Menu
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!
Twin Buttes Maintenance | June 9
June 9, 2021 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Durango Trails is pleased to invite volunteers to trailwork dates throughout 2021.
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!
Twin Buttes Maintenance
When: June 9, 2021 | 4:30 – 7:00pm
Where to Meet: Twin Buttes Water Tank | Click here for map
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 12 participants for this event. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!
Google Calendar Colorado Trail Maintenance at Junction Creek | June 4
June 4, 2021 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Durango Trails is pleased to invite volunteers to trailwork dates throughout 2021.
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!
Colorado Trail Maintenance at Junction Creek
When: June 4, 2021 | 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Where to Meet: Colorado Trail Trailhead, Upper Lot | Click here for map
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 12 participants for this event. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!
Animas River Days
June 4, 2021 @ 11:00 am – June 5, 2021 @ 7:00 pm
The Animas River is the heart and soul of our community! Celebrate it with this two-day event, which includes river surfing, stand-up paddling, freestyle kayaking, boatercross, raft and kayak slalom, an inflatable rodeo and the local’s favorite costumed river parade.
Learn more and view the full schedule at animasriverdays.com.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
May 29, 2021 @ 7:15 am – 1:00 pm
The biggest cycling event here in our hometown, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, returns on May 29, 2021.
Schedule is as follows:
7:15 am: Start of Pedal Assist Tour to Silverton: East Second Avenue & 30’th Street
7:30 am: Start of Coca Cola Road Race to Silverton start: East Second Avenue & 30’th Street.
8:00 am: Start of McDonald’s Citizens Tour to Silverton: East Second Avenue & 30’th Street
8:15 am: Start of Quarter Horse to Purgatory: East Second Avenue & 30’th Street
8:15 am: Start of Pedal Assist E-bike Tour to Purgatory: East Second Avenue & 30’th Street
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Race and Citizen Tour finish at Memorial Park in Silverton
Learn more at ironhorsebicycleclassic.com.
Ned’s Hill Maintenance | May 26
May 26, 2021 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Durango Trails is pleased to invite volunteers to trailwork dates throughout 2021.
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!
Ned’s Hill Maintenance
When: May 26, 2021, 4:30 – 7:00 pm
Where to Meet: Leyden Trailhead | Click here for map
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 10 participants for this event. If your chosen date is already full, please consider a new date to join us!
Upcoming Trailwork: Skyline Trail Maintenance | May 19
May 19, 2021 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Durango Trails is pleased to invite volunteers to trailwork dates throughout 2021.
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!
Skyline Trail Maintenance
When: May 19, 2021 | 4:30-7:00 pm
Where to Meet: Skyline Trailhead | Click here for map
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!
Durango Trails Launches Durango Trail Love Campaign
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.
Trailwork Registration Now Open for May & June!
Announcing Our 2021 Trailwork Kick Off!
We are excited to announce our first public trailwork dates for 2021! Please join us to help give back to our trails and community.
The trailwork calendar for May and June is below; please note that advance registration is required for all trailwork events. Please sign up via the links below.
No experience is necessary and Durango Trails will provide the necessary instruction and safety tool talk as well as all tools, gloves, water and lunch for the entire crew.
Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes or boots, long pants, shirt (long or short sleeved), sun hat, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle, and rain jacket (optional). Durango Trails will provide all tools, instruction, gloves and water.
May & June 2021 Trailwork Dates: Please Register!
Wednesday, May 19th – Skyline Trail Maintenance SIGN UP HERE
Wednesday, May 26th – Ned’s Hill Reroute and Maintenance SIGN UP HERE
Friday, June 4th – Colorado Trail Maintenance at Junction Creek SIGN UP HERE
Wednesday, June 9th – Twin Buttes Maintenance SIGN UP HERE
Saturday & Sunday, June 25-27 – Colorado Trail Maintenance Weekend, Campion Venture, Time and Sign Up TBD!
Durango Trails hosts public trailwork each week, as well as additional announced days and times, throughout the trail season. Sign up for our FREE Trail Talk E-Newsletter for details and announcements.
Happy Trails!
Celebrate the Launch of Trail Crew Brew!
April 22, 2021 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
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 show your love for Durango Trails.
Celebrate the launch of Trail Crew Brew!
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.
