The inaugural Colorado Public Lands Day holiday will be celebrated Saturday with a number of events in Durango and the surrounding area.
Activities include trail cleanups, guided hikes and group bike rides. In the evening, a celebration will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Powerhouse Science Center. The party will feature live music, food and beer, including a special IPA created by the Bootlegger’s Society. The beer will also be available at all six Durango breweries during the day.
Colorado Public Lands Day was established in 2016 by Gov. John Hickenlooper, dedicating the third Saturday of May as the holiday. Colorado is the first state in the nation to establish a holiday recognizing public lands.
Local events include:
Seniors group hike, Goulding Creek Trail to Jones Creek, 8 a.m. Meet at Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave., $3. The hike is capped at 12 participants.Trail cleanup and hike of Castle Rock via Elbert Creek Trail, 9 a.m. Meet at Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave.Volunteer at Project Sky Steps, 9 a.m.-noon. Meet at the East Eighth Avenue switchback on the Nature Trail.Cleanup day at McPhee Reservoir, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at Sage Hen off of Road X, Dolores.River cleanup at Santa Rita Park, 10 a.m. -noon. Meet at the Animas River put-in at 29th Street.Bike tour of Perins Peak State Wildlife Area, 10 a.m. Meet at the parking area just off Lightner Creek Road (County Road 207). Bring a mountain bike.Celebrate Cortez City of Parks, 10 a.m., Cortez City Park.Kid-friendly naturalist hike with Durango Nature Studies, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Meet at Haviland Lake parking lot (must register in advance).Colorado Public Lands Day group run, 10:30 a.m., lower trailhead Hermosa Creek Trail.Colorado Public Lands Day Celebration, 6-10 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.A complete list of events throughout Colorado is available at copubliclandsday.com.
asemadeni@durangoherald.com
