Our Protected Lands

Since 1992, La Plata Open Space Conservancy has grown to protect more than 25,000 acres of agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and open space across Southwest Colorado.

Today, that includes 180 conservation easements safeguarding 22,000 acres in partnership with private landowners, along with public recreation lands that keep these places open to the community.

Public Parks, Protected for Everyone

Overend Mountain Park

One of LPOSC's earliest conservation easements, Overend Mountain Park has protected public trails and open space on Durango's west side since the early 1990s, with additional acreage added in 1995. It remains one of the community's most-used trail networks for hiking and mountain biking.

Dalla Mountain Park

Dalla Mountain Park protects wildlife habitat and open space while providing public trail access close to Durango, connecting residents to the region's natural landscape without leaving town.

Oxbow Park and Preserve

Along the Animas River, Oxbow Park and Preserve protects critical riparian habitat — the kind of river corridor that supports fish, birds, and other wildlife while offering public access for walking and river recreation.

Horse Gulch

Horse Gulch is one of Durango's most heavily used open space areas, with an extensive trail system supporting hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife habitat just minutes from downtown.

Map showing over 25,000 acres of conserved land in La Plata County, Colorado, with conservation easements marked in blue, located around Durango. Features include public recreation spaces at Overreene Mountain Park, Dalla Mountain Park, Oxbow Park and Preserve, and Horse Gulch, with trails indicated by orange lines. The map includes county-specific conservation acreages.