Part of the Animas Mountain Trail System.
A popular and iconic trail in Durango, Animas Mountain yields spectacular views of the Hermosa (to the south) and Animas (to the north) Valleys.
Animas Mountain Trail is very easy to follow via the many signs along the way. Officially, this loop is a lollipop heading in a counter-clockwise direction.
Ride/hike up the doubletrack for a few hundred yards from the parking area and take a right at your first trail junction. Keep taking right turns at all junctions to follow this loop in a counter-clockwise direction.
After 2.5 miles, you will reach the loop’s high point and a beautiful view of the Animas River Valley. The trail then descends 2.5 miles with great views of the La Plata Mountains to the west. The trail rejoins the “stick” of the lollipop at the bottom and down to the parking area where you started. Please note: The upper loop of Animas Mountain is closed for seasonal wildlife closures from December 1 to April 15.