Located a mere 40 minutes southwest of Durango, you'll find Mesa Verde National Park. It consists of 52,000 acres with over 4,3000 archaeological sites and well-preserved Puebloan ruins that date back to 7500 B.C. You can visit this national park year-round, but be prepared for heavy thunderstorms during the region's monsoon season in the summer. You can also expect snowy weather during the winter. However, if you enjoy exploring cliff dwellings and learning about ancient civilizations, you'll get several days' worth of exploration out of this park. If you want to stay nearby, check out Morefield Campground, where you'll find ample RV sites to park your travel trailer. Drive your camper van two hours and 45 minutes north of Durango, and you'll find yourself at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The main feature of this national park is Black Canyon, a 12-mile canyon carved by the Gunnison River over a thousand years. If you want to camp in the area, you'll find two campsites in the park. One is located along the North Rim, and the other on the South Rim. The South Rim campground is ideal for RVers who need electric hookups. Popular activities at the park include rock climbing, hiking through the canyon, and spending a day on the water kayaking. If you like to explore national parks in desert climates, check out Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, approximately three hours northwest of Durango. There are multiple miles of trails to hike and explore throughout the park, which is dotted with stunning arches formed over hundreds of years, such as Landscape Arch, Balanced Rock, and Delicate Arch. The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. However, no matter when you visit, be prepared for wild temperature changes that can vary by 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you enjoy water activities like kayaking, sailing, and boating, you'll enjoy Navajo State Park. The state park is 50 minutes southeast of Durango and includes Navajo Lake, a 24-acre lake that's popular among houseboaters. If you're not into water sports, the park also has several miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking. You can stay in the park at one of the 188 campsites and take in nature's beauty while bird-watching. The campsites at the state park's campground include water, electric, and sewer hookups for Class A RVs. Mancos State Park is 40 minutes northwest of Durango near the Four Corners region where Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico meet. Year-round mild temperatures make this park delightful to visit at any time of the year with summer temperatures reaching into the high 80s and winter daytime temperatures rarely dipping below the 50-degree Fahrenheit mark. If you're a bicyclist, you'll enjoy multiple biking trails, including the popular Denver-to-Durango Colorado Trail. The park is also home to Jackson Gulch, a draw for water sports enthusiasts who enjoy activities like kayaking and wakeless boating. Jackson Gulch also offers ample fishing opportunities. For stunning views that could be straight from the pages of a magazine, make the two-hour drive north of Durango to reach Ridgway State Park. The park features craggy, snow-capped mountain peaks that rise high above the serene waters of the Ridgway Reservoir. Bring your kayak or paddleboard and spend hours floating on the park's picturesque lake. If you prefer to stay on dry land, spend time hiking or biking in the park's wilderness. Stay in your fifth-wheel trailer at Ridgway State Park Campground for multi-day enjoyment.
Over 900 years ago, northern New Mexico was home to the thriving Pueblo community. Today, the Ancient Pueblo's existence is preserved at the Aztec Ruins National Monumentin New Mexico, 45 minutes southwest of Durango. The monument is home to stone buildings nearly a thousand years old and a visitor's center that provides visitors with information about the Pueblo's history in the region through artifact displays and a documentary video. While visiting the monument, put on your hiking boots and explore one of the three trails that are easily accessible for people of all ages. Although you'll find plenty of Ancient Pueblo ruins throughout the region near Durango, the Yucca House National Monument is exceptional because nearly all its ruins are in pristine condition. Visitors to the monument get a rare glimpse into what life was like in the region before explorers arrived. Not only are the ruins untouched, but the site isn't visited as frequently as others. If you like to hike, the monument has several easy-rated hiking trails perfect for families that allow you to check out sites like the Great Kiva and West Complex. The monument is a 65-minute drive west of Durango in your Durango, Colorado RV rental. Head an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Durango into Utah and discover a Pueblo mesa over 10,000 years old at the Hovenweep National Monument. The ruins at this site, once home to about 2,500 Pueblo people, are over 800 years old. There's a campground at the monument that many campers choose to use as their home base for a day or two while hiking and exploring the area. If you're looking for a place that offers solitude, Hovenweep National Monument is idyllic since the site rarely hosts large crowds.
If you're looking for pull-through sites with full RV hookups, check out Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. The pet-friendly park has 100 sites with nightly rates beginning at $51 per night. The park offers free Wi-Fi and strong cell reception. If you have a big rig, you'll find this park highly convenient. Although smaller, Westerly RV Park, also in Durango, provides full RV hookups with 30- and-50-amp power. Daily rates start at $37 a day, but there are only 26 pull-through sites, which means you'll want to book early to ensure a spot for your toy hauler & pop-up camper. The park doesn't have on-site bathrooms or showers. If you need on-site shower facilities, check out Molas Lake Campground in Silverton, 55 minutes northeast of Durango. Starting at $20 a night, you'll have 58 pull-through sites to choose from to park your Class C rig that have fire rings and picnic tables. It's important to note that this RV park has very limited cell reception.
How do I correctly load and secure my recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental, such as ATVs or dirt bikes, and are there any weight or size limitations I need to be aware of?
It is important to properly load and secure your recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental to ensure safety during travel. Most toy haulers come equipped with tie-downs and rails specifically designed for securing equipment. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight capacity and loading instructions. You should also check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific instructions or recommendations.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need on the toy hauler rental's garage area, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need for this?
Proper maintenance of the toy hauler is handled by the RV owner. As the renter you are responsible for being cautious and following instructions to avoid damages, as well as keeping the trailer clean and in the condition you found it.
Are there any special insurance considerations or requirements when renting a toy hauler, particularly regarding the transport of recreational equipment?
RVshare rentals always come with insurance, with three options to choose from to best suit your needs.
How do I properly level and stabilize a toy hauler rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilization of the toy hauler rental is needed for optimal comfort and safety.
Can I bring fuel and oil for my recreational equipment, or should I purchase these items after reaching my destination?
It is generally recommended to purchase fuel and oil for your recreational equipment after reaching your destination. Many RV parks and campgrounds have restrictions on fuel storage for safety reasons.
What kind of towing vehicle do I need to rent a toy hauler, and are there any special licensing or certification requirements for operating this vehicle in Durango, CO?
The type of towing vehicle needed for a toy hauler rental will depend on the weight and towing capacity of the toy hauler itself. It is important to check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific requirements or recommendations. Typically a standard driver’s license is required to tow a toy hauler.
Can I use the garage area of a toy hauler rental to store items other than recreational equipment, and what weight limitations exist for these items?
The garage area of a toy hauler rental can typically be used to store items other than recreational equipment, such as bicycles or camping gear. However, it is important to follow any weight capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer or rental owner to ensure safe operation.
Are any particular features or amenities available in toy hauler rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Durango, CO?
Toy hauler rentals often come equipped with unique features and amenities not found in other types of RVs. These can include a garage area for storing and transporting recreational equipment, folding beds or bunks, and outdoor living spaces. Checking with the rental owner for specific features and amenities can help you choose the best option for your travel needs.
