Plan your next vacation with the kids to a locale full of four-seasons beauty, mountains, and plenty of outdoor fun. Get it all and more when you schedule your next trip to Colorado. Once you’ve settled on Colorado, point your compass to Durango. While you’re there, you may want to get out and explore the surrounding area with a hike. There are plenty of trails, many of which are perfect for the kids, no matter what their skill level may be.
Animas River Trail
While the 13.7-mile long paved out-and-back style trail may sound difficult, the small elevation change of just 341 feet is considered a fairly easy route. Hiking the whole trail takes approximately 4.25 hours. The trail meanders along the river for a great view, so you’ll likely run into road bikers, runners, walkers, on-leash dogs, and others. The trail is open year-round.
Church Camp Trail
Another easy hike for the kids is the Church Camp Trail through the Falls Creek Archaeological area. The 3.5-mile out-and-back trail takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. You’ll be joined by mountain bikers, runners, walkers, and on- and off-leash pups for the 446-foot elevation change. Visit May-October for the best experience. At the end of the trail is a waterfall, which is on private property. Please stay on the defined trails and posted paths.
Haviland Lake Trail
The trail is just three-point-eight miles in length and takes under two hours to complete. The loop is moderately challenging with an elevation change of 554 feet. Enjoy birding, camping, and cross-country skiing in addition to the hike. The best time of year for hiking the area is May-September. Please note dogs may be off-leash in some areas.
Purgatory Trail
Located in the Hermosa Creek Wilderness Area, the out-and-back trail is 10.3-miles in total with an elevation gain of 1,820 feet and is considered moderately challenging. The whole hike takes approximately 5 hours, and you’ll share the trails with other hikers, as well as equestrians and dogs. It’s primarily used for camping, as the switchbacks head down into the forest and into Purgatory Flats on Cascade Creek. There’s a “rest stop” for the main campsite, and you can explore other trails from here, too. Make the trek sometime between March and October for the best experience.
Sailing Hawks Loop
The 2.4-mile loop in Memorial Park Phase One takes approximately an hour to complete and is considered moderately challenging. The 439-foot elevation change attracts runners, hikers, and walkers, some with their dogs. The forest scenery and views are not to be missed, so you may want to encourage the kids to step out of their comfort zone a little. Limit your visit to May-September.
Animas Overlook Trail
Make your way through part of the San Juan National Forest on the easy, 0.7-mile paved loop. The small 59-foot elevation change is easy to complete in around 15 minutes. Bring a picnic lunch with you and stop at the picnic area before heading back. You’ll share the trail with hikers and walkers, and on- and off-leash dogs. The best hikes are May-October.
Highline Trail to Taylor Lake
The 2.8-mile out-and-back trail is kid-friendly and only takes about an hour to complete. The 200-foot elevation change is easy to negotiate, and the payoffs of breathtaking mountain views, the lake, a waterfall, and wildlife in its natural habitat are not to be missed. You may run into mountain bikers, walkers, dogs, and bird watchers along the way, so please share the trail.
Spud Lake Trail Via Lime Creek Road
The 4-mile out-and-back trail takes less than two hours. The trail winds through the forest on a steady elevation change of 538 feet. Get views of the river, wildflowers, and wildlife as you make your way to the serene Spud Lake. For families looking for a longer hike, you can take a rest and have a picnic by the lake, then head on to Potato Lake.
Destination: Durango Trails
To create a stay as unique as you and your loved ones, make sure the first thing on your planning to-do list is to book a vacation rental home with VacationDurango.com. After you’ve enjoyed a day hike through Colorful Colorado, prepare a filling and re-energizing home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Relax in a private bedroom or on a comfortable couch and watch a movie or TV show or play a game together in an open living space. Relax and unwind in outdoor spaces like expansive decks, patios, balconies, and other outdoor spaces. For a cozy stay, choose a one-bedroom unit for you and your small family, or plan a family or group reunion and book a sprawling six-bedroom unit to fit everyone!
Upgrade to a premium Durango vacation rental for perks and features like a private hot tub, sport court, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs, and more!
Contact us today to book your fun-filled getaway in Durango!
