Trail Talk Blog – Durango Trails

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!

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

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

Safe Trail Use During COVID-19

Posted on March 27, 2020May 22, 2020 by durangotrails

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

Posted on November 22, 2019January 27, 2020 by durangotrails

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!

Showshoeing Around Durango

Posted on January 17, 2023January 17, 2023 by Durango Trails

Guide to Snowshoeing in Durango

Durango is known for some of the best snowshoeing around. With an abundance of trails and millions of acres of open land and national forests, Durango is the perfect spot to get out for a hike this Winter.

In the winter months, many of the trails around Durango transform into perfect snowshoeing routes, allowing you to explore everything from leisurely, groomed walks to more challenging adventures to get your blood flowing. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for those of all ages and skill levels regardless of experience.

Click here to read the full guide to snowshoeing in the Durango area, courtesy of Visit Durango.

Winter Trail Conditions

Posted on January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 by Durango Trails

Happy New Year!

2023 snow conditions provide various winter trail recreation options. Check out our updated Winter Trail Conditions Page and learn about the winter trail adventures.

Remember to learn about avalanche safety, and visit the CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) website which provides avalanche safety information, education and promotes research to help people reduce their risk from avalanches.

More Snow = Good News

Chicken Creek and Bauer Loops are groomed and open. Only XC or snowshoes allowed: they state walking on groomed trails not allowed.
Hillcrest opens Tuesday, Jan 3 for skate and classic. Please stay on groomed trails.
Vallecito groomed for skate and classic.
Boggy Draw groomed for fat biking.
Durango Nordic finally able to get the groomer out but they have a lot of snow so still a bit soft but looking great.
LaPlata Canyon and Junction Creek (FS 171) great for touring skis.
Red Mountain Pass remains closed.

Ugly Sweater Group Ride – La Plata Canyon | Saturday, December 17th

Fat Bike up beautiful La Plata Canyon Road! We will ride from the parking lot up to Chimney (4 miles up) and back down (8 miles round trip, or you can turn around earlier). Wear your favorite “ugly” or “pretty” Christmas sweater and bring your beverage of choice to toast the holidays at the chimney and gathering in the parking lot at the finish.

Meet at the La Plata Canyon Dirt Parking Lot at 9:00am for a 9:30am rollout.

Contact your local bike shop for fat bike rental/demo information.

All ages welcome. Please bring your own bike, helmet, shoes, water, and gear.

Contact patti@durangotrails.org or (970)382-1905 with questions.

Seasonal Wildlife Closures Dec. 1 through April 15

Posted on November 25, 2022November 27, 2022 by Durango Trails

Video campaign highlights the importance of respecting seasonal wildlife closures in Durango – in effect Dec. 1, 2022.

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, 2022, until April 15, 2023, 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

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.

Swerve Group Ride | Thursday, October 20th

October 20, 2022

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4:30 pm

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7:00 pm

Join us to celebrate the grand opening of the new Swerve Trail on Animas Mountain from 4:30pm to 7pm! You can park at the 32nd Street TH near the Durango Trails work truck. Drinks and snacks will be provided!

All ages welcome. Please bring your own bike, helmet, shoes, water, and gear. Durango Trails will provide refreshments.

Add to Google Calendar

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 for this event. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!

Animas Mountain Trailwork | Saturday, October 15th

October 15, 2022 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Join us for trailwork at Animas Mountain.

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!

Animas Mountain Trail Maintenance

When: Saturday, October 15th | 9:30 am – 1:00 pm (please be on time)

Where to Meet: The Animas Mountain trailhead is located on West Fourth Ave off of 32nd Street. Click here for a map.

Directions from downtown Durango:
Head west toward Camino Del Rio

0.2 mi

Turn right onto Camino Del Rio

0.4 mi

Continue onto N Main Ave

1.6 mi

Turn left onto W 32nd St

0.2 mi

Turn right onto W 4th Ave

322 ft

Continue straight

Destination will be ahead; you will see the Durango Trails truck parked near the trailhead.

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 are any changes to the trailwork date, Durango Trails will notify you ASAP via email. Please be sure to provide an email that you check regularly in the registration form below.

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 for this event. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!

Fall in the San Juans

Posted on October 2, 2022October 5, 2022 by Durango Trails

Fall is the perfect time to hit the trails. Flowing along to the sound of golden aspen leaves under your tires or shoe tread; being outdoors rarely feels so good. There are notes of summer and hints of winter, and nothing beats being outdoors surrounded by the golden, red, yellow and green hues.

Durango Trails recommends several special places to best experience this pumpkin-spiced time of year:

Animas Mountain
Start at the trailhead on 4th Avenue, and take this 6 mile round-trip hike through the forest and up the mountain for a great view of the valley. The mountain bike, trail running and hiking trails provide a stout climb to the top, where the view from Animas Mountain into the Falls Creek Valley provides a great vista of fall colors.

Missionary Ridge
While a popular hunting area (make sure you’re decked out in blaze orange), Missionary and Steven’s Creeks embrace you with the beauty of fall. Plenty of trees abound, whether on Red or First Fork, and will tantalize leaf peepers with abundant fall colors. Check this link for more info.

Hermosa Creek Trail
While the 416 fire left its mark in the Hermosa area, the remaining trees and oak brush still provide beautiful views of fall colors along Hermosa Creek. Start with an out-and-back from lower Hermosa, or drive up to Purgatory and enter from upper Hermosa Park Road. You may encounter standing water along the way. On your way up, you can also take a detour to the Cutthroat Trail at the intersection of Relay Creek and Cascade Divide Road.

West Cross Creek
Many a local’s favorite ride is the climb up Hotel Draw Road combined with the descent down West Creek Trail back to the Upper Hermosa parking lot. The trail is a windy single track with incredible views across the aspen-covered valley.

Animas Mountain Trailwork | Wednesday, October 5th

October 5, 2022

@

4:00 pm

–

7:00 pm

Join us for trailwork at Animas Mountain.

Thank you for volunteering, and giving back to your trails and community!

Animas Mountain Trail Maintenance

When: Wednesday, October 5th | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm (please be on time)

Where to Meet: The Animas Mountain trailhead is located on West Fourth Ave off of 32nd Street. Click here for a map.

Directions from downtown Durango:
Head west toward Camino Del Rio

0.2 mi

Turn right onto Camino Del Rio

0.4 mi

Continue onto N Main Ave

1.6 mi

Turn left onto W 32nd St

0.2 mi

Turn right onto W 4th Ave

322 ft

Continue straight

Destination will be ahead; you will see the Durango Trails truck parked near the trailhead.

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).

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 for this event. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!

Animas Mountain Trailwork | Tuesday, September 27th

September 27, 2022 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join us for trailwork at Animas Mountain.

Thank you for volunteering, and giving back to your trails and community!

Animas Mountain Trail Maintenance

When: Tuesday, September 27th | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm (please be on time)

Where to Meet: The Animas Mountain trailhead is located on West Fourth Ave off of 32nd Street. Click here for a map.

Directions from downtown Durango:
Head west toward Camino Del Rio

0.2 mi

Turn right onto Camino Del Rio

0.4 mi

Continue onto N Main Ave

1.6 mi

Turn left onto W 32nd St

0.2 mi

Turn right onto W 4th Ave

322 ft

Continue straight

Destination will be ahead; you will see the Durango Trails truck parked near the trailhead.

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).

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 for this event. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!

Animas Mountain Trailwork | Wednesday, September 28th

September 28, 2022 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join us for trailwork at Animas Mountain.

Thank you for volunteering, and giving back to your trails and community!

Animas Mountain Trail Maintenance

When: Wednesday, September 28th | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm (please be on time)

Where to Meet: The Animas Mountain trailhead is located on West Fourth Ave off of 32nd Street. Click here for a map.

Directions from downtown Durango:
Head west toward Camino Del Rio

0.2 mi

Turn right onto Camino Del Rio

0.4 mi

Continue onto N Main Ave

1.6 mi

Turn left onto W 32nd St

0.2 mi

Turn right onto W 4th Ave

322 ft

Continue straight

Destination will be ahead; you will see the Durango Trails truck parked near the trailhead.

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).

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 for this event. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!

Trails 2000 is now Durango Trails!

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.

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!

TRAILWORK EVENTS ARE POSTPONED

TRAILS: THE GATEWAY TO OUTDOOR RECREATION

MOUNTAIN BIKING

TRAIL RUNNING

DOG WALKING

KEEP OPEN SPACES UNCROWDED

PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING

AVOID CONTAMINATION

KEEP TRIPS SHORT AND CONSERVATIVE

KEEP IT LOCAL

GRAVEL RIDING

BE SAFE AND BE SMART

Here are just some of the great things we were able to accomplish in 2019 with your support:

Restoration & Tree Removal

Trail Construction

Trail Maintenance

Trail Planning and Collaboration

Trailwork

Education

Community Engagement

Fundraising

Celebration

In this season of giving, please consider contributing to Durango Trails 2000.

Guide to Snowshoeing in Durango

Happy New Year!

More Snow = Good News

Video campaign highlights the importance of respecting seasonal wildlife closures in Durango – in effect Dec. 1, 2022.

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

October 20, 2022 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

October 15, 2022 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Animas Mountain Trail Maintenance

October 5, 2022 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Animas Mountain Trail Maintenance

September 27, 2022 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Animas Mountain Trail Maintenance

September 28, 2022 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Animas Mountain Trail Maintenance

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Great communities build great trails and great trails build great communities.

October 20, 2022

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4:30 pm

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7:00 pm

October 5, 2022

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4:00 pm

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7:00 pm