backpacking
Pack up and get off the grid in Southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains.
Backpacking opportunities abound in and around Durango.
From starting the 500 mile Colorado Trail in Durango and backpacking into Denver, or exploring high country backpacking routes from Silverton to Ouray or Telluride, you won’t run out of ideas.
You will need to be prepared for the terrain and monsoon seasons (typically July 4 through August 31), where storms come in during the late afternoon. Be sure to practice sustainable hiking; Leave No Trace ethics are incredibly important in our mountains as are understanding the risks of campfires.
The Weminuche Wilderness is the largest Wilderness Area in Colorado at 499,771 acres and spans the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains.
Chicago Basin, with its proximity to three of Colorado’s 14’ers, is a popular backpacker destination and is easy to access via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Camping in Chicago Basin provides a great base for summiting Eolus, Sunlight and Windom peaks or just enjoying the spectacular vistas of Colorado’s pristine wilderness backcountry.
Know Before You Go
links to resources
Courtesy of Roots Rated, this list details some of the best backpacking trips in the region, complete with tips and directions.
This list on the US Forest Service website details backpacking trails in the surrounding San Juan Mountains and Wildneress areas.
Not sure how to dip your feet into the backpacking waters? this guide from REI details everything you need to know before your first big trip.
Get Outside
backpacking trails
Durango Trails Launches Durango Trail Love Campaign
The trails love you, love them back. Learn more about how to show a little Durango Trail Love this season.
Cascade Creek Trail
Cascade Creek follows along the western base of the mountain and often sees less traffic than other popular high-country trails in the area.
Coal Creek Trail
Coal Creek is a popular downhill bike route to the highway, accessed from Deer Creek Trail or Engineer Mountain Trail.
Colorado Trail System (High Country)
The iconic Colorado Trail stretches 500 miles from Denver to its terminus in Durango and is one of the state’s great recreational assets.
Colorado Trail System (Lower)
The iconic Colorado Trail stretches 500 miles from Denver to its terminus in Durango and is one of the state’s great recreational assets.
Deer Creek Trail
Deer Creek trail is a difficult, 4.6-mile trail that climbs steadily to meet Coal Creek, then Engineer Mountain Trail.
Engineer Mountain Trail
Engineer Mountain is a favorite hike or ride that is well marked and in close proximity to Durango, making it quite popular in the summertime.
Graysill Trail
Graysill Trail spurs from the Colorado Trail (at high country) to Cascade Creek Trail and gains/ascends 1,770 feet in 3 miles.
Hermosa Area Trail System
The Hermosa Creek trails connect you to a variety of high country routes from Jones Creek to Pinkerton or upper Hermosa to Bolam Pass or Hotel Draw.
La Plata Canyon Trail System
La Plata Canyon is in an area west of Durango with many mid country trail options.
Pass Creek Trail
Pass Trail is a great mountain bike ride or hike for most everyone, located near Engineer Mountain Trail.
Silverton Area Trails
Near Silverton you’ll find a number of thirteeners that can be completed as day hikes, including Kendall Mountain, Kendall Peak and Stony Peak.
Vallecito Lake Trail System
Vallecito Lake offers a variety of year-round trails just 40 minutes from Durango.
West Lime Creek
West Lime Creek Trail (FS #679) follows provides access to a variety of high-country trails, waterfalls, dispersed campsites and excellent views.
Whitehead Trail
White Creek Trail is a difficult and scenic high country trail near Cunningham Gulch and Highland Mary Lakes trails.
