Local News

Tourists Are Returning To Southwest Colorado After 416 Fire

July 15, 2019 / 4:53 PM MDT / CBS Colorado

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DURANGO, Colo. (CBS4) - Tourists are returning after one of the worst fires in Colorado history last year. The 416 Fire burned 54,000 acres in 2018.

HERMOSA, CO - JUNE 13: Burned trees and scorched earth can be seen in the forest where the 416 fire burned on June 13, 2018 near Hermosa, Colorado. The fire, burning 23 miles northwest of Durango, started June 1 and has now burned 26,500 acres. The fire is 15% contained. No homes have burned and no firefighters have been injured. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The Durango Herald reports ridership on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has returned to levels not seen since 2017, and Mesa Verde National Park has seen an uptick in visitors.

(credit: CBS)

(credit: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train)

The Smith Travel Destination Report shows 17 hotels in Durango recorded 90% occupancy over the July 4 holiday weekend.