Arts + Culture

Walking the Line and Freeing the Mind

Truly unique and one of a kind, Uncharted Lines encourages you to explore new heights. Article by Kalista Peña | Photography by Courtesy of Uncharted Lines Suspended between two trees, two canyon walls, or two spires, the challenge remains the same – stay calm. Silence the chaotic thoughts bouncing around your brain and reach a state of tranquility. Simply place one foot in front of the other, knowing you’ll eventually reach the other side. Along the way, be sure to enjoy the passing of time...

Fitness

No Holds Barred

What Really Drives Three of Durango’s Elite Male Athletes to Push Beyond Limits Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Margaret Patterson, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Is there a singular, secret sauce fueling the competitive spirit of every athlete? Three elite Durango athletes sound off on training, tragedy, big sisters, and some other surprise ingredients. Meet Charlie Mickel, an Olympian freestyle skier specializing in moguls; Kyle Krieckhaus, an up-and-coming juggernaut in pro disc golf...

Local Services

Color in Flight

Where Sport, Chemistry, and Creativity Collide Article by James Leonard | Photography by Andy Wingerd, Doug Grover A Durango local and Fort Lewis alumnus, Doug Grover is turning heads in the local disc golf scene with his custom dyed discs. Half alchemy and half art, Doug has transformed his garage into a full-fledged disc dye lab, producing one-of-a-kind designs that are as dynamic as they are striking. Doug’s introduction to disc golf was simple. A few friends invited him up to Fort Lewis...

Entertainment

Behind the Curtain

Charles Leslie and the Art of Community Article by Denise Leslie | Photography by Jonas Grushkin, Community Concert Hall For almost two decades, Charles Leslie has helped shape Durango's cultural identity through a career rooted in music, performance, and community leadership, grounded in a deep belief in the power of the arts to connect people. Raised in Texas, Charles developed an early appreciation for live performance and the behind-the-scenes work that brings artistic experiences to...

Health + Wellness

Oxygen Under Pressure

Oxygen - oh, what a molecule! Without O₂, I wouldn’t even be sitting here breathing and writing this. So, what makes this pair of atoms so special?“Oxygen,” as we commonly say, is actually O₂ - that is, two oxygen atoms bound together. O₂ is responsible for driving nearly all metabolic functions in the human body. Every cell requires oxygen to survive; it is the single most important molecule for living organisms.The main function of O₂ in our bodies is the production of ATP (adenosine...

Fitness

You Play Like a Girl

How The Almost Impossible Existence of Women Athletes Nearly Fouled Active Lifestyles for Three Local Champs Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Andy Wingerd, Dalton Ranch On any given morning in Durango, women runners slip into the high country before the sun crests the San Juans. Female anglers wade gingerly into the river’s cold currents. On courts across town, the soft pop of a pickleball struck between ladies’ teams punctuates birdsongs. Here, it is easy to take for granted the...

Food + Beverage

A Seat at the Table

Chef Kelsy Peabody’s Story of Craft, Confidence, and Community Article by Denise Leslie | Photography by Courtesy of Mill Street Bistro There’s a feeling when you walk into Mill Street Bistro that it was built with purpose — not just as a place to eat but as a space to gather. Located inside a Mill Street home reimagined for gathering, the space carries a warmth that feels natural and genuine — more like being welcomed in than dining out. That feeling begins in the kitchen, with Chef Kelsy...

Local Services

A New Season at April’s Garden

Rooted in community, Julia Foran brings new life to a local favorite Article by James Leonard | Photography by Andy Wingerd Meet Julia Foran, the newest owner of April’s Garden. After acquiring the beloved local shop in the fall of 2025, Julia is stepping into her first business with energy, intention, and a deep appreciation for the role flowers play in everyday life. I had the opportunity to sit down with her as she prepares for the busy spring and summer season here in Durango. A graduate...

Education

Leading Together

Women, Community, and the Power of Showing Up Article by Denise Leslie | Photography by FLC@work, Tori Latham There’s something powerful that occurs when women come together — not because of a specific job or title, but because of the basic act of supporting one another. In Durango, that idea has come to life through the Durango Women’s Leadership Conference, brought to life by Sandy Lane in partnership with Fort Lewis College Athletics. At first glance, it may seem that the conference...

Life + Culture

Caring for the Wild

Community, connection, and care for the wild Article by Kalista Peña | Photography by Great Old Broads for Wilderness  In 1989, on the 25th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, US Senator Orrin Hatch opposed wilderness designation, arguing that roads were necessary for the "aged and infirm" to have access to these areas. An adventurous group of older women was offended by such a preposterous claim. As older women, they believed they didn't need roads in the wilderness. They didn’t want to be...