Durango, Colorado, is a premier destination for mountain bikers looking to enjoy desert singletrack and high-alpine scenery. While there are many mountain bike trails near Durango, CO, the following are the top five you won’t want to miss.
Hermosa Creek Trail
When you want to add an iconic Southwest Colorado ride to your lineup, make sure Hermosa Creek Trail sits at the top. This is a point-to-point route that’s best suited to experienced riders. It makes its way through meadows and pine forests, with breathtaking mountain views along the way. Riders are often impressed by the creek crossing, remote surroundings, and steady downhill flow.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Trail Length: 14.2 miles
- Trail Map
Horse Gulch Trail System
Enthusiasts looking for mountain biking near Durango, CO, that’s close to their vacation property will love the accessibility of the Horse Gulch Trail System. Horse Gulch is a diverse trail network suitable for all skill levels with access points in Durango. There are dozens of interconnected routes, spanning technical climbs, smooth beginner loops, and fast descents.
- Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
- Trail Length: Over 30 miles of interconnected routes
- Trail Map
The Colorado Trail (Durango Segment)
The Colorado Trail spans nearly 500 miles in total, but there’s a segment that begins right in Durango. Passionate mountain bikers looking for high-elevation riding will want to prioritize this trail. The Durango segment of the Colorado Trail starts at Junction Creek and can be split into sections to match skill level. For a 4- to 5-hour challenging ride with sweeping mountain views, technical rock features, and rewarding descents, consider heading toward High Point.
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Trail Length: 21 miles between Junction Creek and High Point
- Trail Map
Blackhawk Pass
Referred to as Segment 26 of the Colorado Trail, Blackhawk Pass is another great route to explore for advanced mountain bikers heading to Durango. Steep climbs, high elevation, and rugged terrain define this scenic alpine ride, rewarding confident riders with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and wildflower meadows. It’s a true backcountry challenge for those looking to hone their skills.
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Trail Length: 10.9 miles from Hermosa Park Road to Hotel Draw Road
- Trail Map
Alien Run Trail System
Just 33 miles from Durango in nearby Aztec, New Mexico, mountain bikers have options to check out the Alien Run Trail System. This is a flowy, fast desert network that cyclists tend to enjoy for tight turns, geological features, and slickrock sections. There are three stacked loops to choose from, giving riders of all interests something to enjoy.
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Trail Length: 5-, 10-, and 16-mile loops
- Trail Map
Start Planning Your Durango Mountain Biking Adventure
The perfect mountain biking getaway to Durango begins with booking exactly the right accommodations. At Durango Colorado Vacations, we offer travelers access to professionally managed homes, condos, and retreats near the trails and filled with fantastic amenities. Guests who book their stay with us can make more of every moment in property options that showcase:
- Spacious open floor plans that are perfect for small and large group getaways
- Private balconies and furnished decks to enhance surrounding mountain views
- Stylish furnishings for kicking back in style
- Large master suites and guest rooms for resting
- Full kitchens for home-style meals
- Game rooms for kids
- BBQ grills for al fresco dining options
- Pet-friendly amenities when you’re traveling to Durango with a furry friend
- Air conditioning to ensure a climate-controlled experience
Our Durango vacation rentals within easy reach of trailheads mean you can be first out for morning rides. We also have mountain view rentals available for travelers looking to elevate their stay in scenic style. When you’re ready to turn plans into travel fun, contact our team and let us find you the ideal property for your stay!
