The Gold King Mine Spill occurred on August 5, 2015, just north of Durango, CO. An accident caused by a team of workers hired by the Environmental Protection Agency to drain water near the entrance of the closed mine, released 3 million gallons of toxic waste water into the Animas River. Durango, a popular summer destination, was highly dependent on the Animas River to support outdoor recreation activities for the summer visitors, such as rafting and fishing. This study looks at the role of the Durango Area Tourism Office in the recovery of the tourism industry from this disaster. Interviews of leaders from the local tourism industry revealed their strategies for managing the messages to existing and expected tourists, the local residents, and the media. Collaborations of community leaders and their post-crisis recovery efforts are also reviewed.