Thanks to the Durango community for staying home and following the guidance of public health orders, La Plata County has some of the lowest case counts of COVID-19 per capita in Colorado. Social distancing, face coverings, and strong partnerships between public health, businesses, and government agencies have worked to flatten the curve in our region. In addition, local hospitals have completed a medical surge plan and are able to care for patients without resorting to crisis standards of care.
As we welcome travelers back to the Durango area, our priority is to keep our community, visitors, and outdoor spaces safe and healthy.
Durango is a welcoming, friendly community with plenty of open space and outdoor recreation, perfect for planning your Durango, Colorado dream vacation after being stuck at home the past few months. Visit Durango urges everyone to be a responsible traveler by practicing social distancing, wearing masks in public, washing your hands frequently, staying home if you’re sick, and being respectful to our lands, locals, and other visitors.
Please help protect our community by following these good health practices. Let’s all do our part to minimize impacts on our health, lands, and trails!
Wear a Face Covering
City of Durango Order #2020-08 requires all persons to wear a face-covering in public, regardless of whether they have a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 or not. Public places include public establishments, shops, grocery stores, restaurants, streets, sidewalks, or other public ways, and any and all public parks, squares, spaces, grounds, and buildings.
Practice Social Distancing
Do your part and keep about a ski’s length (6 feet) between yourself and others to stop the spread. Avoid handshakes or hugging anyone that you do not share a home with.
Know Before You Go
Before traveling to the Durango area or anywhere in Colorado, learn about your destination. Visitors should check state and local travel advisories so that you know what to expect from the businesses and locations you are visiting.
Leave No Trace
Right now there are limited or no services at many parks and recreation areas, such as restroom facilities and garbage collection. Be prepared for changing weather conditions in the mountains, stick to trails, dispose of waste properly, minimize fire impacts, leave what we find, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Be Aware of Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect in La Plata County. Only you can help prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme fire danger. No campfires, smoking except within a vehicle, fireworks, etc. Visit La Plata County’s website for the latest updates on fire restrictions.
Keep it Clean
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Wash before and after meals.
Healthy Travel Tips
Consult your doctor before traveling and think about your current health. If you fall into a high-risk group, such as people over 65 or those with serious underlying medical conditions, limit close contact with others.
Be Prepared
Plan for the unexpected and follow any guidance offered by the CDC and local and state public health authorities.
Be Considerate
Make the most of your time visiting the Durango area by showing locals and other visitors plenty of kindness and respect. Research shows that empathizing with others improves our ability to regulate emotions during times of stress.
Local, State and National Public Health Resources
San Juan Basin Public Health for local alerts in Durango/La Plata County
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment COVID-19 Info
