Notes: 05.15.22 Lower Hermosa Road #576 and #578 now open. Upper Hermosa trail is blocked by dozens of downed trees. Clearing efforts will be happening in the next several weeks. Jones and Dutch Loop cleared as of today.
The Hermosa Creek trails connect you to a variety of high country routes from Jones Creek to Pinkerton or upper Hermosa to Bolam Pass or Hotel Draw. There are several route options including an out-and-back on the singletrack portion of Hermosa Creek Trail.
The main trail is very obvious. You will see several trail junctions along the way, but the main Hermosa Creek Trail is always the most well-worn route. The “out” portion is 12.7 miles of rolling terrain and gentle climbing and turns around at the Dutch Creek Trail junction. Don’t make the rookie mistake believing Hermosa Creek is all downhill from Purgatory; it’s not.
In 2018, the 416 Fire heavily-impacted the Hermosa area and its trails. Please contact us or see a current trail conditions report of this area before planning your adventure.
To access Hermosa Road (upper road by Purgatory): Start at Purgatory Resort and park and ride up the road or shuttle to the top parking lot at Hermosa.
To access Hermosa Creek Trail Out & Back:
Take Highway 550 North from Durango and turn left at Hermosa Park Road. Cross the railroad tracks and follow up the road to the southern Hermosa Creek Trailhead located about 4 miles up Lower Hermosa Road, which starts near the railroad track crossing in the small town of Hermosa north of Durango. Find the trail heading north near the junction of several dirt roads near the parking area.
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.
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.