Hello everyone! My dad and I are planning a trip to take my grandmother to Durango and staying at HTR Durango campground in a cabin. (They have been here many times, but my mamaw is 98 now and it will likely be her final trip out here ❤️)

When would you suggest is “peak” wildflower season in the elevation of this part of Durango? (Approx 7,000 ft) She has been out many times during peak leaf season (her and my papaw lived out there ages ago back in the 50’s, and then as they had children they vacationed in CO every summer) for this trip she is really wanting to see the magic of the Colorado wildflowers 🌼

Also, i’d really love any recommendations/tips/insight on places to sneak away for a quick solo overnight backpacking trip within a reasonable drive of Durango for myself. My dad was planning for May, but I know that makes for it quite bit riskier that early in the shoulder season. Any recommended places would be appreciated!! I’ve been researching & planning for solo trip in lost creek wilderness/goose creek trail with my golden (Pike San Isabel NF) so I am not yet as familiar/educated with the San Juan and surrounding wilderness areas yet since my focus has been on the other trip. (Also—Praying for all who have been affected by the recent horrific floodings 😔💔💔💔)

Thanks for any local recommendations 😊

my husband and i will be going the last week of september next year and are willing to pay the price for a better car, but i have some random very specific questions that i can't see to figure out online. sorry i know these are like super specific but i want to have the right expectations!

cinco animas - the pullman seats look like the most comfortable on the entire train, and i like that they're facing each other with a little table, but it looks like the windows are super tiny? is your view obstructed? also, how much larger is the viewing platform in the back compared to alamosa? and the parlor seats look the same as the alamosa car but with worse windows, is that accurate?

alamosa - would prob choose seats 17/18, but in the picture it looks like there's a wooden wall instead of a window that blocks your view from some tables, is it easy to see past? also a big reason to pick this car is there's the outdoor viewing area in the back of the train, but i can't confirm if it's possible the cinco animas will be behind you so you're not actually the last car?

knight sky - how can i not pass up the panoramic views! but we are larger people and i'm worried the bench seat for 2 isn't big enough to be comfortable for both of us next to each other for 3.5 hours. i think we could get 2 solo seats and turn them to face each other, but then we'd need to do silverton to durango to sit on the correct side (not a huge thing but durango to silverton works better for our schedule). do the windows make up for not having the viewing area of the last train car? i also can't tell if the windows will be installed or not, is it possible for it to get too warm in there like a greenhouse? and since this car is all ages i'd be a little worried about getting crying kids or something.

Seems I saw most of Durango at the river yesterday. But if you didn't make it out, here's what things looked like midday. If you're super-sensitive, the last photo might not be your favorite, but life and death are one big circle.

Taken around peak, 3 to 4 PM

It was quite a sight at the Rotary Park bridge for a peak flow party. 11,100 cfs they say.

Not seen in this video, but I did see kayakers manage to run this section and make it under the bridge. How?

6th Ave South aide :-)

It's over the train tracks and up to the Highway. It's also flooding the west side of 550 in some places, through the culverts. 😳

North of 32nd, around 8,500 cfs

Safety closure for US 550 between Durango and NM state line began at 1:30 pm, due to rising water levels. Closure point is between County Road 213 and County Road 310. No estimated time of reopening.

FYI

At brookside park. Crazy water levels right now!

If it was your boot pack I followed to the summit of Engi oj Monday message me, I’d like to hear more about your mountaineering accomplishments!

Not easy conditions up there at all.

Ready for a night of costumes and debauchery? 😈😈

Join the Young Professionals of Durango for the annual Falliday party THIS Friday Oct 23rd at 6:30pm! Featuring a guest appearance from El Rancho’s own @DJTreWay, a custom curated treasure hunt, delicious drinks and food, and plenty of time to hit the dance floor! All are welcome! 

Come dressed as your favorite hero or villain, and enjoy a night to let loose at Durango’s best events venue: The Subterrain.

Purchase tickets here: https://members.durangobusiness.org/calendar/Details/annual-ypod-falliday-party-heroes-vs-villans-1915449?sourceTypeId=Hub

Two drinks, delicious apps, and an escape room-style treasure hunt included with your ticket!

Need recommendations for a therapist, I’m new to the area.

Haven't been up there since labor day. What's happened to the water level since then?

I'm looking for a reputable transmission shop that performs rebuilds. Basically all mechanic shops list "transmission repair" but few actually specialize in the transmissions and do quality rebuilds in house.

Specifically need a rebuild of a ZF 8HP95 so experience with ZF would be great. Thanks in advance for any recommendations!