Santa Rita Park, Durango Travel Guide

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Discover Durango's Santa Rita Park: A scenic riverside retreat with trails, recreation, and a rich history to explore and enjoy.

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Santa Rita Park

Santa Rita Park, nestled along the Animas River in Durango, Colorado, offers a scenic escape with walking trails, green lawns, and a tranquil atmosphere. Perfect for picnics, recreation, and enjoying Colorado's natural beauty, it's a must-visit destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Santa Rita Park

111 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, Colorado, 81303, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Santa Rita Park.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the spacious lawns, as there are several tables available.
Check the local events calendar, as the park often hosts community activities and festivals.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango Wildlife Museum

Animas Museum

The Powerhouse

Whitewater Park

Explore Santa Rita Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Santa Rita Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Durango Transit Center at 250 W 8th Street, head south on Main Avenue for about 0.5 miles until you reach 8th Street. Turn left onto 8th Street and continue for two blocks. Turn right onto Camino Del Rio. Santa Rita Park is located on your left at 111 S Camino Del Rio.
Public Transport

Take the Durango Transit bus from any local stop. If you're near downtown, catch the bus at the nearest stop on Main Avenue. Ride the bus heading south until you reach the stop at 11th Street and Camino Del Rio. Walk north along Camino Del Rio, and Santa Rita Park will be on your left at 111 S Camino Del Rio. A single ride is $1. A day pass is $3.

Discover more about Santa Rita Park

Santa Rita Park, located at 111 S Camino Del Rio in Durango, Colorado, is a beloved recreational area offering a diverse range of activities and natural beauty. Spanning several acres along the Animas River, the park provides a serene escape for both locals and tourists.Originally named Gateway Park in 1980, it was renamed Santa Rita Park in 1999 to honor the Hispanic neighborhood that once occupied the area. The Santa Rita neighborhood, also known as “Mexican Flats” or “El Parral,” was a vibrant community of primarily railroad workers and their families. In the 1960s and 70s, the area was purchased by the Colorado Highway Department to construct a new route for U.S. Highway 550-160, displacing the residents. Today, the park stands as a tribute to this rich history.The park features well-maintained walking trails, expansive green lawns, and river access. Visitors can enjoy a playground, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and volleyball nets. The Animas River Trail, popular for biking and walking, also runs through the park. Santa Rita Park is also home to the Santa Rita Whitewater Park, an artificial rapids area in the Animas River.Santa Rita Park is a popular venue for community events and festivals, including Animas River Days, a celebration of river sports and Durango's outdoor lifestyle. The park provides a perfect setting for picnics, family gatherings, and enjoying the natural splendor of Colorado.