San Juan Mtns Assoc Durango Nature Ctr

This 140-acre preserve is excellent for bird watching. The Center offers family activities, summer camps, and other educational programming.

SJMA runs this private, nonprofit-run site offering riparian, sagebrush, pinyon juniper, meadow, and several conifer habitats, and is a birding hotspot.  Hours vary. In summer 2024 the Center is open to the public every Friday through Sunday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, with volunteers on hand to assist.  Trail Map available. 

Dogs not allowed.  Porta-Potty at the site. For added enjoyment, download the free App called Merlin onto your phone.

The entire facility can be rented-out for group meetings, staff retreats, birthday parties, community projects, or scientific studies. Interpretive partner for a variety of public land and private organizations.

Directions from Durango: from the intersection of 550 and 160, head south on 550. In about 12 miles, turn left onto County Road 310-318, where you see the green Nature Center sign.  Make an immediate left onto "River's End Lane,” then take the second dirt road on the right, which leads to a blue gate. Enter there and proceed to the parking area next to a small cabin. Travel time from Durango is about 20 minutes.

  • 7,400 ft
  • Land Manager: Private
  • Parking Permit Required: Other
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
63 County Road 310, Durango, CO 81301
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