Outdoor Adventures - Trails
HomeExtreme fun for athletes Water Adventures Rally in the Rockies Guest Ranches

Three great hiking trails near Durango

EASY: Animas River Trail
Grades are easy on this paved, heavily used trail that follows the Animas River through Durango's city limits. Ideal for those with wheelchairs or strollers, the trail is 4.5 miles of hard surfaces with barrier-free access. Footbridges cross the river, and the northern section follows the train tracks. Main access points: Memorial Park at 29th Street and East Third Avenue; Rotary Park (with gazebo) at East Second Avenue and 15th Street; and the 9th Street bridge.

INTERMEDIATE: Animas City Mountain Trail
This is a backcountry loop on Bureau of Land Management land. A two-track trail bisects the mountain, while a single-track trail follows the eastern ridge with views of the Animas Valley. Trails merge at the north rim with spectacular views. Hiking this trail with small children is not recommended because of dangerous drop-offs from high cliffs. Access point: Traveling north on Main Avenue, turn left on 32nd Street and go three blocks to the stop sign. Turn north on W. 4th Avenue and go one block to unpaved parking lot.

CHALLENGING: Haflin Creek Trail
This trail offers wonderful views of the Animas Valley. Narrow trail climbs switchbacks to intersect with Missionary Ridge Trail. Remote, steep, single-track trail. Access point: From Durango, go 7 miles north on East Animas Road (CR250) to a small pullout on east side of road.

Three great mountain bike trails close to Durango

EASY:
Old Railroad Grade Trail
This ride can be done as a 13.3 mile loop using both U.S. Highway 160 and the dirt road that follows the old railroad grade, or an easy 7.7 mile ride with good parking places at the ends for two vehicles to shuttle. From Durango, take Highway 160 West through Hesperus. Turn right into the Cherry Creek Picnic Area, where you will find the trailhead.

INTERMEDIATE:
Log Chutes Trail
Popular trail with two loops. Moderate grades with steep descent at top of long loop. Single- and double-track trails. Access Point: From Main Avenue, turn west on 25th Street, go three miles on CR 204 to Forest boundary. Go about 2 miles on unpaved Forest Service Road 171 to trailhead parking lot on right.

CHALLENGING:
Hermosa Trail
Hermosa Creek is one of the most popular single-track trails in Durango. The trail leads from Purgatory to Hermosa and is about a 20-mile ride. The trail has some technical sections, steep climbs and two river crossings. The river crossings can get waist-high in the early summer. Access Point: Go north on Highway 550 for 27 miles to the turnoff for Hermosa Park Road (Forest Road 578) just past the Purgatory entrance. Turn left on this gravel road and go 9.5 miles to the trailhead.

Who yields? Many Durango-area trails are designated as multi-use. Please use the following trail etiquette. Bikers yield to hikers Hikers yield to horses Travel in single file; do not block trails Keep to the right and go with the traffic Control your speed and use caution Downhill users yield to uphill users Tread lightly on trails Do not let your tires slide when climbing, descending, or turning. Ride over water bars, not around them. Carry your bike over or around deep mud. Avoid riding on wet trails. Ride under control so that you do not run off the edge of the trail.