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Hiking and Mountain Biking in Durango |
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Before you go out into the wild, remember: Always tell someone where you are going and when you are planning to return.
We encourage you to purchase a Colorado backcountry certificate -
available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold - to insure your
cost of search and rescue in the event of need. Always
carry water, always be prepared for bad weather, and bikers - always
wear a helmet. Have fun - you are in God's country! |
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Easy "Kid Friendly" Year Round 3.0 Miles |
Santa Rita Park Trail is a very
enjoyable paved trail great for all family members. The path runs along
the Animas River, beginning at the Durango Visitor Center. The trail is
a quick and easy 3-mile walk that can be followed by relaxing in the
park while the kids have fun at the playground. Location: Take Highway 550 south to the Durango Visitor Center, at Santa Rita Park (formerly called Gateway Park.) The trail can be taken to the east, leading to the Durango Mall, or west, past the DoubleTree Hotel. |
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Easy Year Round 5.0 Miles |
Colorado Trail at Junction
Creek is one of the best
trails in the Durango area.
The trail goes from Durango up to the Denver area. You won't go this
far. There you
will begin a nice flat trail. This is also an appropriate trail
for biking. When you hit the bridge, you will have gone about 2.5
miles. After this the trail begins some steep switchbacks, that aren't
too pleasant. If you are a beginner, I recommend the bridge
as the goal. Its quite lovely, and there are pools along the way
to play or wade in. |
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Easy Year Round 5.0 Miles
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Animas Trail Mountain is a
5-mile, round-trip great any time of the year and takes between 3-4 hours
to complete. There are several loop Variations. One route is for foot traffic only.
During winter months, November thru May, most of the upper elevations are
deeply covered with snow. When this occurs, elk and deer descend to this
level and are frequently sighted. Views of the Animas Valley and River are
a beautiful sight on this hike. Chipmunks, squirrels and a variety of jays
also inhabit this mountain. Hikers should use caution, as this trail is
heavily used by hikers, bikers and people on horseback. This
scenic and enjoyable route on top of a tilted mesa lies on BLM land
accessed across private property. Keep this in mind while riding - stay on
the trail. Location: Going north on Hwy 550 in Durango, make a left on 32nd Street (west of Main Avenue) to its end on W. 4th Avenue. Turn right and travel about 2 blocks to the end of the street where parking is available. |
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Easy "Kid Friendly" Year Round 1.0 MIle
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Raider Ridge Overlook is an easy 1-mile
hike that offers a great view of the Fort Lewis College campus and
Durango. Parts of the La Plata Mountains can also be seen on this hike.
Wildlife sightings include deer, squirrels, chipmunks and a variety of
birds, year-round. During the winter months, elk can be frequently
spotted. This hike also continues east to County Road 234, which makes a
longer (about 10 miles) and uphill hike. LOCATION: Follow 8th Avenue, off of College Drive, to 3rd Street and go one block east to its end. The trailhead begins here. |
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Easy "Kid Friendly" Year Round 2.0 Miles
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Lion's Den Trail is a hike which
children will find very enjoyable. As will all trails in the area, there
is a chance of wildlife sightings. This path is a multi-use trail, so
hikers should use caution since the trail is also used by bikers. The
trail is located across from Fort Lewis College Recreation Complex,
complete with a playground, covered picnic areas, restrooms and softball
fields. LOCATION: From Durango, follow E. 3rd Avenue northeast to merge with Florida Road. Continue 1.7 miles, turning right on College Drive. Follow uphill for 1 mile and take the 2nd right west onto Rim Drive. Follow for mile to the edge of the mesa. Turn left into the first dirt parking lot on your right. Or turn right and follow Rim Drive north to Lion's Den, where off-road parking is available on the left. |
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Easy Year Round 1.0 Mile |
Centennial Nature Trail at Fort Lewis
is a mile trail that connects Fort Lewis College and Durango. It offers a
beautiful view of Durango an up-close look at nature. The trail begins at
the south edge of the college, near the chapel and descends 300 feet.
After a series of turns, the hike comes to an end at E. 10th Street and
6th Avenue. Location: From Durango, follow North College Drive, or 8th Avenue, to Rim Drive. Parking is available across from the chapel. This is the downhill version of the nature trail hike. |
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Easy "Kid Friendly" Year Round 2.0 - 6.0 Miles |
Horse Gulch Mountain Biking Tour
is the
perfect trail for EVERYONE. It accommodates beginners or advanced
riders, short rides, long rides. You can start this trail any time of day.
It gets dark around 7-8pm, depending on the time of year, so you'll want
to be done by then. In summer these trails are mighty hot so bring
lots of water. Location: The Horse Gulch/Telegraph Trail head is located just off of 8th avenue and 4th street. If you are coming from the mall or Wal-mart, it will be on your right hand side. Turn off of 8th avenue when you see Jean Pierre French Bakery. There is parking right by this store. There will be a gate, and paths going around either side. This is the beginning of the ride. You'll start with a half mile climb that many people just walk up. But this walk/ride is worth it. Once up in the meadow, there are signs giving variations of different rides. For rides involving the whole family, or less experienced riders, I would suggest sticking to the "meadow loop". It is relatively short, and flat with some fun little hills. There are many options for longer rides. Some of the variations may lead you to roads, but as long as you pay attention, its not hard to find your way back to your car. |
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Moderate For Road Bike or Mountain Bike Year Round 15.0 or 30.0 Miles
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Animas Loop Biking Tour
is considered one of the best local
rides by Durango area cyclists. There is a 15-mile loop and a 30-mile loop
all on paved roads. The ride is flat and for the most part, only rising
280 feet one-way. The short route can be ridden in about an hour, the
longer in 2-2.5 hr. Location: Leave Durango's Main avenue at North City Market on 32nd Street heading due east to a stop sign. Turn Left onto CR 250 all the way to Bakers Bridge. This route takes you up the east side of the Animas River Valley. You can cut this short by turning at Trimble lane and crossing Hwy 550 to CR 203. Take a left and pedal back to town. If you go the long route, the road goes north and curves around a KOA campground shortly after Bakers bridge and meets up with Hwy 550. Ride on the shoulder until you get to Hermosa. urn Right on County Road 203 just past the Railroad tracks. The short route is 15 miles, the long route is 30 miles. |
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Moderate Spring to Fall 6.4 Miles |
Missionary Ridge is a good half-day,
advanced hike through deep woods, Haflin Canyon takes you up from the
Animas Valley through nearly 3,000 feet of ascent, almost always through
trees. The hike also illustrates different climatic zones and associated
forestation, staring among the pinion, junipers and oak brush, reaching a
level of Ponderosa Pine, and traveling through the quaking Aspen before
reaching spruce and fir forests. This 6.4-mile hike (round-trip) starts at
6,620 feet and climbs to 9,400 feet, beginning near Haflin Creek. This
trail rises above the creek, crosses and reached to top of the ridge above
the stream source for a good view of the river valley below. Location: From Durango, head east on 32nd Street and travel to the end, turning left on County Road 250. After just over 5 miles of travel, you'll see a sign (on the east side of the road) for Haflin Creek. |
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Moderate Spring to Fall 6.0 Miles |
Goulding Creek Trail
is especially nice in September and early
October when the aspen groves are shimmering gold. It's a moderately
difficult, 6-mile round-trip hike that climbs above Hermosa Cliffs near
Tamarron Resort. Three miles up the trail is a spot that offers a view
into the secluded Hermosa Creek Roadless Area, one of the best elk
summering grounds in Southwest Colorado. Location: The trail begins about 17 miles north of Durango on the west side of Highway 550, mile north of Tamarron Resort's entrance. |
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Moderate Recommended for Mountain Biking Only. Spring to Fall 2.0 - 5.0 Hours |
Elbert Creek Mountain Bike Loop Ride
the highway north to Purgatory and ride up either the Hermosa
Park Road or the World Trail until you get to the Elbert Creek Road
(about 3 miles). Turn left and ride up the road 5 miles until you get to
Elbert Creek Trail where Elbert Creek passes under Elbert Creek Road,
then turn left down the trail for 3 miles of screaming downhill back to
Needles
. But wouldn't you really rather ride more single track ride? on the
cliff edge? and eat less dust? If you answered yes to all three
questions, follow the directions above until you get to Elbert Creek Road.
Follow Elbert Creek Road about 2.1 miles to the road on your left at the
second switchback past the Powderhouse. Follow the directions in
#2, Cliff Top Park. Ride the Cliff Edge Trail past Joe's Jump and the
Hermosa Cliffs Overlook then continue south along the cliff edge until
you come out to a confusing intersection along the Castle Rock Road. The
left most trail takes you on a short detour up to Castle Rock. The
middle left trail is a very steep and dangerous hiking trail. Straight
ahead is the trail you want. It follows the logging road that heads back
towards Purgatory. Ride that road until you come to huge stone
cairn. Turn left down this side road and follow a mix of single and
double track to the Elbert Creek Trail. Turn left and fly on down to
Needles. Location: Park at Needles Country Square. |
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Most Difficult Recommended for Mountain Biking Only. Spring to Fall 21.0 Miles |
Hermosa Creek Trail is a world famous 21 mile trek through the
forest primeval begins 8 miles up Hermosa Park Road #528 and ends down in
Hermosa Colorado at the Railroad Crossing. Best ridden after the snow melt
and north to south. Average time is four hours for very good riders,
otherwise take a lunch and make it a day. Location: Park at Needles Country Square at dawn and make the 50 mile loop by dark. Otherwise you'll need to arrange a shuttle. |
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Easy Spring to Fall 3.5 Miles Downhill |
Hermosa Park Road is a great ride for beginners. You'll love this
ride. Ride the chairlift (Fathers day to Labor Day) to the top of the
Twilight Lift and coast back down to the base area for 3 1/2 miles along
the dirt road. For a more difficult decent, access the World Trail where
it crosses the road, either just above or just below the get off, and hold
on to you brakes. Location: Start at Durango Mountain Resort and park. Ride the chairlift (Fathers day to Labor Day) to the top of the Twilight Lift. |
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Easy Spring to Fall 1.0 - 6.0 miles |
Cliff Top Park is a huge area
roughly defined by the Hermosa Cliffs on the east, Elbert Creek on the
South and Elbert Creek Road on the west and north. It is mostly flat along
the cliffs then rises turn into hills further away from the edge. It
contains the most pleasant riding and most spectacular views in the area.
Some options are:
1. Follow the prominent
Castle Rock Road bearing right and meander a couple of miles through the
clear cut to Castle Rock, the prominent promontory 1500 feet above Needles
Country Square. Trails off to the left lead to the cliff edge and
trails to the right lead to Elbert Creek. 3. About a mile down the Castle Rock Road there is another logging road, on the left, or west, in the middle of the reforested pine. This trail goes a couple miles down to the Elbert Creek Trail. Cross Elbert Creek and ride right up Elbert Creek Trail to Elbert Creek Road. Turn right and follow the road 3 miles back to your car. Location: Drive up the Hermosa Park Road #578 about 3 miles to the 'T'. Turn left. About 2.1 miles further ( At the second corner past the Powderhouse), you will see a road bearing left. If the gate is closed, park here. Follow this road about 1/2 mile under the chairlift and up until you get to the "No Motor Vehicle" sign on your left. Enter the "Roadless" area and have at it! |
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More Difficult Spring to Fall 7.0 Miles |
World Trail is a mix of short steep climbs moderated by long
gradual uphills, this trail takes you on a pretty good tour of the ski
mountain crossing Elbert Creek Road both coming and going making it a
good access for Cliff Top Park, Elbert Creek Loop or the Hermosa Creek
Trail. The World Mountain Bike Championships Course record is under an
hour but you can easily spend half a day riding the combination of
double track and single track that make up the course. Location: This seven mile loop begins and ends at the base of Purgatory in front of Farquahrts. |
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Moderate Spring to Fall 2.0 Miles |
Potato (Spud) Lake Trail is an easy day hike or overnight camp is
great for children, offering fishing and picnic spots and plenty of places
to camp. The lily pond across from the trailhead provides and intriguing
and valuable lesson about lake ecology, while the 2-mile round-trip hike,
climbing from 9,360 feet to 9,800 feet, provides plenty of interesting
diversions. Beaver ponds exist along this journey and children have the
chance to feel the toothmarks in Aspen stumps. When reaching the
trout-filled lake, the trail may be followed in either direction. Children
may explore the banks and find strawberries and raspberries. Local
campsites are available and no camping permits are required. Potato Hill
(also called Spud Mountain) is visible from the trail, as well as Engineer
Mountain and Graysill Peak and Grizzly Peak. Location: Head North on Hwy 550, |
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Easy Spring to Fall 1.0 - 6.0 miles |
Joe Hotter's Cow Paths is an easy
trail which meanders through the woods on a maze of old roads, ski trails, cow paths,
and game trails. It's mostly unmarked but mostly gentle. This trail takes
you through Mill Creek, aspen, spruce, some old growth ponderosa, and
maybe even a herd of Joe Hotter's cows. There's a very nice overlook of
Purgatory Flats at the south end of the maze. Location: Drive north on 550 past Cascade Village and turn right up "The Old Lime Creek Road" just past the big curve. Drive a 1/2 mile until you come to the "Narrow Road" sign in the meadow. Park anywhere in the meadow. Turn right and follow this meadow road into the wood. |
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More Difficult |
Relay Creek Road & Cascade Divide Road offers a great
workout as they are both slow steady ascends with pleasantly faster
descents. Both roads travel through spruce and aspen just below tree
line and up Cascade you may have to ford a waterfall or two in early
summer. Cascade Divide Road links with the Hermosa Park Road or Molas
Pass via the Colorado Trail. Location: Drive 3 miles up the Hermosa Park Road #578 until you reach the "T" , turn right and go straight ahead 1.7 miles until the road "Y" 's. Park anywhere. Ride left up Relay Creek #580, or right up Cascade Creek #579, as much as 12 miles or however far you want. |
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Most Difficult Recommended for Mountain Biking Only. Spring to Fall 45.0 Miles |
Colorado Trail: Molas Pass to Hotel Draw
is the epic ride of the San Juan. Jam 20 miles up Hwy 550 over Coal Bank to the top of Molas Pass.
Hang a left on the Colorado Trail at Little Molas Lake just over the
pass and ride the tundra past Jura Knob, past Cascade Divide Road,
across Hermosa Park Road a full 30 spectacular miles to a left at Hotel
Draw on the Scotch Creek Road. Roll down to the Hermosa Creek Road #578.
Turn left and follow the road through the Hermosa Park back to Happy
Hour at the Sow's Ear. Sound tough? It is very tough.
Luckily many variations exist. You can bale at Jura Knob and come out on
top of Coal Bank Pass or you can bale at Cascade Divide Road or Hermosa
Park Road. Get a map and advice before you go. Location: Park at Durango Mountain Resort. |
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Moderate Spring to Fall 5.0 Miles |
Pass Creek Trail /
Engineer Mountain is our favorite
summer hike. It is well marked and fairly popular. Almost anyone can do
it, but it can be challenging if you are out of shape or not used to the
altitude. We suggest waiting 2-3 days at higher altitudes before
attempting this hike. The hike climbs up moderate switchbacks and then
gradually climbs up to the base of Engineer Mountain. Much of it falls on
the heavily timbered northern aspect of the mountain, and patches of snow
may linger in mid-summer. Toward the top, the trail breaks out into
beautiful alpine meadows at the base of the peak, offering sweeping views
of the Needles Mountains and Animas Valley. This hike is great in
July/August when wild Columbine, Orchids, Primrose, Geraniums, Coneflowers
are abundant - and the views are incredible. Pack a good picnic
lunch to eat when you get to the top (not to the top of the mountain - we
don't do that - we just hike to the big boulder). Location: Head North on Hwy 550 past Purgatory toward Silverton. Slow down after mile marker 56 (it's between mm 56 and 57), you will see a rest area on the right and about 30 yards from that there is a small dirt road on the left - turn in there. It is hard to see, so slow down. Park at the end of the road on the side of the cul-de-sac. You will see the trail head heading north, and start there. Make sure you have plenty of water, a sweatshirt, and some rain gear. It should take 4 hours to casually hike up and back. |
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More Difficult Spring to Fall 12.0 Miles |
Coal Bank Loop
is a great mountain bike ride or hike for most everyone.
Climb up the Pass
Creek Trail a couple miles to the base of Engineer Mountain. Turn left
where the Pass Creek Trail meets the Engineer Mountain Trail just above
timberline and jam back down the face of Engineer through spruce, aspen,
and meadow. Rejoin 550 just below the truck ramp and pedal 4 quick miles
back up to your car. For a hiking variation, hike up to the base
of Engineer mountain, and go for the summit, or just turn around and go
back the way you came at the big rock (you'll know it when you see
it). Bring a lunch and have a picnic. Location: Drive north on US 550 about 8 miles to the top of Coal Bank Pass. Park on the access road on the left just at the corner going down. |
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Easy to Difficult Spring to Fall 6.0 Miles |
Dry Fork Trail
offers views of the La Plata Mountains and meets up with the Colorado
Trail. Hikers must be careful on this path because it is a very popular,
multi-use trail. This trail starts out relatively flat, but starts to
climb after crossing a creek. It will come out on a mesa (table top) where
you will see a park bench and a great view of the city of Durango. This bench is a good spot
to turn around for a day of hiking. It is about a 3 mile hike to the
bench. The trail continues on and eventually meet up with the Colorado Trail. Location: From Durango, head west on Highway 160 and turn north on Lightner Creek Road (County Road 207). Follow this road for 1 mile, veering right onto Dry Fork Road (CR 208). This gravel road enters the Perins Peak Wildlife Area. Go 2 miles, taking a right at the fork. Continue 1 mile to the trailhead, parking on the left. Follow the single-track trail up 1 mile to the intersection of Dry Fork and Hoffheins Connection trails. Make a clock-wise loop by following the Dry Fork Trail to the left. Continue up 3 miles, until you meet the Colorado Trail. Turn right onto the Colorado Trail and continue for another 3 miles, looking for Hoffheins Connection on the right. For a panoramic view, continue another 300 yards to Gudy's Rest. Descend the Hoffheins Connection to the Dry Fork Trail. Angle left and continue down to your starting point. |
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Easy to Difficult Spring to Fall |
La Plata Canyon
is in an area west of Durango (on the way to Cortez) with many options of
places to hike and bike. We suggest starting out early as it often rains
in the afternoon. There are a series of trails and a guide map to tell you
were to go to hike through beautiful alpine flowers, columbine, and
orchids to a nice alpine lake. This is an ideal spot for your picnic as
long as its not too late in the afternoon as afternoon thunderstorms are
frequent. This could be an all-day event, so bring a lunch, water, a
jacket and your dog! Location: Go west on Hwy 160 about 10 miles past Durango. You will be in the town of Hesperus. Before you hit the Hesperus Ski Hill, make a right hand turn on to La Plata Canyon Road at the Kenebec Cafe. Drive on this road for 6-14 miles. Along the way there will be dirt roads along the way that were old mining roads. You can explore any of these. There will be an obvious spot when the road comes out of a canyon, and there is another road that branches off that is not nearly as wide or traveled that leads to a bridge. If you take this route, you can hike toward the left and find an old abandoned mine. If you go right, you will cross a creek and follow along to see an old mining cabin, and other mining remnants. If you don't turn off of La Plata Canyon road, eventually you will come to Kenebec Pass. However, most people and most cars cannot just drive up to Kenebec pass because it is an unimproved road that usually requires the use of a high clearance 4x4. So another option is to go as far as your car will allow, and hike or bike to the pass. |
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Durango FAQs &
Insider Tips Durango Sights, Places of Interest and Links - Do-It-Yourself Tours Great Travel Tips Our Favorite Travel Links |
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Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/ |
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If you have any questions, comments or if you have any hiking or biking
trails that you would like to add, we would be very happy to share them
with the world! Send all the details to Leah, your Travel Guide, at info@destinationcoupons.com |
