Health, Happiness & High Altitude
Causes for Happiness
You may have first heard of La Plata County for its mountain views, winding trails, or historic train. Maybe you visited for a festival, a weekend on the river, or a drive through one of our small towns. Whatever brought you here, it doesn’t take long to notice that life here moves with intention, rooted in place and sustained by the people who care for it.
Across Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango, and the surrounding valleys, people take pride in the communities they’ve built. It’s said we have more nonprofits per capita than many metro areas, a reflection of how much residents care about one another. Friends, coworkers, and neighbors often overlap at school events, local markets, or Friday night gatherings that stretch late into conversation.
Simply put, La Plata County is a place where community matters and belonging is part of everyday life.
There are 300 miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking within 30 minutes of downtown Durango.
And our overall area is known as a premier fly fishing destination
We love our bikes, which is why we’re ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 best cycling towns.
Our kids spend more time outdoors, leading to happy and healthier lives.
Our locally owned ski areas are ranked as one of Colorado’s best family values.
We get to explore THREE World Heritage sites in close proximity: Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Culture National Historic Park and Taos Pueblo.
We have an excellent business culture, which is why we’re ranked as one of the best small town economies in the nation.
You’ll get to know your neighbors, your community leaders, and find ways to get involved.
We know our neighbors and live in a bighearted community, which is why we’re ranked as a top 10 town in Colorado for young families.