Photo by Scott Smith

Part of the Lower Colorado Trail system.

Colorado Trail at Junction Creek

The Colorado Trail at Junction Creek is one of the best trails in the Durango area, great for both hiking and biking, and perfect for most skill levels. The trail is lovely in all seasons, with access to picturesque Junction Creek and its shallow pools in the summer; surrounding canopies of golden leaves in the fall; and snowshoeing and fat biking in the winter.

From the trailhead, you’ll start out on a nice, flat trail that follows Junction Creek. When you reach the bridge, you will have gone about 2.5 miles (if you are a beginner, the bridge is a good goal). After this, the trail begins some steep switchbacks and eventually winds its way up to Gudy’s Rest, which has a sitting spot and nice view of Durango.

Colorado Trail from High Point to Gudy’s

After Gudy’s Rest (along the Colorado Trail), you can turn left to head down Hoffheins and loop back around from Dry Fork, back to the Colorado Trail. Or continue straight and make it to High Point and come on back down. A roundtrip ride to High Point on a bike is 4-5 hours. Gudy’s Rest can be accessed from Junction Creek Trailhead or Dry Fork.