2012 Durango Outdoor and Travel Expo

Empowering individuals to positively impact their lives, their communitiesand the environment

Southwest Conservation Corps701 Camino del Rio, Suite 101

Durango, CO 81301, 970-259-8607, [email protected], www.sccorps.org

A publication of

July 20 & 21, 2012 • Durango Outdoor & Travel Expo Event Guide 3

This brand-new event is presented by The Durango Herald, and is intended to make our locals and visitors more aware of the outdoor and travel opportunities in our area and far beyond. We have so much natural beauty and outdoor activity right here in the Four Corners, but there is more that you may have overlooked. Even in our little town of Durango, there are people – your friends and neighbors – who regularly travel all over the world conducting tours and expeditions in exotic locales. With this expo, we hope to shine a spotlight on some of those people, places and experiences.

We will feature exhibitors you know – such as Durango Moun-tain Resort, Fort Lewis College, and Mesa Verde – but we have others who run the gamut from scuba diving to dog sledding, from European castles to African safaris, from skydiving to llama treks, from climbing Mount Everest to rafting wild rivers.

We have interactive exhibits, too! There’s a 24-foot climbing wall sponsored by Directory Plus, an archery range directed by La Plata County 4-H and MaxArchery from Montrose, and a working zip line operated by Full Blast Adventure Center!

After you work up an appetite with those activities, stop by the dining area for some delicious Back Porch BBQ and a cold beer from Carver Brewing Company or a refreshing glass of wine from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards.

And then there’s everyone’s favorite – PRIZES! Wild Trek Safa-ris will be giving away a Kenyan safari! Several exhibitors will have drawings and prizes so be sure to hit all the booths and sign up for everything. We’ll also have a schedule of slide shows and talks in the Exhibition Hall’s upstairs presentation rooms, so check those out, too. A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say.

Southwest Conservation Corps is our non-profit partner and all beer and wine proceeds will go to them, so drink up, it’s for a good cause! They will receive additional proceeds from the expo to help support their ongoing good work.

Whoops, I almost forgot to mention, ADMISSION TO THIS EVENT IS FREE! You can’t beat that. We hope to see you and your family at La Plata County Fairgrounds this Friday and Saturday. Bring your sense of adventure and be ready to enjoy some new experiences at The Durango Outdoor & Travel Expo!

Durango Outdoor & Travel Expo Director

Expo DirectorSharon Hermes

PublisherRichard G. Ballantine

General ManagerKen Amundson

Vice President of Newspaper AdvertisingPaul C. Hay

Director of Sales and MarketingMark Drudge

Design ManagerBrady Sutherlin

Associate Director/Event Guide EditorJan Nesset

Graphic DesignerMitchell Carter

Advertising SalesTeressa Fenn, Darryl Hunt, Chuck Jillson, Karolann Latimer, Rob Lillard, Shawna Long, Ralph Maccarone

Advertising AssistantCora Younie

Advertising DesignMitchell Carter, Jennifer Dickens, Janelle Farnam, Hanah Noland, Michelle Uhl, Tracy Willbanks

The Durango Herald uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special magazine publications. However, all general information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted. To see the online version of this guide, click the link at: www.durangoherald.com.

Presentation Schedule and Floor Mappage 4

Back Porch BBQ Expo Menu page 5

SPONSOR - Full Blast Adventure Center page 6

Exhibitors starting on page 7

SPONSOR - Southwest Conservation Corps page 8

Expo Activities page 10

SPONSOR - Directory Plus page 12

Empowering individuals to positively impact their lives, their communitiesand the environment

Southwest Conservation Corps701 Camino del Rio, Suite 101

Durango, CO 81301, 970-259-8607, [email protected], www.sccorps.org

4 Durango Outdoor & Travel Expo Event Guide • July 20 & 21, 2012

(Presentations are held upstairs of the exhibition hall)

FRIDAY, July 2010:30 – 11:00 “America’s National Conservation Lands: Great places to learn about, explore and protect” — Presentation by Brian O’Donnell, Executive Director of the Conservation Lands Foundation (pg. 13)

11:00 – 11:40 “Mesa Verde National Park’s new Visitor and Research Center” — Briefing by Carol Sperling, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Mesa Verde National Park (pg.16)

11:00 – 11:50 “Elusive Summits: Climbing to the highest points in Ant-arctica and Oceania” — Slide show presentation by Todd Rutledge, Guide/Owner at Mountain Trip (pg. 17)

12:30 – 12:50 “Discovering Cimarroncita and the Legendary Cimarron Canyon” — Presentation by Minnette Burges, Partner at Cimarroncita His-toric Ranch Retreat (pg. 13)

1:00 – 1:30 “The Importance of Environmental Education and Nature Centers to the Outdoor Industry and Tourism: You love what you know about!” — Slide show presentation by Sally Shuffield, Executive Director of Durango Nature Studies (pg. 14)

1:30 – 1:50 “Discover Camp Redcloud: Christian Outdoor Camp and Retreat Center” — Presentation by Bob Borsh, Marketing Director of Camp Redcloud (pg. 9)

2:00 – 2:50 “Mount McKinley: How to climb to the top of North Amer-ica” — Slide show presentation by Todd Rutledge, Guide/Owner at Mountain Trip (pg. 17)

3:00 – 3:50 “Safari Adventures in East and Southern Africa”— Slide show presentation by Rick Loether, General Manager/U.S. Office of Wild Trek Safaris (pg. 18)

4:00 – 4:30 “The Importance of Environmental Education and Nature Centers to the Outdoor Industry and Tourism: You love what you know about!” — Slide show presentation by Sally Shuffield, Executive Director of Durango Nature Studies (pg. 14)

4:30 – 5:20 “Mount Everest: An expedition to the roof of the world” — Slide show presentation by Todd Rutledge, Guide/Owner at Mountain Trip, and Bill Allen, who has twice summited Everest (pg. 17)


6:00 – 6:40 “Why Visit Central Europe?” — Slide show presentation by Frank Fristensky, Owner/Operator of EuroAm Travel Club (pg. 14)

SATURDAY, July 2110:30 – 11:20 “Elusive Summits: Climbing to the highest points in Ant-arctica and Oceania” — Slide show presentation by Todd Rutledge, Guide/Owner at Mountain Trip (pg. 17)

11:00 – 11:40 “Why Visit Central Europe?” — Slide show presentation by by Frank Fristensky, Owner/Operator of EuroAm Travel Club (pg. 14)

11:30 – 11:50 “Mesa Verde National Park’s new Visitor and Research Center” — Briefing by Cliff Spencer, Park Supervisor of Mesa Verde National Park (pg. 16)

Presentation

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Nachos — $4.00

BBQ Tacos (2 lg) — $4.00

SANDwIChES — $7.00Pulled Pork, Brisket

Bratwurst – Original/Spicy

Potato Salad — $2.00

Chips — $1.00

Brownie — $2.00

DRINkS — $1.00water, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke,

Sprite, Coffee

SPECIAlTY DRINkS — $2.00Fresh lemonade, Zuberfizz

provided byfor more info on Back Porch BBQ see page 9

Schedule12:00 – 12:30 “America’s National Conservation Lands: Great places to learn about, explore and protect” — Presentation by Brian O’Donnell, Executive Director of Conservation Lands Foundation (pg. 13)


1:00 – 1:30 “The Importance of Environmental Education and Nature Centers to the Outdoor Industry and Tourism: You love what you know about!” — Slide show presentation by Durango Nature Studies staff (pg. 14)

1:30 – 1:50 “Discovering Cimarroncita and the Legendary Cimarron Canyon” — Presentation by Minnette Burges, Partner at Cimarroncita His-toric Ranch Retreat (pg. 13)

2:00 – 3:00 “A Woman’s Perspective: Finding happiness outdoors” — Presentation by Stacy Boone, Founder of Step Outdoors (pg. 18)

2:00 – 3:00 “Mount McKinley: How to climb to the top of North America”— Slide show presentation by Todd Rutledge, Guide/Owner at Mountain Trip (pg. 17)

3:00 – 3:50 “Safari Adventures in East and Southern Africa” — Slide show presentation by Rick Loether, General Manager/U.S. Office of Wild Trek Safaris (pg. 18)


4:00 – 4:50 “Mount Everest: An expedition to the roof of the world” — Slide show presentation by Todd Rutledge, Guide/Owner at Mountain Trip, and Bill Allen, who has twice summited Everest (pg. 17)

5:00 – 5:30 “The Importance of Environmental Education and Nature Centers to the Outdoor Industry and Tourism: You love what you know about!” — Slide show presentation by Durango Nature Studies staff (pg. 14)

* Disclaimer: All presentations are subject to change including details such as dates, times, topics and speakers. Notification of changes, if any,

will be displayed at the expo.

IN THE PARKING LOT • ARCHERY RANGE • CLIMBING WALL

EXHIBITORBOOTHS

ZIP LINE

PARKING LOT

OUTDOOR EXHIBITS

EXTENSION BUILDING MAIN ENTRANCE EXHIBIT HALL

COURTYARD

PARKING LOT

in the San Juan Mountainsof Southwest Colorado

San Juan Mountains Llama TreksFor reservations contact:

Laura Higgins, MD & David Bray12626 Road 25 • Cortez, CO 81321

970-565-2177 / 865-368-7513www.sanjuanmountainsllamatreks.com

LLama adventure

Let a llama take you to lunch or lightenyour burden for a unique backcountry

hiking experience.


Full Blast Adventure Center20673 hwy 160 west, Durango, CO 81301, 970-759-9880, www.fullblastadventures.com

The Full Blast Adventure Center delivers on fun. The “I wanna do this every day for the rest of my life!” kind of fun. The “I don’t wanna go home!” kind of fun. An expert in creating wanna, Full Blast Adventure Center exacerbates the need for fun by fulfilling the wishes of kids and adults alike, by providing the venues for them to either fly or go to battle on its 33-acre com-pound. The Full Blast Adventure Center opened in 2010 with two venues, the Ponderosa Zip Line Canopy Tour and The War Zone, a Hybrid Woods paintball course. Paintballers let loose in the 2-acre War Zone in teams or in battles set to themes. “Paint-ball is always popular,” says Full Blast owner Cameron Winters. “Even if zip lining died, which is hardly likely, paintballing will never die.”

Looking up from The War Zone, the two-hour zip line course begins high on massive towers perched in the canopy of Ponderosa pines, with views

of mountains in all directions. Zippers, which is one way to call zip-line riders, hit speeds of up to 45 miles per hour as they zip from tower to tower on the course’s six lines. By his own account, Winters is one of the lucky ones, in a business doing what he loves. “The rewards of sharing what we’ve created with the people who enjoy it is all worth it,” he says. On the zip line, “everybody who comes here is really nervous at first. But after the first ride, they let go. The next thing you know they’ve got their hands out, they’re thrilled and having fun. Then they’re talking about going sky diving.”

Adding to the joy, for 2012 zip-pers have The Grande, a new extension to the Ponderosa Tour. With 12 lines instead of six, The Grande doubles the origi-nal adventure and finishes with a ride to a 40-foot tower before taking the final ride to the top of the Center.

Winters isn’t done there. For next year, he has plans to erect a

swing — up to 200 feet of swing — that will launch from the top of the compound and swing out toward Highway 160. “This is going to be talked about all over the world once we get this thing up,” he says, with obvious enthu-siasm. “We’re gonna have some fun here, boy!”

How much fun is a zip-line ride? Find out at the expo, where you can sample zip line for yourself for $2 on a 100-foot wall-to-wall ride put up and staffed by Full Blast Adventure Center. Find out more on page 10.

Photo: Full Blast Staff

Photo: Full Blast Staff


Action Manufacturing/Action Trackchair1103 Canoga Park Drive,

Marshall, MN 56258 507-829-5940, 507-532-9649 www.actiontrackchair.com

“Because of a need for some people that want to again get outdoors, or maybe for the first time, we wanted to come up with a product that would help. We first developed the Action Trackchair, and now the Action Trackstander, which helps people to stand up during their activity or working.” — Tim Swenson, President

Action Manufacturing began “helping the disabled be enabled” in 2008 with the development of the Action Trackchair, an all-terrain wheel-chair that provided access off the smooth surfaces often relegated to traditional wheelchairs and into new terrain. With the off-road wheelchair came freedom to hunt, fish, enjoy the beach, and explore. Then, in 2011, the Action Trackstander was devel-oped for people who want to extend from a sitting position into a standing position, pro-viding even greater freedoms, such as yard work, talking over a fence, picking fruit from trees. “It’s fun putting smiles on peo-ple’s faces to be enjoying the great outdoors,” says Swenson.

Airbound, Inc.3013 Milner Court,

Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-204-9834

www.airbound-inc.com

“Airbound caters to custom-ers who are looking for fun and entertaining equipment for company picnics, church

gatherings, conventions, fairs and festivals. We offer mobile zip lines, bungee trampolines, climbing walls, mechanical bulls and a wide range of inflat-ables.” — Greg Davis, President

All Airbound products come fully equipped and, when required, they are staffed with trained, professional atten-dants. In the expo parking lot is an Airbound, Inc. climbing wall, sponsored by Directory Plus, where attendees can try their climbing skills on three routes and descend safely on an auto-belay system.

After 15 years of operation, “I believe it is AirBound’s quality service and and superior equip-ment that sets us apart from our competition,” says Davis.

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards

Tasting Room Address: 1023 N. Main St., Cottonwood, AZ 86326

928-639-2789www.azstronghold.com

“We’re in the business of making fine wine from the vine-yards we own and manage in the high deserts of Arizona.” — Justin Ove, Assistant Sales Manager, Event Coordinator

Profiled in the documentary “Blood Into Wine” and lavished with praise in Wine Spectator

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Southwest Conservation Corps701 Camino del Rio, Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301, 970-259-8607, www.sccorps.org

“Southwest Conservation Corps mission is to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment.” — Chris Nesset, Development Director

Founded in 1998, the Expo’s non-profit partner Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) has expanded from one small office in Durango into a large regional corps with four offices in three states. SCC provides young women and men with structured, safe and challenging service and educational opportunities through conservation projects that promote personal growth, the development of social skills, and an ethic of natural resource stewardship. “Many of the young adults who enter our program get with us their first experience living in the outdoors,” explains Nesset. “They are completely immersed in learning about the environment while work-ing on trails, removing invasive species along river corridors or restoring habitat. It’s an eye-opening experi-ence for many of them, one that often results in a lifelong love of the outdoors and outdoor activity.”

The SCC program model, built upon the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, continues efforts to maintain and enhance the infrastruc-ture of the U.S. outdoor recreational system. In 2011 alone, SCC had 860 people in service to the Corps, mostly young adults but also veterans. Those corps members provided nearly 280,000 hours of service in

nearly 20 states that included cleaning and improvements on more than 3,000 acres and clean-ing, improving and creating more than 700 miles of trails.

“SCC strives to create pro-gramming that tackles multiple community issues,” says Nesset. “Regional youth, young adults and veterans are engaged in crit-ical conservation projects while gaining education and career development tools to help them develop pathways for future success.”

Southwest Conservation Corps volunteers will be visible in green T-shirts during the expo. In addition to supporting the expo by helping out with a vari-ety of tasks, the organization will also have a booth. Stop by and say hello, and support SCC by refreshing yourself with a brew from Carvers Brewery or a glass of wine from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. All proceeds from sales of these products will be donated to SCC.


and The Wall Street Journal, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards has spent the better part of six years showing the world that a map of great wines has high-lights in Arizona. “We have a strong commitment to integ-rity,” says Ove, “while keeping the wines reasonably priced.”

Located in Cottonwood, Ariz., the winery’s tasting room is an hour from Flagstaff and just 20 minutes from Sedona.

Back Porch BBQ480 Wolverine Dr., Bayfield, CO 81122

970-884-4364www.backporch-bbq.com

“Back Porch BBQ is a local, family-owned full-service res-taurant located in Bayfield. All of our meat is slow cooked in our smokers and all of our sides are prepared fresh in our kitchen. We provide to-go service and on-site catering for any event. Please come in and give us a try.” — Vicky Mullins, Owner

Back Porch BBQ started in southern California in 2005 as a catering company only. After closing is California opera-tion, it opened its restaurant in Bayfield in 2009, including catering. Attendees can enjoy Back Porch BBQ’s unique style of down-home barbecue at the expo cafeteria. Menu, pg. 5.

“All of our food is cooked slow and fresh and is always served with Southern hospitality,” says Mullins. “It is our goal to serve traditional BBQ with consis-tent excellent quality. We want our customers to know they will always get quality BBQ served with a smile.”

Camp RedcloudP.O. Box 130, Lake City, CO 81235

970-944-2625www. campredcloud.org

“Camp Redcloud is western Colorado’s premiere Christian camp and retreat center located in the spectacular San Juan

Mountains near Lake City.“ — Tori Liggett, Marketing Manager

Established in 1981, Camp Redcloud operates and ministers year-round and offers fun, chal-lenging and exciting camps for all ages. In the summer months, the center operates four pro-grams simultaneously, including a horse camp and family get-aways, and during the school year an outdoor education program, weekend retreats, winter back-country trips and much more, all with a focus on building faith. “Our dedicated staff and chal-lenge philosophy help our guests experience the outdoors in a new way,” explains Liggett.

Carver Brewing Company

1022 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301, 970-259-2545

www.carverbrewing.com

“Eat Healthy, Drink Beer!” Carver Brewing Company

gathers people within its doors by offering fine ales and lagers. And tasty meals, which result frequently in a “Durango’s Best Breakfast” award. Arising from the Carver family’s expertise in operating a café/bakery —

Photo: Hal Lott

continued on page 13...

The Durango Outdoor & Travel Expo is more than an exciting venue where individuals and entire families of explorers can discover travel opportunities, products and services in our region and abroad, it’s also a haven of adventure.

The expo features three awesome interactive events where partici-pants can scale a climbing wall and try archery, all free to attendees; and for $2 experience the thrill of sailing on a zip line! That’s right, a zip-line flight for two bucks!

Directory PlusClimbing wallwIN A FREE lANDINg!

In the expo parking lot, standing 24 feet tall and, direct from Fort Collins, Colo., the undisputed tallest visitor at the expo, the Airbound, Inc. climbing wall, sponsored by Directory Plus, is poised near the expo entrance and ready to take on all challengers. Well, nearly all. You must weigh between 40 and 250 pounds. The wall’s three routes have a range of difficulty: one easy, one medium and one hard. Don’t worry, if you’re in for a thrill and for fun, you win! Each of the three climbing routes is equipped at its top with an auto-belay system that, regardless of how high you climb, begins working when you fall or let go and gently lands you at the base of the climb. If you don’t have climbing shoes, wear some sturdy running shoes and you’re good to go. A climbing harness and an assis-tant to help you into it will be in your corner. For more on Airbound, Inc, see page 7. For Directory Plus, page 12.

Credit the movies for bringing an archery range to the expo. For starters, the movie The Hunger Games. And then came Disney’s Brave. Trend or not, the explosion in the popularity of archery since opening night of the Hunger flick has found its place at the expo. Under the guidance of expert instructors, any attendee with a hankering to try it can experience the bow-and-arrow phenomenon by wielding a bow and shooting arrows at a target at our outdoor archery range located in the parking lot. Ha ha, but no to all you wannabe Hollywood directors who see potential in zip liners as moving tar-gets. Besides, the zip line is indoors. Just saying!

On Friday, your expert archery instructors are Jesse McCombs and Zach Johnson from Montrose. To learn more about their company, Montrose Archery Xpress, the mobile archery shop wheeled into place near the archery range, see page 16.

On Saturday, receive expert archery instruction from the La Plata County 4-H Shoot-ing Sports, including from Superintendent Tim Karp. For more on Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Program, see page 16.

Be Brave, let The games Begin at The Expo Archery Range!

Zip-pity-line Do DaCosta Rica may have set the bar for zip lining but we’ve changed the

game right here in Durango. The expo has a zip line “inside” the exhibi-tion hall! Crazy, huh? Yes, crazy fun! Forget jungle canopy and imagine yourself zipping over the heads of attendees and exhibitor booths, soaring past mountain guides, sled dogs, safari leaders and barbecue. Then, go do it! But, please, as a courtesy try not to wet your pants! For a couple bucks, or 1,000 Costa Rican Colons, you’re off and sailing with Full Blast Adven-ture Center, an expo sponsor. Full Blast, experts in all things zip line (and paintball), has set up a zip line that spans from the north side of the exhi-bition hall to the south side, a distance of nearly 100 feet. The north side is where you will hand off your 1,000 Colons, strap into a harness, take a ride on a lift and get attached to the zip-line cable. Then, off you go – without a push, we promise! – feeling the breeze in your face and the nothing on your feet, until reaching the south end of the hall where a braking mech-anism will slow you to a stop. Exiting the landing platform, visit the Full Blast booth where you can pick up information on zip-lining adventures at Full Blast’s new center located near the west entrance of Durango on Highway 160. For more on Full Blast, see page 6.


Directory PlusLooking for outdoor gear, a

mountain or fishing guide, lodg-ing or a dude ranch? A new truck? Puppy? Directory Plus, the spon-sor of the Airbound, Inc. climbing wall located in the parking lot, knows exactly where to start your search – in the pages of one of its products. Since 1983 Directory Plus has published regional direc-tories and local phone books in southwestern Colorado and in New Mexico, providing the most complete, accurate and up-to-date resource for the community they serve. “We are excellent at gathering complete, accurate information and organizing it,” says Production Manager Christy Pollard. “And we are still totally local. Everything is done locally; administration, sales, production. And the books are printed in Loveland.”

The White Pages of a Directory Plus phone book are easy to use, and in books with more than one community — such as its county books — the communities are not separated. The Blue Pages provide govern-ment offices, schools, post offices and local maps. The Yellow Pages provide accurate and complete business list-ings, while the Green

Pages provide street and tele-phone number guides.

Directory Plus has the com-plete information database compiled and prepared for your fingertips. Thumbing through a printed book is an honored tradi-tional journey to find information but Directory Plus books are digi-tal, too, with each book accessible

online at www.directoryplus.com, where you can also download a mobile app for your phone.

Directory Plus is a participant in the “American Hometown Heroes” initiative, a coalition of independent directory publish-ers and their partners who have banded together to offer our returning soldiers a “welcome

home” opportunity! As a partici-pant, Directory Plus provides its professional advice and market-ing assistance to any returning veteran who would like to start a new business in their hometown — all at no charge to them!

Do Directory Plus products work? Third party studies of usage of the phone books within the

markets served reports a significant percentage of the local population prefers Directory Plus over other phone books, along with a very high level of usage. Directory Plus is deliv-ered to every home and business using door-to-door carriers. Initial distribution is verified by third-party audits. Secondary dis-tribution is available through pick-up points at local Chambers of Commerce and utility companies. Within the markets served, nearly all motels and hotels provide Directory Plus phone books in every guest room with replacement copies supplied as needed. Directory Plus adver-tising rates average one-third less than the competitor’s rates.

For more on the Directory Plus-spon-sored climbing wall, see page 10.

162 Stewart St., Durango, CO 81303, 970-259-6500, 800-832-9832, www.directoryplus.com


the first in Winter Park in 1983 — the brewery followed by two years the 1986 opening of Carv-ers Bakery/Café in Durango. More than 25 years later, the operation is a popular Durango go-to establishment often said to be a “microcosm of Durango.” When it opened in 1988, Carver Brewing Company, or “Carvers,” became the first brewery in the Four Corners since prohibition and the second craft brew pub in Colorado. Its line-up of brews includes up to a dozen distinct beers, mostly lagers and ales but including a stout and a cask-con-ditioned IPA.

Thirsty? You’re in luck, a selection of Carvers brews are available by the cup from a booth at the expo. Carvers is gener-ously donating all proceeds from the sale of its beer to the expo’s non-profit partner, Southwest Conservation Corps.

Cimarroncita historic Ranch Retreat

P.O. Box 68, 29820 Highway 64, Ute Park, NM 87749

866-376-2482www.cimarroncita.com

“Cimarroncita offers nature tourism and heritage lodging in a spectacular setting of pris-tine wilderness and protected lands. Located in northeastern New Mexico at the heart of the Cimarron Canyon in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Southern Rocky Mountains, Cimarron-cita’s Dream Water stretch of Cimarron River is among the finest fly fishing private water in the Southwest. Enjoy heritage lodging, delicious meals, nature adventure, learning programs, and a special venue for private gatherings and celebrations.” – Minnette Burges, Partner

Cimarroncita started as a rail-way wilderness lodge and resort in 1908, and has since evolved into an experience for clients who appreciate elegant com-fort, delicious and hearty meals, great fishing and outdoor activ-ities, special programs, and a special place to enjoy private gatherings and celebrations. For either the activity-minded or Do Nothing vacationer who seeks to engage in a setting that “refreshes with the restorative values of nature, extraordinary peace and quiet, and the spirit of adventure,” Cimarroncita pro-vides it June through September. “Cimarroncita’s fine guest ser-vice and attention to detail sets the ‘roughing it deluxe’ experi-ence apart from many others,” explains Burges. “The Dream Water of the Cimarron River is among the best fly fishing pri-vate water in the Southwest.”

Colorado Parks and wildlife

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Southwest Regional Office, 151 East 16th St, Durango, CO 81301

970-247-0855www.wildlife.state.co.us

“Helping people under-stand wild places and wildlife is critical to making sure future generations can enjoy a ‘wild Colorado.’” — Patt Dorsey, Area Wildlife Manager, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

“Helping people get out-side is an important part of our mission,” she explains. “The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango Area office is co-located with the Durango Fish Hatch-ery. It provides nearly a one-stop shop for people wanting licenses, hunting, fishing and local wild-life viewing activities,” she says.

Typical in Colorado, the people of Durango have a love

of wild places, explains Dorsey, which comes with challenges including wildlife-human con-flicts and changing land uses.” Durango in particular is a river town surrounded by oak hill-sides,” she says. “In other words, it is excellent habitat for many wildlife species, including black bears. [We pay] a lot of attention to black bear/human conflicts in the summer and into the fall.”

Conservation lands Foundation

160 E. 12th St., Unit 2, Durango, CO 81301, 970-247-0807

www.conservationlands.org

“The Conservation Lands Foundation works to protect, restore and expand America’s National Conservation Lands through education, advo-cacy and partnerships.” – Brian O’Donnell, Executive Director

Founded in 2007, the Con-servation Lands Foundation (CLF) provides grants, training and networking opportunities to protect the National Conser-vation Lands and works with Congress and the Bureau of Land Management to help shape their future. The CLF also promotes greater public awareness and appreciation for the National Conservation Lands and their human and natural history.

“The Conservation Lands Foundation is the only orga-nization dedicated solely to conserving the 28 million acres included in the National Con-servation Lands,” explains O’Donnell. “[They are] nation-ally significant landscapes managed by the Bureau of Land Management that are set aside for current and future generations because of their outstanding cultural, ecological and scientific importance. The National Conservation lands consist of the last places where

you can experience the history of the American West. From the rivers which Lewis and Clark explored, to pioneer trails, to Native American sites, the heri-tage and beauty of these places are safeguarded for all to see.”

Durango Connectwww.DurangoConnect.com

“Durango Connect is a com-munity celebration of the connection of the Animas River Trail. The highlight will be the formation of a Human Chain all seven miles of the river trail from 32nd Street south to Rivera Bridge behind Home Depot. All are welcome regardless of age or interest, and it’s FREE! Join your family, friends, and neighbors at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Septem-ber 26, 2012 for a community experience you will never forget.” – Jack Turner, Volunteer Event Co-Manager

Durango Connect is inviting you to be more than a link in a human chain seven miles long! You are invited to be part of Durango’s history. The develop-ment of the Animas River Trail in Durango has occurred over sev-eral decades, beginning in the 1970s. From its north end at 32nd Street, the paved trail travels south along the Animas River to the south end of the city limits. How many people will it take to “connect” from end to end of the trail? “Based on preliminary measurements,” according to the event’s website, “we’ll need approximately 12,000 first-grad-ers. If plenty of adults show up with all the local kids, we esti-mate it will take only 7,000 to 8,000 friendly people to cover all seven miles. We need every-one, especially friends with long arms.”

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Durango Dog RanchP.O. Box 29, Hesperus, CO 81326

970-259-0694www.durangodogranch.com

“The Durango Dog Ranch runs high-end dog-sled adventures in the snowy mountains from mid-November to late March. Every sled is equipped with a guide and a team of huskies where you are an active participant in a dog-powered exploration of the San Juan Mountains that is an expe-rience of a lifetime.” — Gretchen Dubit, Co-owner

In operation since 1996, the Durango Dog Ranch puts the participant in the driver’s seat, literally. “Our trips are very hands on,” explains Dubit. “All participants harness the dogs and drive the sled.”

At the expo, visit the Durango Dog Ranch booth and meet a live sled dog, either a Siberian or Alaskan husky, or both. Cama-raderie between human and dog is a side of a Durango Dog Ranch adventure that creates an unforgettable experience. “Most leave saying it is the best thing they have ever done,” says Dubit. “Many come back again and again.”

The Durango herald1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO

81301, 970-247-3504www.durangoherald.com

“The Durango Herald has long chronicled the hearty, out-door lifestyle of the people who live in the Four Corners region. Indeed, many staff members reluctantly leave behind their mountain bikes and hiking boots when they begin their work week.” — Ken Amundson, General Manager

Durango was officially founded in September 1880, and by December of that year The

Durango Herald began publica-tion from a tent as The Record. The publication endured a variety of name changes and publishers, a merger, and even a shoot-out, when in 1960 the newspaper took the name it has today.

“The Durango Herald rec-ognizes and accepts that it has a special role and responsibil-ity in the region as the primary mass communication medium – both in print and online,” says Amundson. “Because of that it has invested in resources, staff-ing in particular, to carry out that responsibility. We’re very pleased to join with so many other companies and organiza-tions in this region in organizing this show, which we hope will be the first of many.”

Durango Mountain Resort

#1 Skier Place, Durango, CO 81301, 970-247-9000

www.durangomountainresort.com

“Durango Mountain Resort is open for summer activities from Memorial Day through Septem-ber. Summer activities include The Purgatory Plunge zip line, scenic chairlift ride, alpine slide, bungee trampoline, climbing walls, mechanical bull, mini-golf, treasure panning, hiking,

mountain biking and more. In winter, DMR offers 90 trails spread across more than 1,400 acres of terrain serviced by 10 chairlifts. DMR has five ter-rain parks, sleigh rides, snow tubing, snowshoe tours, snow-mobile adventures and a Nordic ski center.” – Sven Brunso, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

From when it opened for oper-ation as Purgatory Ski Resort in the winter of 1965, the Durango Mountain Resort has grown steadily into one of Colorado’s premiere alpine resorts, offering a variety of lifestyle and recre-ational opportunities. “Durango Mountain Resort provides a great setting for adventure all year long,” reminds Brunso. “Great for families and outdoor enthu-siasts of all ages and abilities. In addition to activities, DMR has shopping and dining options on the mountain and in the Purga-tory plaza.”

Durango Nature StudiesThird Ave. #27, Durango, CO

81301, 970-382-9244www.durangonaturestudies.org

“Durango Nature Studies is a 501(C)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing nature, science, and environmental education to the students and communities of the Four Corners. As an inte-gral member of our community, Durango Nature Studies inspires a positive personal relationship with our natural world through outdoor learning, thereby pro-moting enhanced respect for nature.” – Sally Shuffield, Execu-tive Director

Founded in 1994, Durango Nature Studies is an organiza-tion dedicated to bringing nature

into the lives of Durango and its school children. At its 140-acre Nature Center located along the Florida River, families can enjoy the Center’s pavilion and inter-pretive trails. At the Nature Center, staff and local experts lead monthly workshops, full and new moon hikes, and winter snowshoe workshops.

Through a partnership with the Durango School District, Durango Nature Studies takes science into classrooms and kids on field trips to the Nature Center. The education and fun continues with Summer Camps at the Nature Center, after-school nature clubs, student research projects, weekly wee walkabouts, and the Center’s annual Bluegrass Festival, Earth Day Celebration, and sponsor-ship of Mountain Film on Tour.

EuroAm Travel Club169 Oak Drive, Durango, CO

81301, 970-749-5824www.euroamtravelclub.com

“We are a friendly local com-pany specializing in organizing and leading small and custom group tours to countries in cen-tral Europe – Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slo-venia, Croatia. We know the places, we know the people, we speak the languages, and we understand the cultures. We will use our personal experience and knowledge to complete your unmatched central European discoveries.” — Frank Fristensky, Owner/Operator

Operators Fristensky and Michal Zeman strive for EuroAm Travel Club to be different from a mass group travel service by revealing to small groups the cultural, historical, natural, musi-cal, and culinary variety of every region visited. Since 2003, EuroAm Travel Club has been successful in touching the hearts of its clients


by showing them how to know the people, feel the country, and make friends. Here’s what some of the clients are saying: “Sharing a multitude of unique and spe-cial travel adventures in a small group format creates the perfect way to experience new cultures and destinations”, “I’ve never felt more alive, more content, more at home than on this tour”, “It was a wonderful experience, and something I would never have done on my own.”

Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau

3041 Main, Farmington, NM 87402, 505-326-7602, 800-448-1240

www.farmingtonnm.org

“The Farmington Conven-tion & Visitors Bureau promotes tourism in Farmington and the Four Corners area. We provide information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, meeting planner services and more.” — Tonya Stinson, Interim Manager

Since 1984 the Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau has been inviting travelers and businesses to the area to explore Farmington’s business opportu-nities, spectacular surroundings and diverse culture. “Farming-ton offers a variety of things to do, see and experience,” informs Stinson. “Whether it is fly-fishing on the San Juan River, golfing at nationally recognized Pińon Hills Golf Course, hiking the Bisti Badlands or experienc-ing ancient cultures at Salmon Ruins or Chaco Canyon there is something to keep everyone entertained. Let the Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau help you see Farmington through our eyes and get the most out of your time in the breathtaking Four Corners.”

Fort lewis College1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO

81301, 970-247-7176www.fortlewis.edu

Fort Lewis College, located in Durango, is Colorado’s desig-nated public liberal arts college, committed to accessible and high quality baccalaureate education. Our hallmarks are remarkably close relation-ships between students and faculty, the freedom of intel-lectual exploration, and the challenge of experiential learn-ing. Our approximately 3,900 students come from 47 states, 19 countries, nearly 140 Ameri-can Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages. With a rich cul-tural heritage and scenic setting in Colorado’s San Juan Moun-tains, Fort Lewis College offers a college experience that will last a lifetime.

Located at 6,872 feet atop a mesa overlooking historic downtown Durango, FLC is renowned for its outdoor oppor-tunities. Situated between the southern Rocky Mountains and the headwaters of the Colorado Plateau, the region’s mountains, deserts, rivers, and canyons serve as both classrooms and playgrounds. Balancing aca-demics with an active, healthy lifestyle is a way of life at Fort Lewis College, which also moti-vates our students’ profound commitment to environmental sustainability.

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Four Corners Stoves and Spas

600 East 2nd Ave., Suite E, Durango, CO, 970-259-0468

www.fourcornersstovesandspas.com

“Your Hearth and Outdoor Leisure Superstore!”

Four Corners Stoves and Spas wants your dreams for the per-fect outdoor environment in your backyard to become real-ity. Full of creative ideas using its brands of fireplaces, stoves, spas and barbecues, the com-pany provides assistance in all facets of designing an exciting exterior entertainment/cooking area, resulting in a perfect escape from the ordinary. If your dream include a spa or hot tub, Four Cor-ners Stoves and Spas also provides a site review to determine the best and safest way to orient the spa for best access and enjoyment. A Superstore, you bet, complete with personal care and customer service!

Ignacio Bike weekIgnacio Chamber Events, LLC/Ignacio Chamber of Commerce

970-799-1580www.ignaciobikeweek.com

“Come to the largest annual community event in Southwest Colorado: This year features new events and Blues Broth-ers, Eagles and ZZ Top tribute bands.” – Johnny Valdez, Event Coordinator

In its 20th year, counting the one year the event didn’t have an operator but people came anyway, the Ignacio Bike Week pulls in more than 35,000

motorcycles to Ignacio where attendees can expect daily poker runs, free concerts, beer tents, vendors and artists, custom bike shows, biker bull riding, tattoo contests, biker games and spe-cial activities for families. What sets apart the Ignacio Bike Week from bike weeks held elsewhere? “The rides,” says Valdez. “Any-where you ride from Ignacio in any direction, it is beautiful. Our rides are among the most mountainous and scenic. It is also unique that the event area is concentrated in one loca-tion within two miles. We offer everything from camping, enter-taining events, contests, the Hog Challenge, giveaways, casino gambling, and tribute bands.”

la Plata County 4-h

Shooting Sports Program

www.co4hshooting.org

One of the largest youth shooting organizations in the state, the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Program has been active for more than 25 years with more than 4,000 youth participating to date. “We teach kids safety first, then accuracy,” says Tim Karp, the La Plata County 4-H Shoot-ing Sports Superintendent.

4-H members learn safety and shooting techniques for shotgun, rifle, air rifle/pistol, muzzle load-ing and archery from certified and trained volunteer leaders. In learning how to handle fire-arms responsibly and respect for the natural environment, 4-H Shooting Sports empha-sizes youth development, not just marksmanship skills, and builds positive, engaged and civ-ically responsible young people. “We teach kids 8 to 18 the basics of the shooting,” explains Karp, “but the main thing we work on is responsibility and life lessons.”

Mancos Valley – Mesa Verde Country Balloon

& Art Festivalwww.mesaverdecountry.com

Since 2005, the Mancos Valley - Mesa Verde Country Balloon & Art Festival has dazzled attend-ees with hot-air balloon mass ascensions, evening balloon glows, fun events for families, and great food and exceptional music.

This year’s event, which will be held Sept. 28-30, is shaping up to be another dazzler, with Boyle Park in Mancos again the stage where most of the balloon activity will be set. Downtown Mancos will again be filled with vendors and art, carriage rides, children’s train rides and music. Event Coordinator Bobbi Black, who has coordinated the event from its beginning, says that this year’s event will include a Land-owner’s Lottery in which the winner will win a balloon ride.

All proceeds from the Fes-tival benefit the Medicine Horse Center. “What makes our Festival different is that all pro-ceeds go to a charity each year,” explains Black.

Mesa Verde National Park

970-529-4465www.nps.gov/meve

“Mesa Verde National Park is a major tourist destination for Southwest Colorado that wel-comes more than a half million visitors and contributes $39 million to the local economy each year.” – Cliff Spencer, Park Superintendent

Established in 1906 by Pres-ident Theodore Roosevelt as

the first national park to “pre-serve the works of man,” Mesa Verde continues to preserve archeological sites built by the Ancestral Puebloans and a rich diversity of natural resources. “Mesa Verde National Park is one of the premier archeologi-cal parks administered by the National Park Service,” explains Sue Johnson-Erner, Conces-sions Management Specialist. “With over 52,000 acres, Mesa Verde preserves and protects nearly 5,000 archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, and over three million objects and archives in the research collection.”

Montrose Archery Xpress

59600 Lucres Dr., Montrose, CO 81403

Jesse McCombs: 970-596-2231 Zach Johnson: 970-201-1936

www.maxarchery.com

“Montrose Archery Xpress is an authorized PSE dealer. We are a mobile unit that can be taken anywhere to provide shooting lessons, bow tuning, and archery and hunting supplies.” — Jesse McCombs, Co-owner

In March, McCombs and his partner Zach Johnson opened the doors to its mobile unit, a box trailer converted into a full-service PSE archery shop. With a combined experience of 40 years between the two archers, in Montrose Archery Xpress, or

Photo: Hal Lott


“MAX Archery,” McCombs and Johnson take expert archery instruction, sales and service directly to where large cus-tomer bases gather, such as archery ranges and outdoor shows like the Durango Out-door & Travel Expo. They are especially interested in provid-ing archery lessons to kids, who, when exposed to outdoor activ-ities at a young age, are more likely to retain them as hob-bies as adults. “To the best of our knowledge we are the only authorized PSE dealer that has been certified by PSE to repair PSE bows and offer shooting lessons in the southwest area of Colorado,” says McCombs. “We are here to offer the best service we can and we strive to be the best. It is not about the bow, it is not about the arrow, but it is all about the experience — this is what makes us the best.”

MorningSong Bed & Breakfast

316 6th Ave., Ouray, CO 81427 970-325-4913

www.morningsongbnb.com

“We furnish a cozy, friendly atmosphere and serve local and organic gourmet breakfasts.” — Faith Parry, Owner

Less than half a block from Main Street and within walking distance to any shop or restau-rant in Ouray, MorningSong Bed & Breakfast opened its doors in 2008 conveniently located in one of the most mountain-sce-nic towns in Colorado. All meals are prepared using only organic, earth-friendly products and, of course, served with a smile by hosts Parry and David Westfall, both Colorado natives. “With just two rooms, we accommo-date you with personal, intimate lodging and fabulous food,” says Parry.

Mountain TripP.O. Box 658, Ophir, CO 81426

866-886-8747, 970-369-1153www.mountaintrip.com

“Mountain Trip is moun-tain guiding service with almost four decades of experience guiding climbers up challeng-ing peaks in Alaska and around the world.” — Todd Rutledge, Guide/Owner

While Mountain Trip covers the globe with its world-class mountain-guiding service, it is based in Ophir, Colo., tucked in the mountains near Tellu-ride. Now, 39 years after taking shape in a daydream in Alaska, Mountain Trip supports clients who want their own mountain-eering dreams to take shape in good style. The company pro-vides highly personalized, quality mountain expeditions in big mountains across the globe, including Everest, Island Peak, Denali, Vinson Massif, Cho Oyu, Carstensz Pyramid, Aconcagua, Elbrus, as well as Colorado peaks. “We hire and retain the most experienced guides in the industry and pro-vide a very high level of personal service,” says Rutledge, “with the goal of making our clients feel like our partners, rather than our clients.”

San Juan Mountains llama Treks

12626 Road 25, Cortez, CO 81321970-565-2177, 865-368-7513

www.sanjuanmountainsllamatreks.com

“Enjoy guided hikes in the San Juan Mountains of south-west Colorado without carrying a backpack. Let the environ-ment-friendly llamas carry your pack and share in your outdoor adventure. We offer full-day trips which include lunch to four-day overnight trips.” — Laura Higgins M.D., Owner

San Juan Mountains Llama Treks, currently in its second

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year of operation near Cortez, is built on more than a decade of experience packing with llamas. Dr. Higgins owned and operated English Mountain Llama Treks near Great Smoky Mountains National Park for ten years prior to relocating to Cortez.

“We are a small company and offer trips to accommodate an experienced hiker or trips for the entire family,” explains Dr. Higgins. “Our former trekking business in North Carolina was voted one of the ‘TOP 50 Adven-tures in America’ by Travel + Leisure magazine. Our mission is to share our deep appreciation for the great outdoors by empha-sizing to our guests how special and fragile the wilderness truly is and the importance of preserv-ing it for future generations.”

Skydive MoabCanyonlands Field Hwy. 191 N.,

Moab, Utah 84532www.skydivemoab.com

“The most spectacular sky-

dives on the planet! Live the dream of human flight!” — Clint MacBeth, Owner

Located near Moab’s Arches and Canyonlands national parks in the heart of the red rock canyon country, Skydive Moab is in its ninth year of operation

as Moab’s original skydiving center. Since 2003, the center has recorded more than 20,000 jumps, including student, sport and more than 7,000 success-ful tandem skydives. “We are the original skydiving center in Moab and skydiving has been in our family for three generations,” says MacBeth, “not to mention we have the most experienced instructors in southern Utah!”

Splash Down Diving and Travel Adventures2800 Main Ave., Durango, CO

81301, 970-385-8518 www.splashdowndiving.com

“We offer all levels of scuba-diving training, and CPR, first-aid, and H2S training. We are a full-service retail and repair center for scuba gear. We also do group travel and are a full-service travel agency.” —Kelly Echols, Owner and Manager

Splash Down Diving and Travel Adventures provides opportunities for a lifetime of adventures for people who are either new to scuba diving or seasoned experts. The company provides a wide range of classes, from beginner to instructor training, a retail store with lead-ing brands of scuba gear, and dive trips all around the world in places with warm, clear water, blue skies, sandy beaches, rus-tling palms, teaming reefs, and good fellowship. This year’s trips include the Bahamas, Bonaire, Palau and Kosrae, where you’ll be in good company. “We have a very high-rated staff with excel-lent service to all students and customers,” says Echols.

Step OutdoorsP.O. Box 5451, Pagosa Springs, CO

81147, 970-946-5001www.StepOutdoorsColorado.com

“Step Outdoors wants you to

go outside and we lead individually inspired one-foot-in-front-of-the-other adventure

pursuits to get you there. We tailor a first-time overnight back-packing trip or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you.” — Stacy Boone, Founder

In operation since January 2011, Step Outdoors shares your adventure so you will gain confi-dence, feel safe outdoors, enjoy time outside, achieve personal goals and renew your spirit. “Step Outdoors tailors every backpacking adventure to meet the goals, fitness and experi-ence level of the participants; age is not a deterrent,” says Stacy Boone. “Created for women, our offerings are perfect for mothers and daughters, co-workers or a group of friends. Individualized attention does not cost more — it is what we do.”

wild Rivers Expeditions101 Main St., P.O. Box 118, Bluff,

UT 84512-0118, 800-422-7654www.riversandruins.com

“Wild Rivers Expeditions offers daily and multiple day rafting trips on the San Juan River out of Bluff, Utah. We spe-cialize in small, customized trips that focus on exploration of the region with caring and knowl-edgeable guides. Whether your interest is in the rich archeo-logical record of the region, an ongoing story of geological transformation, or reading under the shade of a cottonwood tree while your kids play in the mud, we have just the trip for you.” — Kristen McKinnon, Owner

Celebrating 55 years in the business, Wild Rivers Expe-ditions is one of the oldest, continuously running river com-

panies in the West. On a one- or 10-day excursion spanning 26 to 84 miles of the San Juan River, safety and quality of experience are put at a premium. “We’re local and we’re dedicated to a tra-dition of exceptional river trips,” says McKinnon. The tradition includes imparting knowledge of the San Juan River on its pro-fessional guides who interpret the river’s Ancestral Puebloan culture and canyon geology — and prepare delicious food. “We continually hear from those who travel with us,” adds McKinnon, “that their time on the river was the experience of a lifetime.”

wild Trek SafarisP.O. Box 253, 102 East 8th St., Suite 201, Durango, CO 81302

970-259-4218www.wildtreksafaris.com

“We provide ecotourism and photography tours in East and Southern Africa, including complete travel services, from international airfares to ground services in Africa.” — Rick Loether, General Manager, U.S. Office

Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, a custom safari to each is within reach through Wild Trek Safaris, a Kenya-based eco-tourism company with an office right here in Durango. “We are not a middle man or travel agent, we have our own operation with an office in Nairobi, Kenya,” says Loether, who launched the business in 1993. “When clients book with us, they are booking directly with the company pro-viding their services in Africa. We are not a large corporation concerned only with a single booking. We strive to provide only the very best in personal ser-vices and our goal is to have each client return to Africa and to rec-ommend us to their friends. The quality of our services is attested to in Tripadvisor.com.”

FULLBLASTZIPLINE.COM970.759.9880

Documents

2012 Durango Outdoor and Travel Expo