For those privileged to grow up in Southwest Colorado, childhood memories are punctuated with outdoor adventures draped in breathtaking beauty—sunburns earned while splashing in a crisp mountain stream, scrapes and bruises acquired hunting for wild berries and morels, and the lingering scent of campfire smoke permeating every article of clothing,
For Richie Samora, these childhood memories could only be made more meaningful by sharing them with his own children. “I still reminisce about how cute they looked with all their miniature gear on,” Richie reflects. “We hiked to a mountain lake and camped out for three days – catching fish, exploring, and spending time together as a family is a memory I’ll hold dear to my heart.” Eventually, his children grew bigger, along with their gear, and a new dream evolved.
Richie and his son Andrew first devised the idea for Wild Durango because of their mutual passion for the outdoors. Their desire to share that with others led the father-son team to develop a business that provided unforgettable backcountry experiences for guests of all ability levels. However, tragedy struck in June of 2022 when Andrew passed away at the age of eighteen. “This was the catalyst for what was to come,” says Richie. “I spent the next year finding myself, looking for answers, and spending time in the wilderness as a means to cope with his loss.”
The solace Richie found through his time spent in the wilderness breathed new life into him, and he knew he must carry on with the dreams he and Andrew shared. With the help of his friend, Matt Wilkinson, Richie was able to pick up where he and Andrew left off. Richie and Matt, with a deeper understanding of the healing power of the natural environment, are working to help others experience healing in the same way.
Wild Durango helps clients find inner peace away from the modern world. From yoga and meditation to learning wilderness etiquette and backpacking skills, the team strives to give people a new sense of balance and self-confidence within a pristine outdoor setting.
What guests of Wild Durango may not realize is how they inspire Richie. Witnessing the transformation people experience through being in nature has also been a catalyst of change for him. “To see how they find themselves struggling at first and then emerge a new strong and confident person is what keeps me going,” says Richie. “Giving them a skill-set they can use to cope with whatever they are going through, and knowing that we are helping each other is the most inspiring part of this journey.”
Whether you want to enjoy your first backpacking trip or your 100th, there is something Wild Durango has to offer. Each group is paired with therapists and life coaches who provide professional services to assist in the process of healing and improving your mental health. Through these services and the natural world, Wild Durango has the unique ability to make a difference in the lives of so many. They also provide all the necessary gear for these retreats, making it as simple as showing up for the adventure of a lifetime.
If you want to learn more about what Wild Durango offers, you can visit their website at www.staywilddurango.com.
