I am generally not one to extol the virtue of this area’s hidden gems. The internet and social media’s popularization of the Ice Lakes Trail and the ensuing closure of the trail by the U.S. Forest Service because of damage from overuse is an example of why not.
I am making an exception here. Everyone in Durango should go visit the Animas City Cemetery. I know of no finer example of an authentic “boot hill” in Colorado than this cemetery. This serene and sacrosanct area was the first cemetery of the European settlers before the incorporation of the city of Durango. It has many fascinating headstones, and is a tranquil, moving and hallowed area.
The ambiance of this cemetery is about to be destroyed by the ginormous housing development being planned just off Florida Road.
There are many reasons to oppose this development. I would probably just shrug it off as just yet another planning mistake were it not for the outrageous sacrilege about to be committed there.
This project needs to be stopped. Go visit this site before it is too late. Near the intersection of Aspen Drive and Florida Road, directly across from The River Church, is an indistinct, unmarked trail leading uphill. Near the top, go left and, in a short while, you will come to the cemetery.
This is an important historical site and should be preserved and protected. Go and see it before it is too late.
Brian Clark
Durango
