Oxbow Park and Preserve is located at 500 Animas View Drive in Durango, Colorado. It's accessible by car and serves as the northern trailhead for the Animas River Trail. Parking is available, though RVs over 31' may have limited space.

The bird preserve area at Oxbow Park and Preserve is suggested as a potentially accessible option for those with mobility challenges, provided they can walk slowly with a cane for stability. The trails offer benches for resting.

Bikes are allowed in the parking lot and near the river put-in area, but not on the preserve's walking trails.

Parking is available at the preserve. However, larger vehicles like 31' RVs may find parking limited.

Yes, Oxbow Park and Preserve is an excellent option for a day trip from Durango, offering river access, walking paths, and nature observation opportunities.

Information regarding entrance fees is not readily available, but it is generally considered a natural area accessible for public use. It's always a good idea to check local park advisories before your visit.

Specific operating hours are not widely published, but as a natural preserve, it is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.

No advance booking or tickets are typically required for general access to Oxbow Park and Preserve. It functions as a public park and natural area.

While general access is open, dogs and bikes are restricted from the preserve's walking trails, though they are permitted in the parking lot and river put-in areas.

Parking at Oxbow Park and Preserve may be limited for very large vehicles, such as 31-foot RVs.

You can enjoy river swims, paddleboarding, kayaking, walking on nature trails, bird watching, and fishing. The Animas River Trail also provides a paved path for biking and walking.

Yes, the park offers several decent beaches and clear waters deep enough for swimming. The river widens at the oxbows, creating calm areas perfect for a dip.+1

Fishing is permitted in designated areas of the park. It's a good spot for anglers looking to enjoy the river environment.

The trails are described as natural walking paths. While generally pleasant, the sand near the river can get very hot in the summer.

The park is generally not crowded, but weekends can see more visitors, especially near the river access points. Weekdays and early mornings/late afternoons tend to be more peaceful.

There are no dining facilities directly within Oxbow Park and Preserve. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks.

It's highly recommended to bring plenty of water and any snacks or meals you plan to consume, especially during warmer months when the sand can get hot.

While specific picnic tables are not mentioned, the park's natural setting and benches along the trails offer opportunities for enjoying packed meals outdoors.

Information on barbecue facilities is not readily available. It's best to check local regulations or assume that open fires may not be permitted to preserve the natural environment.

The nearest dining options would be in the city of Durango, which offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. The River Terrace Inn in downtown Napa is mentioned in relation to a similar Oxbow Park, but this is likely a different location.

Capture scenic river views, the natural beauty of the preserve's trails, and wildlife, especially birds. The widening river creates picturesque scenes.+1

Absolutely! The park is ideal for nature photography, offering diverse landscapes from riverbanks to wooded trails, and opportunities to photograph local flora and fauna.+1

Yes, trains are known to pass through the area, providing a unique photographic subject. Be mindful of safety and do not trespass on railway property.

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This also coincides with lower crowd levels.

Drone usage regulations can vary by park and local ordinances. It's essential to check with the park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone for photography.