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Trail Talk Blog
Safe Trail Use During COVID-19
Updated May 22, 2020.
The Colorado Stay at Home Order that went into effect March 26 was changed to a “Safer-at-Home” order on April 27th. It continues to allow exercise outside the home, and travel via foot, bike or car to trailheads. Outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, fishing, biking, or running are still permitted under the order. State parks will remain open for the previously-mentioned activities.
The COVID-19 situation and subsequent Stay at Home Order by San Juan Basin Health is not something to be taken lightly. Getting exercise and getting outside is extremely important for our well-being and mental health, but we must keep open spaces safe and uncrowded. Here’s what Durango Trails is doing and our recommendations for safe trail use during this time.
TRAILWORK EVENTS ARE POSTPONED
All Durango Trails trail building events, parties, and other social events are postponed until such time as group activities are deemed safe again. We continue to look forward to our upcoming 2020 Trailwork Kick-Off Event, as well as our 30th Anniversary Celebration, and we will update you when new dates have been chosen for both.
TRAILS: THE GATEWAY TO OUTDOOR RECREATION
The current guidelines list biking, walking, hiking and other outdoor activities as essential, permitted activities while following social distancing. In order to comply with all social distancing orders, do not organize a group activity of more than 10 people and maintain a distance of 6 feet between all. Please remember, no matter how you choose to get outdoors, social distancing is not optional. Please abide by all guidelines and rules listed below.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Stay alert, slow down, and communicate with each other from a distance about how to proceed. With local gyms and rec centers closed, there may be new users on the trails. Now is a great time to educate the community on responsible trail use, and to be patient, exemplary stewards and neighbors. Remember, great communities build great trails and great trails build great communities.
TRAIL RUNNING
To follow proper social distancing guidelines, please do not run in groups. Please announce yourself.
DOG WALKING
Dogs must be on a leash! Please don’t put anyone at risk by not having your dog on a leash and please, always pick up after your dog.
KEEP OPEN SPACES UNCROWDED
- Pick off-peak times to ride, or choose less-used trail areas. If there is no available parking at a trailhead, it is too crowded!
- Ride fewer times a week.
- Remember to keep your dogs on a leash; this is important to help keep everyone protected and reduce the impact on emergency services.
PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING
- Don’t carpool, unless with household members.
- Don’t do shuttle rides.
- Ride solo. If you do ride with others, the intention is that you only go with people in YOUR HOUSEHOLD, and maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance at all times.
- Give plenty of room to all users on the trail. Instead of the MTB Lean, step off the trail and lift your bike with you to let others pass. Please don’t take a longer path and ride off-trail to avoid users.
- Check out our video learning series on current best trail practices
- When in doubt, remember the llama rule!
AVOID CONTAMINATION
- While masks are not required while recreating, please be conscious of conditions where passing one another at close proximity is required. Watch our video learning series on safe passing and keep a mask in your pack when needed, or for visiting public areas and shops.
- Don’t ride if you are sick.
- Avoid touching others’ bikes, racks or equipment like pumps and tools.
- Don’t share drinks, food, or anything else that goes in your mouth and can be inhaled.
- Be mindful of your snot rockets and loogies.
- Use the bathroom before you leave the house. Some trailhead restrooms are open but aren’t being maintained, others are closed.
KEEP TRIPS SHORT AND CONSERVATIVE
Ride and hike within your limits and don’t take risks. Now is not the time to go big; our healthcare system has enough to do without setting your broken collar bone.
KEEP IT LOCAL
- If you can safely ride to the trailhead, please do so.
- Do not get in your car and travel to other communities. Communities like Moab shut down camping and request visitors to stay home. They do not have the resources or infrastructure to handle visitors during this time and are trying to stop the spread of COVID-19 in their own towns.
GRAVEL RIDING
Our trails have been very busy since COVID-19 was first detected, so now is a great time to explore https://gravelmap.com/browse/colorado/durango.
No special bike required, just turn off your suspension and have a sense of adventure.
BE SAFE AND BE SMART
We want to get outside with you when this is over, please take this pandemic seriously!
RESOURCES
2019 Highlights: What Your Contribution Helped Us Accomplish
In the Durango area, trails create community and connect us. They are the training grounds for our youth, amateur and professional athletes, and they are the place where we meet our friends and create connections.
This year, your contributions enabled our team to build and maintain world-class trails on Forest Service, BLM, County, City and private lands. Working with our strong volunteer team, we were able to achieve so much to further the future of outdoor recreation in our area.
Here are just some of the great things we were able to accomplish in 2019 with your support:
Restoration & Tree Removal
Our team worked very hard on the Hermosa Creek Trail to repair the damage from the 416 fire.
Trail Construction
We built new sections on SkyRaider, Down N Out, Rocky Road, Ned’s Hill, West Cross Creek (Stagecoach), Huck ‘Em Cowgirl, and more.
Trail Maintenance
Our trailwork crews worked hard to keep trails great in some of the classic areas: Overend Mountain Park, Horse Gulch, and Carbon Junction.
Trail Planning and Collaboration
Once again, we were fortunate to collaborate with land agency partners at the City of Durango, US Forest Service, BLM, and private land owners. We are currently underway with 2020 planning; trail projects take time and we continue to work with our land manager partners on project proposals.
Trailwork
Over 125 downed trees were cut when our team participated in various trail planning projects with area land managers. We also worked with volunteer groups on trail work, including Fort Lewis College, Durango Running Club, and various Scout troops.
Education
We helped nurture the next generation of outdoor-loving trail stewards through our TrailKids ecology education program.
Community Engagement
We shared timely trail conditions, news, photos, videos, and other helpful info on Trails2000.org and our various social channels to inspire our community to connect with our area trails.
Fundraising
We held our popular Trails 2000 Auction, our organization’s largest annual event.
Celebration
We celebrated our wonderful team of volunteers and crew leaders at the annual Trails & Ales party and Trailsgiving events.
The above accomplishments would not have been possible without you!
Your financial support is essential for our success, and we are relying on your help to accomplish even more in 2020.
In this season of giving, please consider contributing to Durango Trails 2000.
Your contributions will allow us to continue our work and connect our community on the trails.
Our team is so grateful for all of our contributors’ ongoing support. We couldn’t do what we do with YOU, and we look forward to all we’ll accomplish together in 2020!
See you on the trails!
Seasonal Wildlife Closures Dec. 1 through April 15
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 32nd 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.
National Public Lands Day Trailwork Project
September 26 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
A note from Durango Trails: Participants are required to follow all COVID-19 safety guidelines, wear/bring the proper equipment, including a mask, gloves and your own water and snacks. Registration closes Friday, September 25th at Noon.
Work on the new Cutthroat Trail proposed by Durango Trails in the Hermosa Watershed planning process and funded by the San Juan Stewardship Fund-a partnership between Purgatory, the National Forest Foundation, and the San Juan National Forest.
The Cutthroat Trail is 5.5-mile trail situated above the East Fork of Hermosa Creek near Durango, Colorado. Trailwork kicked off this summer to connect Purgatory to the Hermosa Creek. Please help complete the “finish work” necessary on the trail, installing backslap and drainage work. Crew Leaders Oliver and Tyler will be on hand to provide guidance.
Limit ten people allowed per group (total 20 people)
COVID guidelines: Please bring a mask, your own gloves, long pants, closed toe shoes, water and snacks. Please do not attend trailwork if you feel sick.
Directions:
Meet at the Sig Creek Campground. There is limited parking in the campground but plenty on the shoulder across the road from the Campground entrance. The hike is to the work site is less than a half mile.
Shared route:
From US-550 to Sig Creek Campground via Hermosa Park Rd.
22 min (6.8 mi)
- Turn into Purgatory
- Head west on Purgatory Blvd3.7 miles
3. Turn left to stay on Hermosa Park Rd 3.2 miles
4. Turn right onto Sig Creek Campground 5. visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/duADis9NFciABWPj9
Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sunhat, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle, and a rain jacket (optional). Please bring your OWN mask, gloves, water, and snacks.
Durango Trails will provide all tools, instruction and safety talk, extra water and snacks for our volunteers. We do live in beautiful, unpredictable Colorado, so please check the weather before your workday and plan to dress accordingly. If there is lightning or other workplace hazards the day of our scheduled trailwork which will impact our trailwork party plans, Durango Trails will notify you ASAP via email.
Thank you for volunteering and giving back to the trails that give so much!
No experience is necessary for trailwork, and Durango Trails will provide the necessary instruction, safety tool talk and tools. Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please register below.
Google Calendar Hermosa Resilience Event
September 12 @ 3:00 am – 7:00 am
In an effort to celebrate the resiliency of the Hermosa Creek watershed following the 416 fire, local non-profit organizations and the San Juan National Forest are hosting a Hermosa Resiliency Event, aimed at providing the community with opportunities to engage in restoration efforts and to learn how the fire affected local forests.
More details to be announced.
*TENTATIVE* Trail Construction: September 5
September 5 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
A note from Durango Trails: Due to the ongoing nature of COVID-19, our community trailwork events have currently been postponed. While we hope we will be able to meet for our First Saturdays Trailwork in September, we are closely monitoring developments, and dates and times may change as a result. Please continue to check in here and on our social media for updated trailwork days!
Durango Trails is pleased to invite volunteers to a series of volunteer trailwork dates throughout 2020.
No experience is necessary for trailwork, and Durango Trails will provide the necessary instruction, safety tool talk, tools, work gloves, and water and snacks for the entire crew. Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please register below.
Thank you for volunteering, and giving back to your trails and community!
When: The first Saturday of each month; April-September (please note, dates may be adjusted to accommodate holidays or trail conditions)
What to wear: Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sunhat, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle, and a rain jacket (optional).
Durango Trails will provide all tools, gloves, instruction and safety talk, extra water and snacks for our volunteers. We do live in beautiful, unpredictable Colorado, so please check the weather before your workday and plan to dress accordingly. If there is lightning or other workplace hazards the day of our scheduled trailwork which will impact our trailwork party plans, Durango Trails will notify you ASAP via email.
Thank you for volunteering and giving back to the trails that give so much!
Happy Trails!
ALL GUARDIANS MUST REGISTER IF THE PARTICIPANT IS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD; INCLUDE THE STUDENTS NAME IN THE BOX ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Please note, trailwork registration is capped at 15 participants per date. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!
*TENTATIVE* Trail Construction: August 8
August 8 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
A note from Durango Trails: Due to the ongoing nature of COVID-19, our community trailwork events have currently been postponed. While we hope we will be able to meet for our First Saturdays Trailwork this summer, we are closely monitoring developments, and dates and times may change as a result. Please continue to check in here and on our social media for updated trailwork days!
Durango Trails is pleased to invite volunteers to a series of volunteer trailwork dates throughout 2020.
No experience is necessary for trailwork, and Durango Trails will provide the necessary instruction, safety tool talk, tools, work gloves, and water and snacks for the entire crew. Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please register below.
Thank you for volunteering, and giving back to your trails and community!
When: The first Saturday of each month; April-September (please note, dates may be adjusted to accommodate holidays or trail conditions)
What to wear: Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sunhat, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle, and a rain jacket (optional).
Durango Trails will provide all tools, gloves, instruction and safety talk, extra water and snacks for our volunteers. We do live in beautiful, unpredictable Colorado, so please check the weather before your workday and plan to dress accordingly. If there is lightning or other workplace hazards the day of our scheduled trailwork which will impact our trailwork party plans, Durango Trails will notify you ASAP via email.
Thank you for volunteering and giving back to the trails that give so much!
Happy Trails!
ALL GUARDIANS MUST REGISTER IF THE PARTICIPANT IS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD; INCLUDE THE STUDENTS NAME IN THE BOX ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Please note, trailwork registration is capped at 15 participants per date. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!
*TENTATIVE* Trail Construction: July 11
July 11 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
A note from Durango Trails: Due to the ongoing nature of COVID-19, our trailwork kickoff has currently been postponed. While we hope we will be able to meet for our First Saturdays Trailwork in July, we are closely monitoring developments, and dates and times may change as a result. Please continue to check in here and on our social media for updated trailwork days!
Durango Trails is pleased to invite volunteers to a series of volunteer trailwork dates throughout 2020.
No experience is necessary for trailwork, and Durango Trails will provide the necessary instruction, safety tool talk, tools, work gloves, and water and snacks for the entire crew. Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please register below.
Thank you for volunteering, and giving back to your trails and community!
When: The first Saturday of each month; April-September (please note, dates may be adjusted to accommodate holidays or trail conditions)
What to wear: Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sunhat, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle, and a rain jacket (optional).
Durango Trails will provide all tools, gloves, instruction and safety talk, extra water and snacks for our volunteers. We do live in beautiful, unpredictable Colorado, so please check the weather before your workday and plan to dress accordingly. If there is lightning or other workplace hazards the day of our scheduled trailwork which will impact our trailwork party plans, Durango Trails will notify you ASAP via email.
Thank you for volunteering and giving back to the trails that give so much!
Happy Trails!
ALL GUARDIANS MUST REGISTER IF THE PARTICIPANT IS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD; INCLUDE THE STUDENTS NAME IN THE BOX ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Please note, trailwork registration is capped at 15 participants per date. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!
Welcome to Durango’s Trails: Tips for Visitors
Welcome to Durango’s trails! Whether you are visiting our area or are simply a new local trail user, we hope you enjoy your time on the trails.
Here in Durango, we believe that trails are the gateway to the outdoors, leading us to amazing outdoor adventures and connecting our community in more ways than one.
Things to know before you hit the trails
Our trail network is divided into four regions (see below for recommended trails in each region):
Urban Interface or In-Town trails, known as “Lunch Rides,” are trails that are easily accessed from town, and generally require only an hour or two to complete
Mid-Country Trails, or “Mini Adventures,” allow you to experience a half day ride, hike or run in the mid country areas surrounding Durango
- High Country Trails, or what we like to call the “Hall Pass,” are full day adventures [to explore Molas Pass, Coal Bank and Silverton Area Trails]
- Regional Trails are those located in the Surrounding Areas of Mancos, Cortez, Moab, Rico, and Telluride usually within a short 2.5 hour drive [like Phils World, Mancos, Cortez, Rico, and Moab area trails]
Our trails are primarily two way; uphill traffic has the right of way. When it comes to mixed-use trails, remember that bikes yield to hikers and horseback riders, and hikers yield to horseback riders.
We are proud of our share the trails ethics. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with proper trail etiquette so that all users can have an enjoyable experience. Remember to say hello when greeted by other trail users!
Be sure to educate yourself on current COVID-19 guidelines as well as all active fire restrictions before setting out.
Welcome to Durango; we look forward to seeing you on the trails!
Durango Trails is Durango, Colorado’s local non profit trails organization, connecting you to the outdoors. We plan, build and maintain trails; educate trail users; and encourage connectivity on the road, path and trail. If you’ve enjoyed our trails, we encourage you to please consider donating to Durango Trails so we continue our hard work! We also have awesome merchandise to help rep your #DurangoTrailLove!
A good place to start
locals' favorite trails
Urban Interface/In-Town
Horse Gulch Trail System
The Horse Gulch/Telegraph Trail System is the perfect trail system for all levels and user types. Located right in-town, it is a local favorite for hiking and mountain biking, and with so many different connectin
Animas River Trail
The Animas River Trail, a hard surface shared-use path, is a very enjoyable paved trail great for all ages and skill levels.
Mid-Country
La Plata Canyon Trail System
La Plata Canyon is in an area west of Durango with many mid country trail options.
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.
High-Country
Molas Pass
Molas Pass is a popular place for high country trail access just north of Durango.
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.
Surrounding Area
Phil’s World Trail System
This fast rolling singletrack ride is a popular trail winding through pinyon and juniper forest near Cortez, Colorado.
Boggy Draw Trail System
The Boggy Trailhead also hosts three other trails that offer a wide variety of terrain and range of difficulties.
SkyRaider Trail Opens!
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 SkyRaider Trail. Work on SkyRaider 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 SkyRaider 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
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
*TENTATIVE* Trail Construction: June 6th
June 6 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
A note from Durango Trails: Due to the ongoing nature of COVID-19, our trailwork kickoff has currently been postponed. While we hope we will be able to meet for our First Saturdays Trailwork in June, we are closely monitoring developments, and dates and times may change as a result. Please continue to check in here and on our social media for updated trailwork days!
Durango Trails is pleased to invite volunteers to a series of volunteer trailwork dates throughout 2020.
No experience is necessary for trailwork, and Durango Trails will provide the necessary instruction, safety tool talk, tools, work gloves, and water and snacks for the entire crew. Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please register below.
Thank you for volunteering, and giving back to your trails and community!
When: The first Saturday of each month; April-September (please note, dates may be adjusted to accommodate holidays or trail conditions)
What to wear: Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sunhat, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle, and a rain jacket (optional).
Durango Trails will provide all tools, gloves, instruction and safety talk, extra water and snacks for our volunteers. We do live in beautiful, unpredictable Colorado, so please check the weather before your workday and plan to dress accordingly. If there is lightning or other workplace hazards the day of our scheduled trailwork which will impact our trailwork party plans, Durango Trails will notify you ASAP via email.
Thank you for volunteering and giving back to the trails that give so much!
Happy Trails!
ALL GUARDIANS MUST REGISTER IF THE PARTICIPANT IS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD; INCLUDE THE STUDENTS NAME IN THE BOX ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Please note, trailwork registration is capped at 15 participants per date. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!
