Biking in Durango

Mountain Biking (MTB)

Durango is world-renowned for its mountain biking terrain, offering everything from mellow beginner loops to technical high-country rides. There are hundreds of miles of singletrack, packed dirt, and flow trails in and around the city — truly some of the best in Colorado.

Local MTB Areas:

• Horse Gulch Trail System – A classic local favorite minutes from downtown with a maze of mostly singletrack loops from mellow to technical.
• Overend Mountain Park – Right in town, this park has multiple interconnected trails with jumps, bridges, and flowy corners — a great place for warm-ups and fun laps.
• Twin Buttes Trails – Moderate climbs with flowy descents through forest and meadows, great for intermediate riders and scenic loops.
• Dry Fork & High Point – Classic mid-range mountain rides with good climbing and big downhill fun.
• Hermosa Creek Trail – A longer, scenic out-and-back with forested singletrack, river views, and some challenging climbs/descents.
• Molas Pass to Engineer Mountain – High-country adventure with alpine views above 12,000 ft, serious distance and elevation for advanced riders.
• Purgatory Resort Bike Park- Purgatory Resort has offered one of the region’s few lift-served downhill mountain bike parks, with trails ranging from flowy intermediate lines to more technical features. These included trails like Divinity Flow (a bermed, jump-and-roll downhill flow trail) and other classic downhill lines, plus access into a broader network of mountain singletrack.

 Visit one of our local bike shops for more information about these trails and other trails in our area. Local shops include: Mountain Bike Specialists, 2^nd Avenue Sports, Pedal the Peaks Durango, Ski Barn, or Purgatory Sports. There are two great bookshops in Downtown that offer trail maps and books:  Maria's Bookshop at 960 Main Avenue and Yess the Bookhutch at 143 E. 9th Street.

All trails in Durango are multi-use. This means they are open to horses, hikers, runners, and cyclists. Please be aware that everyone should yield to horses, and cyclists should yield to Hikers. Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms that often come into our area during the monsoon season in July and August. Packing rain gear, extra water, and snacks is always advised. Helpful information from the Forest Service or DurangoTrails.org should be reviewed before venturing out on the trails.

 

 

Road Cycling

Durango isn’t just for dirt — road cyclists love this area too. The roads offer long climbs, high passes, and scenic valley loops:

• Durango → Silverton – ~50 miles one way with two mountain passes and breathtaking views.
• Baker’s Bridge Loop – ~30-mile medium loop with wide open valley scenery.
• To Pagosa Springs or Mesa Verde – Epic one-way rides (60+ miles) through classic Southwest Colorado landscapes.

 

 

Animas River Trail (City-Friendly Ride)

What it is: A paved, multi-use shared trail that follows the Animas River right through Durango — perfect for biking, walking, running, or e-biking. The Animas River trail runs along the Animas River, providing pleasant views of the water and wildlife. The trail connects to many parks and river access points, as well as downtown Durango.

The trail is a paved multi-use trail that is approximately 9 miles one way.  This is great for relaxed cruising rides. Perfect adventure for all ages and bike types. 

View a map of the trail HERE or pick up a copy at the Durango Welcome Center.

What to Expect:

• This trail is popular year-round, and some sections have been recently upgraded for safety and width.
• Watch for mixed users (walkers, joggers, dogs), especially on weekends.
• Remember to use good bike path etiquette when using the path. This includes staying to the right, announcing when passing, and yielding to pedestrians. 
• All dogs must be leashed.
• E-Bikes are allowed but must control their speed and yield to pedestrians.

 

 

Tips Before You Ride

• Altitude matters – Durango sits ~6,500 ft elevation; high-mountain trails go much higher, so drink plenty of water and take your time acclimating.
• Check trail conditions before heading out, especially after storms.
• Bring layers – Weather in the mountains can flip quickly from sun to thunderstorms.
• For detailed trail maps and current conditions, local bike shops and Trailforks/MTB Project are great resources.