Mountain Biking in Durango Colorado

A mountain bike mecca. Some national and international mountain bike champions ride and reside in the compelling landscape of the Four Corners region. Wild splendor and rugged terrain spreads in every direction from Durango, CO. Consider exploring the valleys and hills of the San Juan National Forest. Or take your craving for adventure to the famous Colorado Trail. From dare-devil to day tripper, whatever your skill level, you will undoubtedly discover "the off-road to nirvana".

Some people consider Durango the "Mountain Bike Capital of the World", so it's no surprise that the community loves and supports cyclists. There are a plethora of bike shops for sales, service and repairs, even bike rentals. And activities draw riders from around the country.

Kick it into gear. Every spring, during the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, there is a mountain bike race as part of the weekend's events. A 6-mile multi-lap course with singletrack, steep climbs and fast downhills challenges riders of every age and level.

Also see Road Biking, Bike Shops and Bicycle Tours and Events.

Hit the trail! Below you will find several of the popular mountain bike trails in and around Durango, CO, listed from most difficult down to easiest.

Durango Mountain Bike Trails

Horse Gulch / Telegraph

Length: 17 miles
Trailhead Elevation: ~6500 feet
Elevation gain: 1550 feet
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Trail Type: loop

Dry Fork Loop

Length: 9.2 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 7360 feet
Elevation gain: 1490 feet
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Trail Type: loop

Animas City Mountain

Length: 5.9 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 6600 feet
Elevation gain: 1500 feet
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Trail Type: loop

Colorado Trail - Hoffheins Connection

Length: 17.6 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 6580 feet
Elevation gain: 1420 feet
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Trail Type: loop

Colorado Trail - Hoffheins Loop

Length: 16 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 7000 feet
Elevation gain: 3170 feet
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Trail Type: loop

Colorado Trail - From Sliderock Trail

Length: 45.5 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 9900 feet
Elevation gain: 4420 feet
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Trail Type: loop

Hermosa Creek Trail

Length: 19.1 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 9000 feet
Elevation gain: 1040 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Trail Type: loop

Lime Creek

Length: 11 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 9900 feet
Elevation gain: 1720 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Trail Type: point-to-point

Log Chute

Length: 6.5 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 7500 feet
Elevation gain: 1532 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Trail Type: loop

Dolores River Canyon

Length: 6 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 5000 feet
Elevation gain: minimal
Difficulty: easy
Trail Type: out-and-back

Other Possible Trails to Research

Animas Valley Loop, Clear Creek, Cutthroat Castle, Echo Basin, Elbert Creek, Harris Park Loop, Iron Horse Classic, Extended Ridge (Suicide Hill), Kennebec Pass, Kennebec Summit, Lost Canyon, Molas to South Mineral, Stoner Mesa, The Worlds X – C Course