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Spur Line Trails: Switcher Loop and Rail Spike Loop

Durango

An easily-accessible hike near the Three Springs neighborhood.

Hiking Easy

Distance
7.1 km
Ascent
79 m
Descent
79 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
2.1 km
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
Spur Line Trails: Switcher Loop and Rail Spike Loop Map

The Spur Line Trails are easily accessible from the Three Springs neighborhood outside the town of Durango, with local residents able to walk to the trailhead right from their front doors. If you do have to drive, there's a fair amount of room to park at the trailhead, but the parking lot can fill quickly (even during the week).

Description

This trail system offers scenic views of the hills above, and if you hike high enough into the system, you'll also enjoy a few views of the neighborhoods below. As you survey the (rapidly expanding) neighborhoods below you, you'll realize what an incredible resource having this trail system in the residents' backyards truly is.

The trails here are narrow dirt/sand singletrack that swoop through the mellow pastures and meadows. This land is open to grazing, so you can expect to encounter cattle and the signs of cattle, such as hoofprint damage and manure.

The network features a series of loops that can be added or subtracted based on how much mileage you want and how ambitious you're feeling. The route shown here follows the first two loops—Switcher and Rail Spike—for a mellow 4.4-mile hike with 259 vertical feet of climbing and loss. You can, of course, just hike the Switcher Loop for a shorter outing or head further into the trail system on the North Lollipop Loop (and beyond). How far you choose to go is entirely up to you!

Difficulty

Easy

Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between April and November

Features

  • Dog friendly
  • Family friendly

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area