A cycling paradise! Durango hosts a lion's share of
bicycle events and has become a natural hub for the
sport. Biking enthusiasts have found nearby terrain
ideal and the trail possibilities endless. If you
didn't bring a bike, don't sweat it, there are several
shops offering rentals, tours and maps! Enjoy your
cycling experience in the Durango area.
The Durango area offers diverse cycling opportunities from towering mountain
peaks, just 20 miles north, to southwestern deserts, just 30 miles south.
Everyone speaks "bicycle" in Durango, so you can get tips from retails
clerks, waitstaff, police bicycle patrolman or the many professional cyclists
who live in our mountain bike mecca!
ROAD BIKE ROUTES
EASY...
Baker's Bridge
This 30-mile loop begins on North Main Avenue at City Market. Turn right on
32nd Street and ride until it ends at County Road 250, then turn left. County
Road 250 will take you all the way to Baker’s Bridge, winding through
the lush Animas Valley. Travel south over the bridge and straight to the
intersection at Highway 550. Turn left on 550 and ride it past Honeyville
to Hermosa where you get on County Road 203. The turn onto CR 203 is on the
right, just past the railroad tracks and it will bring you back into Durango.
This ride is also referred to as “The Long Valley” by area bikers.
Trimble Loop
This is a shortened version of Baker’s Bridge, also referred to as “The
Short Valley”. The total distance is about 15 miles. Begin at County
Road 250, riding until you reach County Road 252. Turn left, riding past Dalton
Ranch and across Highway 550. Turn left on County Road 203, which will take
you back to Durango.
INTERMEDIATE...
Elmore's Loop
Elmore’s Loop starts on Historical 3rd Avenue. Head north on 3rd Avenue,
which will become Florida Road (County Road 240.) Once on Florida Road, there
will be a steady 6-mile climb that ends at Edgemont Ranch. About a mile after
Edgemont Ranch, at the bottom of the descent, take a right on County Road 234,
at the fire station. CR 234 connects with Highway 160 after about 12 miles.
Head west on Highway 160 back to Durango. This loop is approximately 26 miles.
Durango/Bayfield Loop
This ride is about 45 miles long with a few steep climbs. The ride starts out
the same as Elmore’s Loop on Florida Road (CR 240.) Stay on CR 240
past the turn-off for Elmore’s Loop. When you reach the bridge, turn
right, crossing the Florida River. When you reach the intersection of CR
501, turn right. Follow CR 501 to Highway 160. Head west on Highway 160 back
to Durango.
ADVANCED...
Durango to Silverton
This ride one-way totals 50 miles and includes two mountain passes and scenic
views; Coal Bank Pass, at 10,660 feet and Molas Pass, at 10,900 feet. There
is about 6,000 feet of climbing on the way to Silverton. The trip begins
on Main Avenue (Highway 550) in Durango. Highway 550 winds through the mountains
to Silverton passing Purgatory and the Hermosa Cliffs along the way. The
ride is easier travelling from Silverton to Durango, but be sure to warm
up before you start because it begins on a mountain pass. You can make arrangements
to ride the train to Silverton and ride your bike to Durango.
Wildcat Canyon Loop
Wildcat Canyon Loop begins on Highway 160 W, with a long 10-mile climb then
a short descent to Hesperus Store. Turn left at the store on Hwy 140. The
road has a gradual decline for a few miles. Take your first paved left onto
County Road 141, which is Wildcat Canyon Road and is on a climb up from a
bridge. County Road 141 has gently rolling hills that will take you back
to Hwy 160 just west of Durango. The loop is about 35 miles long and can
be taken in either direction.
Durango to Pagosa Springs
This ride is 60 miles, one-way. Take Highway 160 east from Durango all the
way to Pagosa Springs. There are a few steep climbs, but primarily rolling
hills. You can soak in the hot springs to relax your tired muscles once you
arrive in Pagosa Springs.
MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTES
EASY/INTERMEDIATE...
Horse Gulch Trail
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.
Lime Creek Trail
Lime Creek Trail is the old stage coach road between Purgatory and Silverton.
The trail starts 28 miles north of Durango at a parking lot on the right,
mile north of Cascade Village. The trail is 11 miles long with some gradual
climbs and descents. The trail ends between Coal Bank and Molas Pass.
ADVANCED...
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, travelling east on
Hwy 160 to get back to Durango.
La Plata Canyon Road
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, travelling east on
Hwy 160 to get back to Durango.
Visit our Mountain
Biking page with more mountain biking information and local
mountain bike shop listings.
