AS OF OCT 16 EXCURSIONS ARE FULL!! If you didn’t sign up for an Excursion, you’ll join the Explore Downtown group for free time and optional tours with Visit Durango.
Excursions give attendees the chance to step outside, connect with brands, and experience their products in their natural setting… the great outdoors!
All excursions will take place on Day 2 of the conference from 2 PM – 5 PM. Excursions depart from the DoubleTree Durango parking lot at 2:15 PM on Tues, Oct 28.
Spots are limited (first come, first served) – so be sure to register early to secure yours!
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Go paddling with Alpacka Raft on local waters—and see what packrafting is all about. Depending on water levels, the group will either float the Animas River or paddle at Haviland Lake. No paddling experience is required, making it the perfect introduction for anyone new to the sport. If you’ve never been in a packraft, you’ll get to experience how easy, and fun, packrafts are to paddle. If you’re already familiar with packrafting, you’ll get the chance to test some of Alpacka’s newest models and see what’s next in the lineup.
– Warm clothes you’re okay with getting wet in
– Drysuit or dry gear/clothing if you have these and want to bring them (not necessary)
– Rain gear (as a backup)
– Neoprene socks if you have them (not necessary)
– Waterproof or water-resistant pants
– Dry bags for personal items (we will have some)
– Water
– Non-cotton pants or leggings
– Non-cotton top
– Insulated jacket
– Waterproof shell
– Warm hat
– Gloves
– Baselayer
– Sunglasses
– Closed toed water shoes or hiking/trail running shoes (will get wet)
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Head out with Durango Trails and brand sponsors Osprey and GU for trail work on the Colorado Trail in the San Juan National Forest. Volunteers will hike in and assist in cleaning and restoring a beautiful stretch of trail – helping to protect this iconic landscape for future adventurers. Attendees will have the chance to fuel up with GU product and test new Osprey hiking daypacks. Along the way, you’ll learn about local stewardship efforts and the vital role trails play in connecting people to public lands. It’s a rewarding opportunity to give back, explore, and connect with fellow attendees and the Osprey, GU and Durango Trails Teams.
– Warm clothes
– Water
– Comfortable work clothes
– Insulated jacket
– Waterproof shell
– Warm hat
– Gloves
– Baselayer
– Sunglasses
– Closed toed shoes and/or ideally, hiking boots
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Join Mayfly Outdoors for a hands-on Fly Fishing 101 & Entomology Clinic. Start at the Wildlife Museum with fly fishing basics, then head to Huck Finn Pond for a casting lesson and knot-tying clinic. Along the river, dive into entomology—learning how aquatic insects shape fly selection and fishing success. The day may also include a behind-the-scenes tour of Durango’s fish hatchery. Perfect for beginners and experienced anglers looking to hone their skills, this excursion blends education, practice, and local conservation insight.
– Warm clothes
– Water
– Insulated jacket
– Waterproof shell
– Warm hat
– Gloves
– Baselayer
– Sunglasses
– Closed toed shoes or hiking boots
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Unwind at Durango Hot Springs with a rejuvenating soak and a chance to experience the latest outdoor gear from Zempire and DEVOS. These natural mineral pools offer the perfect way to relax sore muscles and take in stunning views. Between soaks, explore Zempire’s innovative tents designed for all-season comfort and test the bright, durable camp lighting from DEVOS—built to keep adventures going after dark. This unique outing blends relaxation, community, and inspiration, giving you the chance to recharge while discovering gear that can elevate your next outdoor experience.
– Swimsuit
– Towel (if you want your own)
– Water sandals or slip-on shoes
– Water bottle
– Light cover-up
– Warm layers (hoodie, fleece, or insulated jacket)
– Sun protection (sun glasses, sunscreen, sunshirt)
– Warm hat
– Dry change of clothes
– Small daypack
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Take on the wild terrain of Durango Mesa Park with Aventon fat tire eBikes. From rugged trails to open meadows, experience the all-terrain power and stability of fat tires built to handle varied terrain. Ride alongside local mountain bike legends and test Aventon’s newest fleet of fat tire bikes while discovering the thrill of Durango backcountry trails. This ride blends product testing with pure outdoor adventure in the heard of Colorado’s cycling country.
– Gloves
– Sunglasses
– Snacks + hydration (bottles or pack)
– First aid kit
– Warm layers (hoodie, fleece, or insulated jacket)
– Sun protection (sun glasses, sunscreen, sunshirt)
– Warm hat
– Light rain/wind jacket
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Dometic invites you to join birding guide Alison Kondler for a bird watching outing along Durango’s scenic Animas River Trail Greenway. Explore riparian woodlands and open spaces while searching for local songbirds, waterfowl, and other native species as Alison shares tips for spotting plumage and identifying calls. Afterward, the birding crew will gather at for a Dometic-hosted tailgate.
– Warm clothes
– Water
– Comfortable clothes to walk in
– Insulated jacket
– Waterproof shell
– Warm hat
– Gloves
– Baselayer
– Sunglasses
– Closed toed shoes or hiking boots
Walk around Downtown Durango on your own or join the Visit Durango team for an informal, guided stroll through historic downtown Durango. You’ll learn fun stories about the town’s past and discover hidden gems along the way. After the tour, stick around to explore on your own—shop local boutiques, grab a bite at one of Durango’s many restaurants, or enjoy a drink at a lively bar or café. It’s a laid-back way to get to know the heart of the city.
– Warm clothes
– Water
– Insulated jacket
– Waterproof shell
– Warm hat
– Gloves
– Sunglasses
– Comfortable walking shoes