin Buttes Area
- All upper trails as marked.
Bodo State Wildlife Area
- Exception: Smelter Mountain Trail is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dogs are prohibited. Small game hunting is allowed in the area south of La Plata County Road 210.
In addition, the Perins Peak area east of County Road 208 and west of Hogsback is closed through July 31 to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Closures near Cortez include the Aqueduct, Chutes and Ladders, the Summit areas within the Montezuma Triangle Recreation Management Zone and portions of the Cortez Special Recreation Management Area.
The following Durango-area trails will remain open for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing:
Horse Gulch, Telegraph, Crites, and Skyline areas
- Meadow, Stacy’s, Mike’s, Telegraph, Crite’s, and Sugar trails
- All of the Raider Ridge Trail to Medicine
- Ben’s Down and Out and Charmed trails
- Carbon Junction trailhead at Highway 3 to Telegraph via Crites Connection are open.
Lower Twin Buttes trails
- Access off of Highway 160 West; upper loops are closed.
All of Dalla Mountain Park
- Access off of Junction Creek Road.
Lower Twin Buttes trails
- Access off of Highway 160 West; upper loops are closed.
Overend Mountain Park
- Access at Leyden Street, Montview Parkway, Crestview Drive, and Hidden Valley Circle.
Trails around Fort Lewis College and along the Rim
- Lions Den, Chapman Flow, and Jump Line
Lower Twin Buttes trails
- Access off of Highway 160 West; upper loops are closed.
- The Rim, Squawker, Tawker, and Skyline trails (accessed from the Powerline Trail).
The Colorado Trail
- Access at Junction Creek.
A 1.5-mile loop trail on the lower portion of Animas City Mountain
- Access off of Highway 160 West; upper loops are closed.
- Access from the Birket Drive and 32nd Street trailheads or Dalla Mountain Park.
Durango Trails “Trail Conditions Report” is updated for winter including areas open for cross country skiing, fat biking and other winter related conditions. Please be sure to check the CAIC website and know before you go.
To learn more about seasonal wildlife closures, view a video produced by Durango Trails in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Sepp Kuss Vuelta a España Homecoming Celebration
Sepp Kuss Celebration Schedule of Events - Thursday, October 19, 2023
Parking is limited: all attendees are encouraged to ride their bikes to the event
3:30 p.m. – Speeches and Q&A at Buckley
4:30 p.m. – Bike Parade: South on Main Avenue to the train station, left, then
left on East 2nd Avenue, and north on East 2nd Avenue back to Buckley Park.5:15 p.m. – Post Parade Celebration/Autographs/Live Music
7:00 – Buckley Park Closed
303Endurango is going to try to broadcast the event on Facebook Live
Volunteers are needed as parade marshalls and park crowd management
Durango Devo’s Executive Director, Levi Kurlander, says, “Durango Devo is proud of all our alumni, and we’re certainly proud of Sepp Kuss! He is a great example of what makes Durango Devo and the Durango cycling community special. We are honored to host the Vuelta a España champion and Tour de France stage winner and celebrate his achievements in his hometown.”
Special thanks for this event is owed to these community partners: Durango Devo staff and sponsors; the City of Durango; Visit Durango and Spoketober; Verde PR; Ska Brewing; Durango Coca-Cola; the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic; Durango Trails; and Fort Lewis College Cycling.
ROADS CLOSED AT 3:00 PM:
- Main Ave between 12th and 13th St.
- 13th Street by Buckley Park
ROADS CLOSED AT 4:15 PM:
- Main Ave south from 12th St.
- E 2nd Ave between 12th and 5th St
- 5th St & 12th Street between Main and 2nd.
Join us as we come together to celebrate Sepp Kuss’s remarkable achievements and the spirit of Durango’s cycling community.
Showshoeing Around Durango
Guide to Snowshoeing in Durango
Durango is known for some of the best snowshoeing around. With an abundance of trails and millions of acres of open land and national forests, Durango is the perfect spot to get out for a hike this Winter.
In the winter months, many of the trails around Durango transform into perfect snowshoeing routes, allowing you to explore everything from leisurely, groomed walks to more challenging adventures to get your blood flowing. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for those of all ages and skill levels regardless of experience.
Click here to read the full guide to snowshoeing in the Durango area, courtesy of Visit Durango.
Winter Trail Conditions
Happy New Year!
2023 snow conditions provide various winter trail recreation options. Check out our updated Winter Trail Conditions Page and learn about the winter trail adventures.
Remember to learn about avalanche safety, and visit the CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) website which provides avalanche safety information, education and promotes research to help people reduce their risk from avalanches.
More Snow = Good News
- Chicken Creek and Bauer Loops are groomed and open. Only XC or snowshoes allowed: they state walking on groomed trails not allowed.
- Hillcrest opens Tuesday, Jan 3 for skate and classic. Please stay on groomed trails.
- Vallecito groomed for skate and classic.
- Boggy Draw groomed for fat biking.
- Durango Nordic finally able to get the groomer out but they have a lot of snow so still a bit soft but looking great.
- LaPlata Canyon and Junction Creek (FS 171) great for touring skis.
- Red Mountain Pass remains closed.
