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Rafter J Neighborhood, Durango CO – Homes & Lifestyle

Rafter J Map — Durango, CO

Rafter J — Durango, CO

199 Logging Trail Rd, Durango, CO 81303. Click the pin for details.

Rafter J is a residential subdivision located southwest of downtown Durango off of County Road 141, also known as Wildcat Canyon. Developed beginning in the early 1970s, the neighborhood includes 165 homes across large, wooded lots. Elevation averages is 7,349 feet, with variation throughout the subdivision. The area consists of a mix of original development with looser covenants and later mini-subdivisions with stricter covenants and different road and water arrangements.

What to Expect

Rafter J includes a combination of paved and gravel roads. The main road entering the subdivision is county maintained and paved, while many interior roads are privately maintained through various homeowners associations. Some sections, including areas such as King Mountain Estates, have paved roads maintained by the HOA. Other roads within the subdivision are gravel.

The neighborhood includes both original sections with looser covenants and later developments with stricter covenants and homeowners association oversight. Some properties are served by central water through the Lake Durango Water Authority, while others may require wells depending on the section of the subdivision. All properties utilize septic systems.

The streets within Rafter J can be confusing to navigate, and maps are recommended when exploring the neighborhood.

Lifestyle

Rafter J offers a more rural residential setting while remaining within driving distance of downtown Durango. Homes are often positioned within wooded lots, creating separation between properties. The neighborhood provides access to both paved and gravel road systems, and the main access road in Rafter J is county maintained and paved. The area is also located within driving distance of local trails, fishing access, shopping, restaurants, and downtown Durango.

You'll Love

  • Large residential lots
  • Heavily wooded setting with pine and evergreen trees
  • Mountain and valley views on some lots

Location

  • Approximately 13 minutes to downtown Durango

  • Approximately 27 minutes to La Plata County Airport

  • Approximately 16 minutes to Durango High School

  • Approximately 13 minutes to City Market

  • Approximately 43 minutes to Purgatory Ski Resort

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    Homes and Land

    Rafter J consists of single-family homes on oversized lots. As of May 2026, recorded home sizes range from  744 square feet to 5,156 square feet. Lot sizes range from 1.8 acres to 15.4 acres.

      Utilities

      • Water: Lake Durango Water Authority
      • Sewer: Septic
      • Gas: Propane
      • Electric: La Plata Electric Association

        HOA

        Rafter J has a homeowners association with formal bylaws and CC&Rs. The HOA governs areas with paved roads and is responsible for road maintenance. Annual dues are $1,250 as of May 2026 and include road maintenance. Covenants apply depending on the specific section of the subdivision.

          Recreation

          • Overend Mountain Park Trailhead
          • ABC Trail
          • Animas River Trail & Greenway
          • Big Canyon Trailhead
          • Horse Gulch Trailhead
          • Approximately 11 minutes to Lake Nighthorse (via private roads)
          • Approximately 13 minutes to the Animas River
          • Approximately 11 minutes to the Twin Buttes / Bikers Trail System.

            The La Plata County Assessor provides access to property tax history, a tax estimator for future taxes, and parcel details such as lot size, boundaries, and adjoining properties.

            Click here to view

            Disclaimer:
            All neighborhood information, including HOA details, fees, and community guidelines, is subject to change. HOA dues may increase over time, and other property-specific details may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact our team directly.

            Schools In The Area

            Browse local schools, complete with ratings and contact info.
            Florida Mesa Elementary School 970-247-4250 Public PK-5
            Escalante Middle School 970-247-9491 Public 6-8
            The Juniper School 970-764-4185 Public KG-8
            Florida Mesa Elementary School 970-247-4250 Public PK-5
            The Juniper School 970-764-4185 Public KG-8
            Sunnyside Elementary School 970-259-5249 Public PK-5 Website
            Escalante Middle School 970-247-9491 Public 6-8
            Florida Mesa Elementary School 970-247-4250 Public PK-5
            The Juniper School 970-764-4185 Public KG-8
            Sunnyside Elementary School 970-259-5249 Public PK-5 Website
            Escalante Middle School 970-247-9491 Public 6-8
            The Juniper School 970-764-4185 Public KG-8

            Around The Area

            Browse through the top rated businesses that Rafter J has to offer!

            Local News & Advice

            Read helpful resources and articles related to the area.

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