Durango: A Hub for Colorado’s Outdoor Industry

The First Boom of Outdoor Industry Startups in Durango

In the 1980s and early 1990s, outdoor recreation was experiencing a rapid evolution. While Nationwide Outdoor Recreation Plans had been reviewed by Congress since 1973, the 1979 edition made bold predictions. 

As quoted in a New York Times article, by Joanne Fishman (Dec. 31, 1979), “‘The growth projections for outdoor sports are straight up,’ says Meg Maguire, associate director for recreation at the Department of Interior’s Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, which drew up the national plan.” According to the Times reporting, a migration from the North to the South and West, due in large part to “improved recreational opportunities.”

Skiing topped the list for growth, as did canoeing (and other watersports, as waterways were actively being cleaned up under recent environmental laws). Cycling, the report noted, remained one of the most popular activities, and would continue to grow. 

Durango, it seems, was tailor-made for the moment. Between the natural geography and the passionate community of outdoor enthusiasts, outdoor recreation flourished. Professional athletes, too, were either homegrown or moved to Durango in droves. 

“Durango has the highest percentage of national, world and Olympians per capita than any town in the US. This is primarily due to the culture and the vast access to the outdoors,” said Mary Monroe, the Executive Director of Durango Trails, a local advocacy organization.

“Durango Trails plans, builds and maintains trails; educates trail users and creates connections on over 300 miles of trail within 30 minutes of downtown. This access lures employees for workforce attraction and retention, helps Fort Lewis College recruit students including trails used for geology tours to athletes training and greatly contributes to the quality of life for Durango residents and visitors alike.”

It follows that Durango became a serious draw for outdoor industry events, businesses, and founders. Innovations in materials and equipment were on fast forward during this time, and many Durango area-based entrepreneurs were leading the charge. 

A few outdoor startups from the early outdoor recreation in Durango: 

• 1972: The first bike vs. train race takes place and will become the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, the longest-running cycling race in the United States
• 1982: Jack’s Plastic Welding founded in Aztec, New Mexico (36 miles south of Durango)
• 1983: Legendary waterman and raft builder, Milt Wiley, establishes 4Corners Riversports along with his three daughters, Nancy, Janet and Amy
• 1983: Inaugural Animas River Days (then called: Navajo Trails Fiesta Whitewater Rodeo) takes place
• 1989: Bouré Cycling Clothing moves to Durango
• 1990: Yeti Cycles moves to Durango (currently in Golden, Colorado) 
• 1990: Osprey Packs moves to Dolores (now in Cortez, 45 miles west of Durango)

Any discussion of Durango as an outdoor recreation isn’t complete with a nod to the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, the longest-running cycling race in the United States. Since 1972, participants have ridden 50 miles, over two mountain passes, from Durango to Silverton in a “race” against the train. The event draws over 1900 riders each year. 

Another early (and still ongoing) event that set both a celebratory and competitive tone for the community is Animas River Days. Since 1983, it’s brought locals, fun-seekers, and professional kayakers to the river. 

During the first big wave of mountain biking popularity, Durango became synonymous with the sport, and was repeatedly selected to host premier mountain bike events. The city held the Colorado State Off Road Championships in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, and 1993. It held the National Mountain Bike Championships (NORBA) 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1992, as the sport was at a peak in popularity. In 1990, Durango held the first-ever UCI World Mountain Bike Championships. 

The early boom of high profile events and outdoor startups cleared the trail for Durango’s future as a hub of Colorado’s outdoor industry. The more recent proliferation of outdoor startups is solidifying that legacy and procuring new opportunities.