Durango Telegraph - Animas River Days flows back into town
Animas River Days flows back into town

A revitalized and expanded Animas River Days rolls into Durango this weekend. Unlike past years, River Days, which runs June 1-3, is shifting toward becoming a river festival rather than a whitewater-only event. Activities will include everything from the traditional whitewater rodeo and slalom races and ever-popular boat parade and after-party to a pancake breakfast, fly fishing events and a river clean-up.

A complete schedule follows:

Fri., June 1

6 p.m.: The annual boat parade leaves the 32nd Street put-in. An after-parade party follows at Four Corners Riversports

Sat., June 2

10 a.m.: A whitewater slalom race is staged at Santa Rita Park

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: A fly casting and fly tying demo takes place at Santa Rita Park

11 a.m.-3 p.m.: BMX Fun Day runs at the BMX track along the Animas River

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Dog/Owner Look Alike, Beach Dog and Crazy

Dog Fetching competitions take place at Santa Rita Park

1 p.m.: A fly-fishing clinic is held at Santa Rita Park

2 p.m.: The Division of Wildlife hosts a hatchery and wildlife museum tour

Sun., June 3

8:30-10 a.m.: Southwest Whitewater hosts a pancake breakfast at the store

9 a.m.: The annual down-river race begins at the 32nd St. put-in

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: A fly casting and fly tying demo takes place at Santa Rita Park

11 a.m.: The annual whitewater rodeo returns to Santa Rita Park

12 noon-3 p.m.: Santa Rita Park hosts a skate/BMX competition

2-4 p.m.: Animas River Days draws to a close with a river clean-up/BBQ at Backcountry Experience

Durango Discovery Museum tours, bike trail bird watching at For the Birds and volleyball tournaments will be offered throughout the weekend.

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows