I've been going to the area east/NE of Durango almost all my life. Grandparents bought some land near Lake Vallecito in 69. The place is long gone but my parents still lease a house on the lake every summer. In fact, they are there right now. One of my favorites is Vallecito trail that goes over the mountain on the north end of the lake. It's a two day hike to Silverton. I have never done the whole hike but have been known to drive to Colorado just to day hike that trail.