Durango's whitewater park sits on the Animas River at the north end of Santa Rita Park, just south of downtown, with a handful of in-stream features built for surfing, playboating, and slalom. It's a solid intermediate run that comes alive with spring runoff, when snowmelt off the San Juans pushes the Animas up and the holes and waves start stacking. The park anchors Durango's river culture—Animas River Days and summer festivals build around it—with easy walk-up access right off Camino del Rio. Features have been rebuilt and retuned over the years, so check current conditions before you paddle in.