La Plata Canyon

Four years ago, when we were staying in Dolores, CO which is about 45 minutes west of here, we visited La Plata Canyon, and about the same time of the summer.  We wanted to go sit by a river, do a 'forest bathing' day.  That means doing a mindfulness practice of immersing yourself in nature.  Focus on slowing down and engaging your senses among trees and nature, smelling and listening to your surroundings.  We have tried to make this a practice for many years, especially when we were full time RVers, trying to find somewhere peaceful and just enjoy our surroundings.  What we have come to realize is that we do not like the hustle and bustle of city life, it's too chaotic for us. Having said that, we do need to visit those places to resupply and stock up with needed necessities.  Bayfield, the town we are closest to, is a lovely little town, reminds me of my childhood in Olmsted Falls, a town west of Cleveland.  Everyone knows everyone, feel safe, but does not have a US Ranger office to learn about activities.

Right from the start - 'we've been here!'

Nice packed dirt road - friendly to the car

We traveled into Durango yesterday, oh my goodness, the people and traffic!  This is the main supply for backpackers, vacationers, etc heading north into the wilderness.  This starts the 14er's - those mountains that are over 14,000 feet elevation and many trails into the wilderness.  We can see 3 14er's while in Durango but the elevation is a problem for Dave.  As it was, we are at least 5000 feet above where we are in Tucson, so this whole time is a challenge for him.  Telluride and Silverton are 'right up the road' from Durango, and we have been there, done that in the past.  In Durango we wanted to visit the Forest Service office to learn more about the area, things we have overlooked in our past visits.  We were told about La Plata Canyon, sounded familiar and when we started the drive into the canyon - the ah hah! we have been here before - was experienced.  Found the waterfall from last time, lots of people camping.

Tour from Durango to waterfalls in area

Bedrock Falls 

We found Miner's Campground about 9 miles up into the canyon and a spot was open right at the river. Set up our lunch spot and just chilled for a couple of hours.  Lovely.

Our lunch spot

Pack in, pack out campground