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Southwest Raft Jeep Blog in Durango Colorado

Southwest Raft & Jeep

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jeeping trail near durango

Fun Facts About Durango, Colorado

How much do you know about the beautiful city that is Durango, Colorado? Last week, we told you about how the name Durango itself is derived from the Basque word “Urango,” which means “water town.” Aside from being home to Southwest Raft and Jeep, the Animas River, and countless adventure seekers – Durango is filled with rich history and fun facts. Let us elaborate.

Durango Food Lovers Unite

Do you like food? Of course you do. Did you know that there are more Durango restaurants per capita than San Francisco? Even though Durango is only 5.6 square miles, talk about a city where you won’t go hungry. If you go on a 4-hour rafting or kayak trip with Southwest Raft and Jeep, you’ll get to enjoy lunch at Serious Texas BBQ. Oh yeah, did we mention that Durango is also home to the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory?

Durango was Founded in 1880

The town of Durango was founded in 1880 by The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company. By July 1882, the company successfully built what is now the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Unlike standard gauge rails that are 56 inches apart, the tracks of this railroad are only 36 inches apart. Back then, laborers were paid an average of $2.25 per day.

The River of Lost Souls

The Animas River was originally named “El Rio de las Animas Perdidas.” Translation? The River of Lost Souls. The river runs through Durango and got this name after several Spanish explorers who traveled on it went missing – their bodies were never found. Don’t freak out! These days, “The River of Lost Souls” is an exciting and safe place to enjoy water sports and more. In fact, two miles of the Animas River are considered “Gold Medal” waters, classified for the highest quality of large trout fishing.

More Fun Facts About Durango

Below are a few more fun facts about Durango. For a full list, click here.

  • Jack Dempsey, a man born in southern Colorado, fought Andy Malloy at the Jarvis Suites Hotel on October 7, 1915. Dempsey went on to become the heavyweight boxing champion in 1919.
  • In the 1880s, Durango’s newspaper (the Durango Herald) was called the Durango Democrat.
  • The following movies were filmed in Durango: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, City Slickers, Cliffhanger, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Night Passage, Around the World in Eighty Days, Ticket to Tomahawk, How the West Was Won, and Tracker.

Looking For an All Day Adventure? Contact Southwest Raft and Jeep Today!

In addition to all of the incredible services we offer, Southwest Raft and Jeep has partnered with other outdoor professionals in order to offer you adventure packages to include a raft trip with either a Zipline tour or Jeep rental. If you have any questions about our adventure packages or any of our exciting outdoor services, please contact us today at 970-259-8313 or swing into our main office located at 305 S. Camino Del Rio, Suite V in the Office Depot Complex.

Please take note of our cancellation and refund policy: All reservations are required to be paid in full at the time of booking. Any reservation cancelled with at least 72 hours notice will receive a 90% refund. Any reservation canceled with less than 72 hours notice will not receive a refund. No calls/no shows will not be issued refunds.

Check back with our blog next week and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter and check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!

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