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Fort Lewis College Overlook Durango

4.3
·114 reviews·Durango, United States

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Durango and the San Juan Mountains from the beautiful Fort Lewis College campus.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Maximize scenic views

CrowdLow
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Chapel

Fort Lewis College Overlook Durango

Best Time

Daylight hours

Maximize scenic views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Durango and the San Juan Mountains from the beautiful Fort Lewis College campus.

4.3
(114 reviews)

"Easily the most beautiful campus I have ever seen. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the town of Durango and surrounding mountains."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Access to Downtown

A new stair path offers a scenic 5-min walk to vibrant downtown Durango! :athletic_shoe:

🦌 Wildlife Encounters

Keep an eye out for deer roaming freely on campus – a unique campus experience! :deer:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Views

Panoramic Mountain Views

Fort Lewis College Campus

Stunning vistas of Durango and the majestic San Juan Mountains provide an unforgettable backdrop.

Deer Roaming Freely

Deer Roaming Freely

Fort Lewis College Campus

Witness local wildlife, including deer, peacefully grazing on the picturesque campus grounds.

Stair Path to Downtown

Stair Path to Downtown

Base of the college hill

A newly constructed stair path offers a scenic and active route to vibrant downtown Durango.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Views, Plan Your Visit

Fort Lewis College Overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views of Durango and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery. Consider the weather, as mountain conditions can change rapidly.

Campus Charm and Community Feel

Beyond the overlook, Fort Lewis College boasts a beautiful campus with deer often seen roaming freely. Visitors suggest it's a great place to get a feel for the town and its community, especially if considering it for college.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Maximize scenic views
Crowd
Low
When
Fall mornings
Why
Crisp air, autumn colors
Crowd
Low
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Wildflowers and pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

scandalous 🙊 #college #dorm #dormlife #freshman #flc #fortlewiscollege #fyp #moveinday
@freemxnk
41.7K likes • 611.1K views

🚗 Easy Access to Downtown

A new stair path offers a scenic 5-min walk to vibrant downtown Durango! :athletic_shoe:

🦌 Wildlife Encounters

Keep an eye out for deer roaming freely on campus – a unique campus experience! :deer:

#Colorado and #Utah’s outdoor playgrounds exist on stolen Native land. #fyp #durango #fortlewiscollege #dine #ute #jicarillaapache #pueblo #hopi #navajonation
@portiagoseyun
3.9K likes • 19.3K views
FLC Squawker MTB Will be releasing photo album here soon! #fortlewis #fortlewiscollege #flc #flccycling #mtb #stxc #shorttrack #mtbracing #enduromtb #mountainbike #cycling #photo #photography
in_the_trees_media_
268 likes • 0 views

📸 Capture the Scenery

The mountain backdrop is incredible for photos, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

🎓 College Visit Vibes

Great spot to get a feel for Durango and Fort Lewis College if considering it for studies. :mortar_board:

Two amazing seasons in with Fort Lewis Cycling The races this year were challenging but rewarding! Grateful for all of the memories made- Now it’s time for some good old cross!!
jolene.edelmann
184 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Access to Downtown

A new stair path offers a scenic 5-min walk to vibrant downtown Durango! :athletic_shoe:

🦌 Wildlife Encounters

Keep an eye out for deer roaming freely on campus – a unique campus experience! :deer:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The mountain backdrop is incredible for photos, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

🎓 College Visit Vibes

Great spot to get a feel for Durango and Fort Lewis College if considering it for studies. :mortar_board:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(114 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Fort Lewis College Overlook for its absolutely stunning panoramic views of Durango and the surrounding mountains, often calling it the most beautiful campus they've ever seen. The presence of freely roaming deer adds to the unique charm. However, some prospective students have encountered unexpected fees and communication issues during the admissions process.

"Went to a football game here as the visiting team fans. They were super nice. The campus is beautiful. Stadium has a mountain range for a backdrop- wow!! Had a good visit."

Mindy Banister

"I'm commenting from a visitor's perspective. Easily the most beautiful campus I have ever seen. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the town of Durango and surrounding mountains, with deer roaming freely unsuspicious of people. Can drive to the vibrant downtown in 5 min, or climb a newly constructed stair path of 500 steps to town. Nice facilities. Must be a beautiful experience to study and live here."

Tao L

"I was planning to transfer here to finish my bachelors degree and possibly my masters. Sent in all of my transcripts, paid the admissions fee, and got accepted. Then they sent me an email saying I had to pay an additional $300 "confirmation fee" that they did not disclose beforehand. I informed them I'm a disabled veteran on a fixed income and depend on VA benefits to pay for 100% of school expenses and couldn't afford the fee as I'm on a fixed income and me and my wife just had a child so we don't have an extra $300 lying around. I asked if they could possibly wave or defer the fee, and they hit me with a "oh, that's too bad, maybe next year." The funny thing is that they probably just missed out on about $80,0000 the VA would have paid them over time for me to go to school there over a $300 fee they just made up to nickel and dime people, that they could have easily waved. Nice, hope that was a win for ya."

Joshua Luna

What People Like

Breathtaking mountain views
Beautiful campus scenery
Deer roaming freely

What People Dislike

Unexpected admission fees
Communication issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The overlook is located on the Fort Lewis College campus in Durango, Colorado. You can drive directly to the campus and find parking areas with access to scenic viewpoints. For a more active approach, a newly constructed stair path connects the campus to downtown Durango, offering a unique perspective. Reddit

While specific routes may vary, Durango offers public transportation options that may connect to the vicinity of Fort Lewis College. It's advisable to check the local transit authority's schedule for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Yes, there's a scenic stair path that leads from downtown Durango up to the college campus, offering a pleasant walk with rewarding views along the way. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore the campus and its overlooks. Wear comfortable shoes as there are hills and stairs. TikTok

Yes, there are parking lots available on the Fort Lewis College campus. Visitors can typically find parking to access the overlooks and campus grounds. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit the Fort Lewis College Overlook. Access to the campus and its scenic viewpoints is free for the public. TikTok

The overlook is generally accessible during daylight hours when the campus is open. It's best to visit when there is ample natural light to appreciate the views. TikTok

Fort Lewis College strives to be accessible. While the overlook areas are generally open, some paths may have inclines. It's recommended to check with the college's visitor services for specific accessibility information. Reddit

Yes, Fort Lewis College offers campus tours for prospective students and visitors. You can typically arrange these through the college's admissions office. Reddit

General campus visitor guidelines apply. It's important to be respectful of the academic environment and any ongoing events. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the breathtaking panoramic view of Durango, the Animas River Valley, and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. You might also see deer roaming the campus. TikTokReddit

Besides enjoying the views, you can explore the campus, walk the trails, and if you're a prospective student, take a campus tour. The college also has strong cycling and lacrosse programs. Instagram+1

The campus is generally considered safe, and many visitors enjoy walking around. However, as with any college campus, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. TikTok

Absolutely! The overlook provides a stunning backdrop for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. The campus itself also offers picturesque scenes. TikTok

Fort Lewis College is known for its unique mission to serve Native American students and its beautiful mountain setting. It's also recognized for its outdoor recreation programs. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Fort Lewis College has dining facilities available for students and visitors, including a main dining hall and other eateries. TikTok

The college is a short drive or a walk down the stairs from vibrant downtown Durango, which offers a wide array of restaurants, from casual to upscale dining. Reddit

Dining hall hours can vary, especially on weekends. It's best to check the official Fort Lewis College dining services website for the most current operating hours. TikTok

For a nice dinner, consider establishments in downtown Durango that offer local cuisine or fine dining experiences. Many visitors recommend exploring the downtown area for diverse options. Reddit

Campus dining typically includes a variety of options, such as traditional cafeteria fare, grab-and-go items, and sometimes specialty stations. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The main overlook with the panoramic view of Durango and the mountains is a prime spot. The campus architecture and natural surroundings also offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape and campus photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views. TikTok

Yes, you can photograph the deer and other wildlife you might encounter. Please maintain a respectful distance and do not feed the animals. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's advisable to check with the college's media relations department. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife if you maintain a safe distance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fort Lewis College Overlook offers a wonderful, accessible experience for families. The wide-open spaces on campus are perfect for kids to explore, and the chance to see deer roaming freely is always a hit. Reddit The new stair path to downtown Durango provides a fun, active way to get to a vibrant area with family-friendly dining options. Reddit Pack some snacks and enjoy the stunning mountain views together!

🎓 Prospective Students & Families

If you're considering Fort Lewis College, a visit to the overlook is a must. It offers a fantastic first impression of the campus and its breathtaking setting. TikTokReddit You can get a feel for the town of Durango and the overall atmosphere. Many Redditors suggest it's a great place to gauge if the college and its surroundings are a good fit for a student's college years. Reddit

🏞️ Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Fort Lewis College Overlook is a gateway to the incredible outdoor opportunities in Durango. Beyond the views, the college is a hub for mountain biking and cycling, with dedicated teams and access to amazing trails. TikTokInstagram The mountain setting is also ideal for track and field training. Reddit Explore the campus, then hit the trails or enjoy the scenic drives in the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Scenic Beauty of Fort Lewis College

Fort Lewis College is renowned for its stunning location, perched on a hill overlooking Durango and the vast San Juan Mountains. This elevated position provides breathtaking panoramic views that are a major draw for visitors and students alike. The campus itself is designed to complement this natural beauty, with open spaces and architecture that harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Many visitors are struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the mountain ranges visible from the college, making it a photographer's paradise. TikTokReddit

Beyond the sweeping vistas, the campus is also known for its peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife. Deer are frequently spotted grazing on the lawns, seemingly unfazed by human presence, adding a unique charm to the college experience. This blend of natural splendor and accessible wildlife creates a serene environment that many find incredibly motivating and inspiring. The college's commitment to preserving this natural setting is evident in its well-maintained grounds and the overall tranquil ambiance. Reddit

For those looking for a more active way to experience the surroundings, a newly constructed stair path offers a direct and scenic route from the college down to downtown Durango. This provides an excellent opportunity for exercise while enjoying evolving views of the town and valley. It's a testament to the college's integration with the local community and its efforts to enhance visitor accessibility. Reddit

Fort Lewis College: A Hub for Native American Education and Culture

Fort Lewis College holds a significant place in higher education as a publicly supported institution dedicated to serving Native American students. It is one of the few colleges in the United States with this specific mission, offering a unique and supportive environment for Indigenous students from diverse tribal backgrounds. The college actively promotes Native American culture and heritage through various programs, events, and academic offerings. TikTok+2

The college's commitment extends to providing tuition waivers for eligible Native American students, making higher education more accessible. This initiative underscores its dedication to empowering Indigenous communities through education. The campus often hosts cultural events, including feasts and celebrations, which are integral to the student experience and foster a strong sense of community. TikTok+1

Fort Lewis College also acknowledges its location on stolen Native land, a crucial aspect of its identity and its relationship with the Indigenous peoples of the region. This awareness informs its operations and its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and partnership with Native American tribes. The college serves as a vital center for learning, cultural exchange, and the advancement of Indigenous students. TikTok

Active Pursuits at Fort Lewis College

Fort Lewis College is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about cycling and mountain biking. The college boasts a highly regarded cycling program, with teams competing in various disciplines, including short track and enduro mountain biking. The surrounding Durango area offers incredible trails, making it a prime location for both competitive athletes and recreational riders. TikTokInstagram+1

Beyond cycling, the college's location in the mountains makes it an ideal spot for track and field training. The elevated terrain and scenic environment provide a unique setting for athletes to hone their skills and build endurance. The campus facilities are well-suited for various athletic pursuits, attracting students who are serious about their sports. Reddit

For those interested in other collegiate sports, Fort Lewis College also has active programs in lacrosse and basketball, among others. The athletic department fosters a competitive spirit and provides opportunities for students to excel in their chosen sports while pursuing their academic goals. Instagram+1

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