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Thank you donors! Together we have raised over 200% of our goal. The 2018 Hawk Tank Business Plan competition was extraordinary; we could not have been this successful without you. Watch the video to learn more about the winning teams, with the first place award coming directly from your contributions. We are looking forward to next year's competition. Thank you again for your support!
Our top nine teams will compete today for $15,000 in prizes!
Durango TV had a segment on a previous year's Hawk Tank competition. Watch this video to learn more about the program and what it offers for students and recent alumni.
Sky Steps is our lowest level of donation and named after the newest trail connecting downtown Durango with the FLC campus. The stairway has 500 steps and 250 feet of elevation gain. Sky Steps literally and figuratively connects the college with the local community. Every trail and every donation starts with the first step.
Animas River Trail is the easiest of all our trails listed. The Animas River Trail runs for just over 9 miles along the scenic Animas River, occasionally following the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad corridor. During summer, about eight trains per day run along the tracks. The trail cuts through several city parks and across five bridges.
Smelter Mountain is a moderately rated trail system and our 2nd level of donation. During this extremely vertical hike you'll gain over a 1000 feet of elevation in just one short mile where at the top you will be rewarded with 360 degrees views of Durango and the surrounding area. Smelter Mountain also has a rich history and can lend its name to Durango formerly being home to the biggest metal smelting operating plant in the southwest.
The Raider Ridge Overlook trail is our 3rd level of donation. This trail is a moderate 1 mile hike that ends with amazing views of Fort Lewis College and the surrounding town of Durango. You can also gaze out on the surrounding area and catch a glimpse of all the other trails mentioned. If you're lucky, you will spot deer, elk and a variety of wildlife in the area. Raiders Ridge is also a favorite destination for mountain bikers due to its quick and easy location and a technical ride.
Perins Peak is our longest and most difficult trail mentioned. It is also our 4th level of donation. This almost 7 mile round trip hike starts from the Hogsback and finishes at the peak of Perins which provides endless views and a perfect place to sit back and relax with nature. Make sure to look southeast from the peak to catch a birds eye view of Fort Lewis College.
The Ultimate Skyhawk is our highest level of donation. This person embodies the Durango lifestyle and supports the local community through their contributions. Appreciating the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, this is someone who has conquered all our trails and more.