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Lion’s Den Trail BikingHikingTrail RunningWinter Recreation

Difficulty
Condition
Good
Region
Trail Length
1.3 miles
Distance from Durango
1 miles
Directions
Gain
725 ft
Rating
0 Loves (log in or register to love this trail!)

Lion’s Den Trail

Biking, Hiking, Trail Running, Winter Recreation
Durango to TH

1 Miles

Gain

725 Feet

Condition

Good

Region

Trail Length

1.3 Miles

Photo Courtesy of Missy Thompson

Part of the Fort Lewis College trail system.

Lion’s Den Trail is a relatively easy trail, great for kids. As with all trails in the area, there is a chance of wildlife sightings. This path is a multi-use trail, so hikers should use caution since the trail is also used by bikers.

Lion’s Den features a nice bench overlooking the Animas Valley mid-way up the trail, which is a common turn-around point for trail users looking for a shorter outing.

The very top of Lion’s Den is a popular brick-covered area that overlooks the city of Durango and the La Plata Mountains. The upper part of the trail is located across from Fort Lewis College Recreation Complex, complete with a playground, covered picnic areas, restrooms and softball fields. The lower trailhead is located at Chapman Hill Ice Skating Rink, going up from the dirt lot towards the Fort Lewis Mesa.

Map & Directions

Map Coordinates: 37.288121, -107.862433

Where's the Trailhead?

dIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD

Parking at Chapman Hill

Fort Lewis College Stadium Parking Lot (Free)

From 9th Street and Main Avenue in Durango, head east on 9th Street toward Fort Lewis College mesa. Take a left hand turn on East 3rd Avenue and continue on 3rd Avenue. At the three-way intersection with Florida Road, veer right onto Florida Road and continue straight through the roundabout at Chapman Hill. Shortly after, turn right into the Chapman Hill Parking Lot.

Trailwork

help build our trails!

Thursday, September 12 Trailwork

Join us for a weekday trailwork party at [location TBD]. Thank you for volunteering with Trails 2000 at our trailwork party on Thursday, September 12  from 4:30 to 7:30pm!

Volunteer!

Love the Trails Like a Local

Say Hi

Greet all trail users by saying hi when passing on the trail.

Announce Yourself

Say "on your left" as approaching other trail users from behind.

Pick Up After Yourself

Pick up after yourself and your pet. Please don’t litter.

Keep Dogs on a Leash

Keep your dogs on a leash or leave them at home. Off-leash dogs are not allowed on City Open Space and are the number one source of trail conflict.

Stay on the Trail

Help protect natural areas and habitats by staying on established trails. Creating "social trails", cutting switchbacks, or ignoring trail closures leads to greater erosion and impacts on ecosystems.

Give Uphill Traffic the
Right of Way

Uphill traffic always has the right of way. Downhill traffic must be in control, especially around blind corners, to avoid coming in contact with uphill traffic.

Check Conditions

Stay up to date by checking the Trail Conditions report and following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Give Back

Donate to Durango Trails or volunteer for trailwork to help give back to the trails you love.

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Trails are the cornerstone of our community and the gateway to the outdoors.

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