Animas River
The Durango Parks and Recreation Department initiated an extensive community engagement process in 2011 that resulted in the adoption of the Durango Animas River Corridor Management Plan in 2013. The development of the Durango Animas River Management Plan involved eight public meetings and during this public process the development of Oxbow Park river access was identified as the highest priority river access in Durango to improve. Immediately following the adoption of the Durango Animas River Corridor Management Plan, the City engaged the services of a technical design team to develop final construction documents to four river access locations, including Oxbow Park. There was significant community involvement, including an on-site public meeting in the development of the site-specific plan for Oxbow Park. Final construction documents were completed in 2015. Oxbow Park is currently an unimproved river access area. The park improvements will provide a boat ramp at the river’s edge for small craft put-in. Improvements to the river edge will be made by stabilizing the shore with boulders and planting riparian vegetation. There will be a paved parking lot adjacent to Animas View Drive, restrooms, and picnic facilities.
Animas River Access Points
- Oxbow Park
- 33rd Street (limited parking)
- 29th Street at Memorial Park
- Recreation Center (tubing put-in)* Free Parking for tubers and pump station to fill tubes.
- 9th Street at Schneider Park (tubing take-out)
- Santa Rita Park
- Cundiff Park
- High Bridge
- Dallabetta Park
User Guidelines
To ensure a pleasurable experience and protect the Animas River Greenway, please read and follow these river user guidelines:
- Be Safe - It is recommended that river users wear a Coast Guard Approved life vest. Helmets and secure foot gear are also recommended for individual crafts.
- Be Prepared - Weather and water conditions can change rapidly in any season; Inappropriate clothing and footwear can result in injury, hypothermia, dismemberment, or death.
- Be Careful - You will encounter rocks, logs, man-made obstacles and strong currents.
- Know your limits and be a strong swimmer.
- Scout unfamiliar waters and portage if necessary.
- Vessels surfing the rapids must yield to boats traveling downstream.
Please Remember
- No open containers of alcohol.
- No glass containers.
- Pack out all trash and dispose in a proper receptacle.
- Dogs must be on a leash on shore and dog waste cleaned up.
- Respect private property and do not trespass.
- Be polite and courteous to others on and near the river.
- When approaching anglers, move away to the opposite side of the river to pass by.
- Practice Leave-No-Trace techniques.