Falls Creek

The common ground includes Turner Reservoir, a 40-acre lake fed by Falls Creek. Members swim, fish, and use non-motorized boats and paddleboards. In winter the lake is used for skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. There is also a beach.

Other shared pieces are an entrance garden, a community orchard, a member vegetable garden, a tennis and pickleball court, a picnic area, hiking and biking trails, and a limited number of horse stalls and pastures. Trails continue onto the national forest. A reciprocal agreement allows non-motorized use with High Meadows Ranch.

This is not a city utility district. Members keep their own wells, storage tanks, chlorination, and pipes. The water bill is a monthly base fee plus a charge for what you use. Irrigation water can be pumped from the lake. Roads are gravel. The limit is 15 miles an hour, except 25 on Falls Creek Main from the entrance north to Oakcrest Drive. A full-time caretaker maintains the roads. Resident vehicles carry a decal. An unmarked car can be towed.

Trash and single-stream recycling go in bear-proof dumpsters by the fire station, south of the entrance. Glass, batteries, bulbs, electronics, paint, and hazardous waste do not go in those dumpsters.

The ranch is a recognized Firewise community. A map shows the fire exit, meadow safety zones, and hydrants. A volunteer crew has wildland fire training. Medical help can be as much as 45 minutes away. Call 911 first.

A board meets monthly, and members can attend. Committees cover roads, the lake, common property, utilities, horses, and architectural control. Most of the work is volunteer. Mail for the ranch is 6350 Falls Creek Main, Durango, CO 81301. Payments go to P.O. Box 577, Durango, CO 81301.