Get away from it all on Durango's many hiking trails. Due to the stunning natural beauty of the area, hiking is one of the most popular past times in Durango. Pick any given direction from town and there will be stunning hikes all within a small radius of town. To the north and west, dense wooded areas give way to high mountain vistas and lonely, rocky trails through miles of wildflowers. Frequent wildlife sightings make the hike even more interesting as the noise of civilization slowly fades behind you.
To the south and far west, the trails become more desert in nature, but no less beautiful. The pristine silence of the desert makes for a great "escape" from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Moonlight hikes at such places offer a seldom seen view of the area and its wildlife.
Suggested In Town Hikes
Animas Mountain Trail - The Animas mountain trail is a 5 mile loop with a fairly large elevation gain. The views of the North Animas Valley are beautiful from the top, and the views of town as you climb add a sense of perspective to town. To get there, take Main Ave North until 32nd Street, turn left, continue on to 4th, right, park at trailhead. In-Town hikes don't get any better than this.
The Colorado Trail- The Colorado Trail departs Durango and doesn't end until it hits Denver, some 480 miles later. The trail makes a great out and back hike, the turnaround point being Gudy's rest, a great view back to town. To get there, take Main to 25th street turning left (west) Continue approx 3 miles, staying left at the fork. Trailhead starts where road turns to dirt.
The Animas River Trail - This paved path follows the Animas River all the way through the city of Durango. Go Durango's Hiking Guide
