Animas

Update on the Rockwood Train Station:

Covid drove train operations north from downtown Durango to the Rockwood Depot which is the normal place to park and hike. Train operations and personnel have asked for paddlers to not park on their parking lot during business hours (7am-5pm) . They've talked about towing, sheriff etc. New Rockwood operations are still in effect for 2021. We are asking paddlers to respect the parking closure for now to avoid escalating this sensitive access issue. An alternative hike-in exists from Haviland Lake (see the below instructions and detailed photo guide in the gallery courtesty of Nora Flucke).

An alternative hike to the river put in exists further north from Haviland Lake along Hwy 550. Take the exit to Haviland Lake. Drive around the lake and then go right and look for a dirt parking lot. The trail starts at the hiking parking lot and is a pleasant albeit steep trail down to the river. You may want to use a Nav program while hiking due to the many trails that take off left and right. Or ask a local for beta. Better yet, go with a local :) This trail provides another mile or so of paddling with some fun rapids until you get to the Rockwood Box. Please use this during train operating hours. So far no issues have arisen from the takeout hike up to the parking lot. When hiking out, please stay off the tracks through 'the cut' close to the parking lot. You can hike up and over the hill lookers left of 'the cut' on an obvious trail.

The Rockwood Box is paddled as a continuation of the Upper Animas River and as a quick after work lap for Durango locals.

If you feel you've been pushed to your max on the Upper Animas, consider taking out at the Tacoma train stop. You can catch the last train around 5:30 pm (Check the current train schedule) or if it's already passed your only option is to hike out along the tracks (although this is considered trespassing).

If you arrive at Tacoma hungry for m

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