Mountain biking

Close to 300 miles of trail if you count the start of the Colorado Trail. In town it is desert dirt, rock, and silt. Farther north the climbs get longer, then the riding moves onto scree and above the trees. The four buttons below are the way locals sort it.

In town

These are the rides you can reach from downtown without a shuttle. Dirt turns dusty when it has been dry and tacky after a rain. They are shared with hikers and the occasional horse, so a fast descent is not a closed course.

IntermediateMeadow LoopA moderate loop off Horse Gulch Road, and the usual way onto Telegraph, Cuchillo, and Mike's. The lot is behind the Mercy Medicine parking, off East 8th and 3rd.
1.2 miles · 265 ft · Horse Gulch
A moderate loop off Horse Gulch Road, and the usual way onto Telegraph, Cuchillo, and Mike's. The lot is behind the Mercy Medicine parking, off East 8th and 3rd.
AdvancedTelegraph TrailOne of the busy lines in Horse Gulch. Climb the road about 0.7 miles and turn right at the signed Meadow Loop junction.
2.7 miles · 680 ft · Horse Gulch
One of the busy lines in Horse Gulch. Climb the road about 0.7 miles and turn right at the signed Meadow Loop junction.
IntermediateRidgeViewA newer connector from Powerline up to Raider Ridge. Ride in on Powerline, or drive Jenkins Ranch Road in the Skyridge neighborhood and walk the last bit.
0.9 miles · 469 ft · Horse Gulch
A newer connector from Powerline up to Raider Ridge. Ride in on Powerline, or drive Jenkins Ranch Road in the Skyridge neighborhood and walk the last bit.
IntermediateSidewinderLinks the top of Yellow Brick Road to Carbon Junction. The lot is the dirt stretch of the frontage road past the Dominguez Drive turn by the Exxon.
3.3 miles · 506 ft · Grandview
Links the top of Yellow Brick Road to Carbon Junction. The lot is the dirt stretch of the frontage road past the Dominguez Drive turn by the Exxon.
IntermediateBig CanyonLeaves Cowboy Trail and drops toward the road near the Exxon. Same Carbon Junction start as the rest of Grandview.
1.7 miles · 580 ft · Grandview
Leaves Cowboy Trail and drops toward the road near the Exxon. Same Carbon Junction start as the rest of Grandview.
IntermediateSale BarnA moderate link into South Rim, used as an extension of both Grandview and Horse Gulch.
1.9 miles · 548 ft · Grandview
A moderate link into South Rim, used as an extension of both Grandview and Horse Gulch.
IntermediateElla VitaFrom the top at Brown's Ridge it descends with jumps and sweeping turns to the Ella Vita Court cul-de-sac, west of downtown across the river.
1.9 miles · 450 ft · Overend Mountain Park
From the top at Brown's Ridge it descends with jumps and sweeping turns to the Ella Vita Court cul-de-sac, west of downtown across the river.
IntermediateStar WarsA short technical descent off the top of Grabens Loop, ending at Perins Gulch so you can keep the loop going.
0.3 miles · Drops 240 ft · Overend Mountain Park
A short technical descent off the top of Grabens Loop, ending at Perins Gulch so you can keep the loop going.
IntermediateHogsfootThe connector from Spirit Trail toward Hogsback and Brown's Ridge. Hogsback itself is the steeper mile with the downtown view.
0.8 miles · 235 ft · Overend Mountain Park
The connector from Spirit Trail toward Hogsback and Brown's Ridge. Hogsback itself is the steeper mile with the downtown view.
AdvancedTwin Buttes TrailStarts with a steep set of switchbacks out of the lot, crosses an old road, and stays difficult. West of town, shared with the new neighborhood construction.
1.9 miles · 650 ft · Twin Buttes
Starts with a steep set of switchbacks out of the lot, crosses an old road, and stays difficult. West of town, shared with the new neighborhood construction.
IntermediateCliffrock LoopModerate climbing through piñon and juniper, then flatter meadow stretches. Durango is to the east and the buttes are in view.
Twin Buttes
Moderate climbing through piñon and juniper, then flatter meadow stretches. Durango is to the east and the buttes are in view.
BeginnerLightner CreekPlanned as an easy creekside line, including a paved stretch with the city. Pieces have been closed during Twin Buttes construction, so check before you count on it.
1.8 miles · 422 ft · Twin Buttes
Planned as an easy creekside line, including a paved stretch with the city. Pieces have been closed during Twin Buttes construction, so check before you count on it.
AdvancedJacob's CliffA short, well-used line in Dalla Mountain Park for climbers as much as bikes. It reaches the boulders and ties into Sailing Hawks.
0.9 miles · 270 ft · Animas Mountain and Dalla
A short, well-used line in Dalla Mountain Park for climbers as much as bikes. It reaches the boulders and ties into Sailing Hawks.
IntermediateAnimas Mountain Upper LoopThe signature loop above town. Views run south toward Hermosa and north up the Animas valley. The lot is off 32nd Street and West 4th Avenue. Signs are frequent.
5.3 miles · 1,430 ft · Animas Mountain and Dalla
The signature loop above town. Views run south toward Hermosa and north up the Animas valley. The lot is off 32nd Street and West 4th Avenue. Signs are frequent.
IntermediateSailing HawksAbout a mile along the foot of Animas Mountain, reached from the Ponderosa or Bouldering trails in Dalla. Climbers use the same cliffs.
0.9 miles · Animas Mountain and Dalla
About a mile along the foot of Animas Mountain, reached from the Ponderosa or Bouldering trails in Dalla. Climbers use the same cliffs.

Mid-country

North of town, toward Hermosa and up to Purgatory. Plan on at least half an hour in the car. The tread is rockier than the in-town loops, especially at Hermosa Creek and in La Plata Canyon, and you will see fewer people.

AdvancedHermosa CreekThe main worn path through the Hermosa country, with several side junctions. South end: Highway 550 to Hermosa, then about 4 miles up Lower Hermosa Road after the tracks. North end: park at Purgatory and ride or shuttle Hermosa Park Road.
19.1 miles · 2,330 ft · Hermosa Creek
The main worn path through the Hermosa country, with several side junctions. South end: Highway 550 to Hermosa, then about 4 miles up Lower Hermosa Road after the tracks. North end: park at Purgatory and ride or shuttle Hermosa Park Road.
AdvancedJones CreekThe climb people pair with Pinkerton-Flagstaff and Dutch Creek. From the lot by the restroom, you backtrack a short way onto the loop rather than riding straight out of the parking.
4.2 miles · 1,850 ft · Hermosa Creek
The climb people pair with Pinkerton-Flagstaff and Dutch Creek. From the lot by the restroom, you backtrack a short way onto the loop rather than riding straight out of the parking.
AdvancedCounty Road 124 to Kennebec PassA gravel road ride. West on U.S. 160 to Hesperus, then right on County Road 124 up La Plata Canyon. The road ends at Kennebec Pass, where the Colorado Trail crosses.
La Plata Canyon
A gravel road ride. West on U.S. 160 to Hesperus, then right on County Road 124 up La Plata Canyon. The road ends at Kennebec Pass, where the Colorado Trail crosses.
AdvancedColorado Trail from KennebecThe high piece of the Colorado Trail that leaves the pass. Side trails such as Bedrock Creek push onto scree above 11,500 feet. This is a summer ride, not an after-work one.
La Plata Canyon
The high piece of the Colorado Trail that leaves the pass. Side trails such as Bedrock Creek push onto scree above 11,500 feet. This is a summer ride, not an after-work one.
ExpertHaflin CreekA half-day climb from the valley to Missionary Ridge through the burn scar of the 2002 fire. Steep, open, and a lot of elevation for the distance.
3.9 miles · 3,000 ft · Animas Valley
A half-day climb from the valley to Missionary Ridge through the burn scar of the 2002 fire. Steep, open, and a lot of elevation for the distance.
AdvancedMissionary RidgeThe ridge itself, reached by Haflin and the other valley climbs. Long, exposed in the old burn, and a shuttle ride if you do not want to climb it both ways.
Animas Valley
The ridge itself, reached by Haflin and the other valley climbs. Long, exposed in the old burn, and a shuttle ride if you do not want to climb it both ways.
IntermediateMitchell LakesStarts on County Road 250 at the bottom of Old Shalona Hill, about 15 miles north on Highway 550. Open to bikes, horses, and hikers.
8.2 miles · 2,850 ft · Animas Valley
Starts on County Road 250 at the bottom of Old Shalona Hill, about 15 miles north on Highway 550. Open to bikes, horses, and hikers.
AdvancedCastle Rock PeakThe rocky high point people add to a Missionary Ridge day. Treat it as a harder option off the ridge, not a separate trailhead in town.
Animas Valley
The rocky high point people add to a Missionary Ridge day. Treat it as a harder option off the ridge, not a separate trailhead in town.
IntermediateDigglerOne of the summer bike trails on the resort, about 25 miles north. The resort trails are kept clearer of deadfall than the Hermosa Creek country.
Purgatory
One of the summer bike trails on the resort, about 25 miles north. The resort trails are kept clearer of deadfall than the Hermosa Creek country.
Intermediate7th HeavenAnother resort trail at Purgatory. Ride it with Diggler and Shangri-La when you want maintained tread and a base area nearby.
Purgatory
Another resort trail at Purgatory. Ride it with Diggler and Shangri-La when you want maintained tread and a base area nearby.
IntermediateShangri-LaThe third of the resort lines people ride from the Purgatory base. Same mountain as the ski area, used for bikes once the snow is gone.
Purgatory
The third of the resort lines people ride from the Purgatory base. Same mountain as the ski area, used for bikes once the snow is gone.

High country

North of Purgatory and south of Silverton. Most of this riding sits above 9,000 feet and some of it clears 13,000. Forest roads are the easy option. The singletrack is steep, the weather changes fast, and cell service is poor, so download the map and carry water, food, and a repair kit.

AdvancedEngineer MountainThe double summit you see north of Purgatory on Highway 550. The trail leaves Coal Bank Pass, about 35 miles from Durango. Busy in summer. Spruce and wildflowers lower down, rock near the top.
About 6 miles round trip · To about 12,970 ft · Coal Bank Pass
The double summit you see north of Purgatory on Highway 550. The trail leaves Coal Bank Pass, about 35 miles from Durango. Busy in summer. Spruce and wildflowers lower down, rock near the top.
AdvancedPass CreekA couple of miles of climb from the pass to the base of Engineer Mountain. A reasonable hike or ride before the summit gets serious.
2.7 miles · 1,000 ft · Coal Bank Pass
A couple of miles of climb from the pass to the base of Engineer Mountain. A reasonable hike or ride before the summit gets serious.
AdvancedCoal CreekA downhill bike route back to the highway, picked up from Deer Creek or Engineer. Do not confuse the pullout by the restroom with the actual start.
3 miles · 1,550 ft · Coal Bank Pass
A downhill bike route back to the highway, picked up from Deer Creek or Engineer. Do not confuse the pullout by the restroom with the actual start.
AdvancedDeer CreekFollows Deer Creek off Highway 550 and climbs steadily toward Jura Knob. A hard grind, not a cruise.
4.7 miles · 2,100 ft · Coal Bank Pass
Follows Deer Creek off Highway 550 and climbs steadily toward Jura Knob. A hard grind, not a cruise.
AdvancedColorado Trail at MolasTwo pieces of the Colorado Trail leave Molas Pass: the Molas Trail and Elk Creek, dropping toward meadows under the Needle Mountains. Above the passes, figure May through mid-October.
Molas Pass
Two pieces of the Colorado Trail leave Molas Pass: the Molas Trail and Elk Creek, dropping toward meadows under the Needle Mountains. Above the passes, figure May through mid-October.
AdvancedEngine CreekRiders usually start at the Molas trailhead, take the Colorado Trail toward Engineer, then drop Engine Creek and come out at Cascade Creek on Highway 550.
Molas Pass
Riders usually start at the Molas trailhead, take the Colorado Trail toward Engineer, then drop Engine Creek and come out at Cascade Creek on Highway 550.
IntermediateCascade CreekA moderate 8 miles between Durango and Silverton, along the west side of the mountain. Quieter than the other high-country classics. The lot is the hairpin about 28.5 miles up Highway 550, then Forest Road 783.
8 miles · Lime Creek
A moderate 8 miles between Durango and Silverton, along the west side of the mountain. Quieter than the other high-country classics. The lot is the hairpin about 28.5 miles up Highway 550, then Forest Road 783.
AdvancedWest Lime CreekThe other Lime Creek option, higher and rougher than Cascade. Same country north of Purgatory, and the same rule about afternoon storms.
Lime Creek
The other Lime Creek option, higher and rougher than Cascade. Same country north of Purgatory, and the same rule about afternoon storms.

Surrounding area

A full day if you leave Durango: Cortez and Dolores to the west, Telluride over the passes, Silverton to the north. Pack for the whole day and ride with someone else when the route is long.

IntermediatePhil's WorldThe desert trail network outside Cortez. Dozens of loops, slickrock and dirt, and less climbing than the San Juans. A long drive west and a full day.
Cortez
The desert trail network outside Cortez. Dozens of loops, slickrock and dirt, and less climbing than the San Juans. A long drive west and a full day.
AdvancedSand CanyonAn out-and-back through the canyons west of Durango, near the Canyons of the Ancients country. Views are the point. Carry more water than you think.
6.3 miles each way · 2,070 ft · Cortez
An out-and-back through the canyons west of Durango, near the Canyons of the Ancients country. Views are the point. Carry more water than you think.
IntermediateMcPhee OverlookThe easy reason to keep driving past Mancos toward Dolores. Overlook riding above McPhee Reservoir, with Boggy Draw nearby if you want more miles of piñon forest.
Dolores
The easy reason to keep driving past Mancos toward Dolores. Overlook riding above McPhee Reservoir, with Boggy Draw nearby if you want more miles of piñon forest.
IntermediateGalloping GooseA Telluride-side ride on the old rail grade. It is a day over the passes from Durango, not a quick add-on.
Telluride
A Telluride-side ride on the old rail grade. It is a day over the passes from Durango, not a quick add-on.
AdvancedMill Creek and the WaterlineThe classic Telluride climb and the waterline bench above town. High, long, and worth the drive only if the whole day is the bike.
Telluride
The classic Telluride climb and the waterline bench above town. High, long, and worth the drive only if the whole day is the bike.
AdvancedWasatch TrailA loop on the Telluride side with real climbing. Pair it with the Mill Creek ride if you are staying over, not if you need to be back for dinner.
Telluride
A loop on the Telluride side with real climbing. Pair it with the Mill Creek ride if you are staying over, not if you need to be back for dinner.
AdvancedBoulder GulchHigh-country riding out of Silverton, about an hour north on Highway 550. Short season, thin air, and storms that build by early afternoon.
Silverton
High-country riding out of Silverton, about an hour north on Highway 550. Short season, thin air, and storms that build by early afternoon.
AdvancedRainbow TrailOne of the named Silverton routes, with Kendall Mountain and the lakes nearby if you want a different day. Not a beginner trail and not a place to be underdressed.
Silverton
One of the named Silverton routes, with Kendall Mountain and the lakes nearby if you want a different day. Not a beginner trail and not a place to be underdressed.