News – Durango Trails

Family-Friendly Hikes

Posted on July 21, 2021July 21, 2021 by Durango Trails

Spud Lake, located north of Durango, is a favorite family hike.

Labor Day is just around the corner! Before school starts, here are few great family-friendly hikes to get in before or during Labor Day weekend.

Remember to love the trails like a local by familiarizing yourself with our Durango Trail Love campaign before you head out!

For All Skill Levels:

Used as both a walking and biking path, the Animas River Trail is a hard surface path that runs alongside the Animas River where it cuts through the town of Durango. There are various points of access along the trail, with the north end of the trail beginning at the new Oxbow trailhead (39th and Main/550 north).

This is a perfect choice for an easy day stroll without a lot of elevation gain and is a popular spot for bikers, hikers, and fishermen.

Distance: 10 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal elevation gain/loss
Route type: Point to point
Rated as moderate

2. Falls Creek Trail

The Falls Creek Loop is a short, yet sweet trail located in the San Juan National Forest, just outside of Durango. An excellent choice for all skill levels, the route features colorful wildflowers in the summer, a waterfall, and forested landscapes of the San Juans.

Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 393 feet
Route type: Loop
Rated as easy

3. Spud Lake Trail

A trail the entire family can enjoy, Spud Lake Trail is an easy loop that reaches the trout-filled Spud Lake. Camping, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities to enjoy on the trail. Beaver ponds are found throughout with views of Potato Hill (Spud Mountain) visible from the trail. Take in the views of the Hermosa Cliffs, the Animas Valley, and West Needle Mountains upon reaching Spud Lake. This trail access point is found 29 miles north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550 to Forest Road 591.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 419 feet
Route type: Loop
Rated as easy

4. Perins Peak

Found in the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area, Perins Peak trail is a great hike for all ages and offers stunning views and rock climbing opportunities for those who dare.

Perins Peak is a notable and distinctive natural landmark that towers over the town of Durango. Add on the North Perins Peak for a 10-mile hike and 2,300 feet in elevation gain.

Due to seasonal wildlife closures, the trail is only open from July 15 to November 15.

Distance: 5.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,561 feet
Route type: Out and back
Rated as moderate

For More Intermediate Skill Levels:

1. Smelter Mountain Trail

A hike most locals would recommend, the Smelter Mountain Trail is a short but steep trail that begins in town. Perfect for an early morning workout, or an early evening (during the summer) stretch, this trail provides little shade but offers big views. The end of the trail brings hikers to a magnificent vantage point that rises above the town of Durango.

Distance: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,374 feet
Route type: Out and back
Rated as moderate

2. Animas Mountain Trail

Animas Mountain Trail is a 6-mile loop offering a great view of the Hermosa Valley, the Animas River, and the San Juan Mountains. Not only does this moderate hiking trail provide beautiful views, but its convenient access from town makes this a popular day hike for visitors and locals alike.

There is a great deal of elevation gain and the descent is rocky and a bit unstable so be prepared for this hike with hiking poles, rain jacket and good shoes.

Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,519 feet
Route type: Loop
Rated as moderate

3. Goulding Creek Trail

For a bit of a challenge and more remote trail system, check out the Goulding Creek Trail. This is a more intense hike on a steeper switchback.

The rugged trail offers a chance to see waterfalls, open meadows, and views of the Hermosa Cliffs Roadless Area. In the fall the plentiful aspen groves light up the hike, making this particularly enjoyable in the fall season. The trail begins about 17 miles north of Durango from U.S. Highway 550.

Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
Route type: Out and back
Rated as moderate

Love the Trails Like a Local

Say Hi

Greet all trail users by saying hi when passing on the trail.

Announce Yourself

Say "on your left" as approaching other trail users from behind.

Pick Up After Yourself

Pick up after yourself and your pet. Please don’t litter.

Keep Dogs on a Leash

Keep your dogs on a leash or leave them at home. Off-leash dogs are not allowed on City Open Space and are the number one source of trail conflict.

Stay on the Trail

Help protect natural areas and habitats by staying on established trails. Creating "social trails", cutting switchbacks, or ignoring trail closures leads to greater erosion and impacts on ecosystems.

Give Uphill Traffic the
Right of Way

Uphill traffic always has the right of way. Downhill traffic must be in control, especially around blind corners, to avoid coming in contact with uphill traffic.

Check Conditions

Stay up to date by checking the Trail Conditions report and following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Give Back

Donate to Durango Trails or volunteer for trailwork to help give back to the trails you love.

Durango’s National, World Champions & Olympians

Posted on July 14, 2021July 15, 2021 by Durango Trails

July 2021 has proved to be the winningest July in Durango history!

We say Durango has more national, world champions and Olympians than any town in the country.

We proved this to be true at the opening ceremonies of the US Pro Challenge bike race in 2016 when we gathered many of these champions from running, biking, skiing, kayak and of course, biking.

Since that time, the number has increased dramatically. As a town we market the best of our community, the geography and the people. Our community has created a culture that supports athletes at their highest level, especially those that our participating in outdoor recreation pursuits. Click here for a list of National & World Champions and Olympians from Durango.

Ed Zink helped identify this strength for Durango and launched a culture of cycling that continues today.

From watching Durango local Sepp Kuss win Stage 15 of the Tour de France (and then watching the NBC feature of his parents Dolph and Sabina the following day!) to seeing DEVO riders show up in endless ways to toe the start line and give it their best, our legacy and culture of Durango champions runs deep and leaves us proud in so many ways.

A long legacy of Durango Olympians

As we head towards the Summer Olympics, we can include Durango locals Zachary Lokken to represent the US for the canoe slalom team and Christoper Blevins to represent the US for the mens mountain bike team in Tokyo.

Durango has a long legacy of Olympians, including United States Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell in 1964. In 1996, when mountain biking became a full medal sport, former Durango resident Juli Furtado made the first mountain bike team.

Then in 2000, Durango hometown hero and resident Travis Brown represented the US along with Durango Resident Ruthie Matthes.

In 2004 Durango resident Todd Wells took the Olympic and again in 2008 and 2012. Durango resident Howard Grotts followed up in the 2016 games, and now Christopher Blevins in 2020.

Other National, World Champions and Olympians from Durango:

Former United States Senator and Olympian Ben Nighthorse Campbell, 1964 summer games, Judo

Three time Olympian, Mike Elliott; 1964, ‘68, and ‘72 winter games, Nordic Skiing

Two time Olympic Coach, Dolph Kuss, 1964 and 1972, Nordic Combined

National Champion, Allen P. Small, Nordic Skiing

National Champion, Diane Legner, Nordic Skiing

Olympian, Greg Lyman, 1972 winter games, Speed Skating

Two time Olympian, Ron Yeager, 1972 and 1976 winter games, Nordic Skiing

World Champion, Patty Lyman, Speed Skating

26 time Master National Champion, Dennis O’Brien, Swimming

Two time World Champion, Kent Ford, Canoe Slalom

Three time National Champion, Andy Corra, Kayak

Two time Olympian, Cathy Hearn, 1992 and 1996 summer games, slalom kayak

World Champion Cutting Horse Rider and Trainer, Willie Richardson, 1996, while on his beloved horse and friend, Sonitalena

Three time Olympian, Elaine Youngs, 1996, 2004, and 2008 summer games, Beach Volleyball

Two time Olympian, Chris Thorpe, 1998 and 2002 winter games, Luge

Two time Collegiate National Champion, Amber Blake, Rowing

Two time Olympian, Elva Martinez-Dryer, 2000 and 2004 summer games; Track and Field

Five time Masters National Champion, Walt Axthelm, Cyclocross

Olympian, Tracey Barnes, 2006 winter games; Biathlon

Two time Olympian, Lanny Barnes, 2006 and 2010 winter games; Biathlon

Olympic Coach Gary Colliander, 2010 winter games, Women’s Biathlon

Collegiate National Champion Coach, Dave Hagen, Cycling

Accumulating 15 NORBA National race wins and three NORBA Series Championship titles, Shonny Vanlandingham is the most successful rider in NORBA history. A 7-time U.S. National Mountain Bike Team Member, 3x (2004-06) NORBA National Series X-Country Champ & 2005 U.S. National Short Track Champ as well as World Xterra Champion in 2010.

Making an impact in the sport of cycling with Durango ties

Numerous mechanics, coaches, promoters, designers and builders support any successful development program. The following people with ties to Durango have had an impact on the sport of cycling:

Juli Furtado–World Champion downhill and cross-country

Daryl Price— Mountain Bike Champion and bike Industry sales executive

Scott Daubert— Team mechanic, manager

Forest Yelverton-Olympic project designer

John Parker–Tesigner, builder

Peter Graves–Olympic announcer

Eric Moore–Director of NORBA

Mert Lawill–Designer, builder

David Farmer–International coach

Ed Zink–Promoter, official, all-around guru

Tyler Philger–Mechanic, manager

Gunner Conrad–Photographer

Dean Howard–Photographer

Bill Manning–Trail designer

Tom Mayer–Inventor

Dr. Frank Jarrell–Chiropractor, D.C.

Mary Monroe–Bike Industry Executive and Executive Director Trails 2000

Matt Phillips–Editor of Bicycling Magazine

Bob Gregario–Mountain Bike Pro’s mechanic, Mountain Bike Hall of Fame

Coaches

Chad Cheeney – DEVO Co-Founder and Coach

Dave Hagen– FLC Coach

Gaige Sippy-Iron Horse Race Director

Steve Owens – Colorado Premier Training

Aaron Urquidez – BS-KINE, NSCA-CPT, NASM-PES

If we did not list you, please fill out the following form to be included!

Durango Trails Launches Durango Trail Love Campaign

Posted on June 16, 2021June 16, 2021 by Durango Trails

We are excited to announce the launch of “Durango Trail Love,” a seasonal campaign designed to promote share the trail and leave no trace ethics.

After an unprecedented trail season in 2020, Durango Trails, in partnership with Alpine Bank and area land managers, are launching a stewardship education campaign to help combat the impact on our area trails and outdoor recreation amenities.

Trails are the gateway to the outdoors. Whether you're fly fishing, fat biking, backpacking, or hiking, you're taking a trail to your adventure.

Before COVID, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable found about 50% of Americans were getting outdoors. In July of last year, the recent survey found 89% were getting outdoors, and 30% were new outdoorists.

With so many users on the trails, it's important we all practice proper Durango Trail Love and show some love back to our trails!

This campaign is intended not just to speak to visitors and new trail users, but also to remind locals and longtime trail users to lead by example, so that we can all understand how to better care for our land.

Help us show some Durango Trail Love this season!

Stage I Fire Restrictions Now in Place

Posted on June 16, 2021June 16, 2021 by Durango Trails

As of June 16, 2021 La Plata County and the San Juan National Forest have enacted Stage I Fire Restrictions.

Southwest Colorado is in extreme drought with continued hot, dry weather forecasts creating a critical fire environment.

Under the restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (includes fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas). The fine for violating campfire restrictions is $500.
- EXCEPTIONS: The use of a stove or grill solely fueled by liquid
  petroleum fuels, or a fully enclosed metal stove, grill, or sheep herder type stove with a chimney at least 5’ and a mesh screen spark arrestor.
Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3’ in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. $300 fine.
Using explosive material (i.e., fireworks, blasting caps, or any incendiary device which may result in the ignition of flammable material).
Welding and/or operating an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame, except that, as long as a fire watch individual is on site and readily available with proper hand tools and either one 2 ½ gallon pressurized fire extinguisher, one 5 pound ABC extinguisher, or pressurized water supply, welding and/or operating an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame in a 20-foot radius safe zone free of vegetation is not prohibited
Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguishers.

Fire restrictions are designed to protect public safety and our area’s natural resources.

Neighboring federal, state, and local fire managers are also entering fire restrictions.

Almost 90% of all wildfires on public lands are started by humans. It is every forest visitor’s responsibility to recreate responsibly and follow best practices. To report a fire call 911.

Please follow all local fire restrictions and help keep our lands safe!

Celebrate the launch of Trail Crew Brew!

Posted on March 18, 2021April 14, 2021 by Durango Trails

Drive Thru Meet the Crew | Membership Join or Renew

Earth Day

Thursday, April 22nd

12 Pm to 6 Pm

Ska Brewing, 225 Girard

Celebrate the launch of Trail Crew Brew at our Spring Fundraiser and 2020 30th Anniversary Celebration Re-Do!

This event is a “Drive-Thru” only event to support Durango Trails in partnership with our friends at Ska.

Walk, ride, or drive thru at Ska Brewing to support your area trails, meet our 2021 trail crew, and join or renew your Durango Trails membership!

Plus, we’ll be launching a new Ska beer crafted specially for Durango Trails: Trail Crew Brew.

Donate $25 or more to Durango Trails and you’ll receive 15% off a 6-pack of the limited edition brew. Or donate $100 or more and you’ll receive one 32 oz crowler!

Ride-thru, walk-thru or drive-thru to meet the crew, join or renew, and enjoy a Trail Crew Brew. We hope you’ll be able to join us on Earth Day, April 22nd, for our first fundraiser in over a year and to show your love for Durango Trails.

Trail Etiquette: Muddy Trails

Posted on March 5, 2021April 9, 2021 by Beth Stewart

It’s that time of year, shoulder season, mud season but certainly not riding your mountain biking at lunch time season.

It’s best to avoid standing water and mud. Right now, the snow is melting on the south face, and still present on the north faces, making the space in between mud.

Trails are very susceptive to damage during this current freeze/thaw process.

The soil displacement from riding, walking and running at this time carries the soil away. If the trail is 90% rideable, the 10% that is muddy can still ruin your derailleur or running shoes.

Technically, it’s best to turn around once you encounter muddy trails. If you need to ride, walk or run through mud to get back to dry dirt, run right through the puddles and mud thereby not causing damage to trailside vegetation or unnecessary trail widening.

Even if you find it rideable, it’s best to wait until things dry out.

South facing in Dalla Mountain Park on 3.4.21

North facing in Dalla Mountain Park on 3.4.21

What can you do?

Read the Durango Trails Trail Conditions Report before heading out

Like the Durango Trails Facebook and Instagram pages for up to date trail beta

Join the Durango Trails Facebook Trail Conditions group

Ride Gravel

Explore the Animas River Trail

Hike or run in the early morning (before 9:30 am) or late afternoon (after 5:00 pm) – muddy areas are more likely to be harder (colder air temps) and less messy since harder soils are much less likely to erode.

When possible, stick to south-facing trails, which tend to be drier – the drier the trail, the less damage done – if any

Donate to Durango Trails to help support our ongoing trail maintenance efforts

For more information:

Visit American Trails’ guide to trail etiquette when mud is present.

Seasonal Wildlife Closures Dec. 1 through April 15

Posted on November 23, 2020April 9, 2021 by durangotrails

Video campaign highlights the importance of respecting seasonal wildlife closures in Durango – in effect Dec. 1, 2020.

Ever wonder why certain trails in Durango have seasonal wildlife closures? During the winter months, deer and elk need safe harbors and seasonal wildlife closures are essential for the animals to survive. Even when there is no snow on the ground these areas are critical for animals to make it through the winter. That’s why Durango Trails this week launched an informational and educational video campaign aimed at educating and inspiring users to follow certain etiquette and safety guidelines when traveling on trails in Durango and the surrounding area. The first video, “It’s Up To Me,” highlights the importance of abiding by the winter seasonal wildlife closures.

It’s up to me. It’s up to us. It’s up to all of us to protect wildlife in Colorado.

The seasonal wildlife closures go into effect Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, until April 15, 2021, on the following areas:

Grandview Ridge

Big Canyon and Sale Barn trailheads (access located east of U.S. Highway 160)
Grandview BLM trails

Animas City Mountain

BLM lands above the lower loops (about 1.5 miles above the 32^nd Street Trailhead)

Twin Buttes Area

The upper trails only, as marked.

Bodo State Wildlife Areas

This area is closed with the exception of the Smelter Mountain Trail that is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dogs are prohibited.

Perins Peak

Please note this area is closed through July 31, 2021, to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

Watch the video here or by clicking the video above. Visit our Trail Conditions Report for up to date trail conditions. You can also learn more about wildlife in Colorado by visiting the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

Campaign video made possible through Durango Trails receipt of the Partners in the Outdoors grant from the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The videos were produced by Coldstream Creative and include local talent.

RidgeView (formerly SkyRaider) Trail Opens!

Posted on June 19, 2020March 22, 2021 by Beth Stewart

Durango Trails is excited to announce the opening of a new trail connecting Powerline to Extended Ridge!

After an unprecedented spring season, Durango Trails, working with the City of Durango, has completed the construction of the RidgeView Trail. Work on RidgeView was initiated last season by our hard-working volunteers and was completed this season by the Durango Trails Crew Leader team, as volunteer trailwork days have been put on hold so far this year due to COVID-19.

“Durango Trails has been working with the City for over two decades, planning, building, and maintaining our area trails; partnering on education, outreach, and helping connect our town. We are so pleased that they are visionary and solution-oriented and can deliver top-notch trails to our community,” said Councilor Chris Bettin who also sits on the Park and Recreation Advisory Board.

“Trails are the cornerstone of our community, the gateway to the outdoors, and the work of Durango Trails can not be overstated as it relates to the branding of Durango and its role in our recovery from this global pandemic,” added Rachel Brown, director of Visit Durango, Durango’s destination marketing organization.

As a celebration of the Solstice, the RidgeView Trail will officially open on Saturday, June 20. Since the opening celebration will be virtual, please help us celebrate by viewing and sharing the celebratory video below.

The trail is located off of the Powerline Trail and connects Powerline to Raider Ridge.

Updated COVID-19 Recreation Guidelines

Posted on June 18, 2020November 23, 2020 by Beth Stewart

Updated Nov. 20, 2020

If you’re seeking best practices while on our area trails, here are suggestions. As of November 20, 2020, the state of La Plata County’s COVID-19 restrictions are now labeled as Level Red . Please care for yourself and your neighbors and safely connect through the outdoors. Connecting to the outdoors is still recognized as essential to our mental and physical health.

When visiting area trails and public lands, please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all:

Social distancing: Keep a safe physical distance of at least six feet from people you do not live with.
Go solo or only with people you live with: This isn’t the time to hold even small social gatherings on public lands, as that could increase community spread of the virus. Please save the group runs, rides or hikes for after the order is lifted.
Avoid the crowds: Look for nearby nature to enjoy; the closer to home the better.
Share the wealth: Whether it’s sharing trails and yielding to others in order to maintain a safe distance, or limiting your time on public lands so that more people can have a safe experience, please keep your larger community in mind.
Leave no trace: Pack out what you pack in, as garbage collection is currently very limited.
Use common sense: Stay at home if you or others in your household are feeling sick.

With a large number of new, local trail users out, please remember to follow “Share the Trails” ethics and proper trail etiquette by announcing yourself, slowing down, communicating with others about how to proceed, and always keeping your dog on a leash. Remember, just say “hi”.

Trails are the gateway to the outdoors; please continue to follow all local guidelines and public health orders so we can all continue to enjoy the outdoors together!

Have you been enjoying our local trails more than usual while quarantined this year? Please consider donating to Durango Trails during this season of giving so we can continue to build, plan, and maintain the regional trails you love. We also have awesome merchandise to help rep your #DurangoTrailLove!

Resources:

State of Colorado Department of Public Health

Watch This: COVID-19 Video Learning Series: Passing, Dogs on Leash and Land Manager Message

Posted on May 22, 2020June 24, 2020 by durangotrails

Trails 2000 is now Durango Trails!