Mountain Biking in Durango

mountain bikingThe Durango area is known internationally as a mountain biking mecca. The numerous trails in the Forest, as well as four-wheel-drive and abandoned mining roads, offer scenic and challenging riding for all levels of interest and ability. Many easy routes are popular for family outings. Few trails are closed to mountain bikes. They are prohibited, however, in all Wilderness Areas.

Durango is the home of some of the best cyclists in the world, and it's one of the best places to train as well.

Below are just a few of the more popular mountain bike trails:

Telegraph Trail System
The trail head starts at 8th Avenue and 3rd Street, with a parking lot along the tree line. The beginning of the trail is up a rocky 4-wheel drive trail, but then turns into meadows. At the top of the dirt road, you have the choice of turning left or right. Turning right will lead you into the meadows where there are a few different trails. Just follow the signs. If you choose to turn left, the trail gets difficult and goes up the ridge face for some good climbs and descents.

Hermosa Creek Trail
Hermosa Creek is one of the most popular single-track trails in Durango. The trail leads from Purgatory to Hermosa and is about a 20-mile ride. A dirt road takes you to the trailhead located on the backside of Purgatory. The trail has some technical sections, steep climbs and two river crossings. The river crossings can get waist-high in the spring and early summer. The trail ends in Hermosa, about nine miles north of Durango.

Colorado Trail - Hoffheins Connection
The Colorado Trail - Hoffheins Connection, is a 20 mile single-track loop. Starting from Durango, head west on 25th Street, which becomes Junction Creek Road. After the paved section of the road ends, the Colorado Trail begins on the left side of the road. There is a parking area near the trailhead. Follow the trail along the creek, crossing over the bridge, until you reach Gudy's Rest. Just 1/8 mile past Gudy's Rest, take a left on the Hoffheins Connection trail. It's all down hill to Lightner Creek Road. Follow Lightner Creek Road to Highway 160. Turn left, traveling east on Hwy 160 to get back to Durango.