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Colorado Trail: Kennebec Pass to Durango

Durango

Kennebec Pass to Durango is a ripping enduro-style descent starting high above tree line and dropping down gnarly singletrack all the way to town.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
34 km
Ascent
689 m
Descent
2.1 km
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
2.1 km
High Point
3.6 km
Gradient
10˚
Colorado Trail: Kennebec Pass to Durango Map

The final section of the Colorado Trail, running from Kennebec Pass to the trail's terminus just outside of the town of Durango, makes for an epic shuttle ride.

Description

The top of Kennebec Pass rises above tree line, providing incredible views of the San Juan mountains in all direction. Right off the top, the trail drops fast and furious, hugging the mountainside as it traverses a technical scree field.

Once the trail enter the trees the technical, rocky nature--now mixed with roots--continues, demanding complete attention.

A moderate climb about halfway through the descent will keep you honest, and then the shredding continues! Drops, roots, boulders--as the singletrack transitions down into drier climate zones, the technical challenges just keep coming, all the way until the final relatively-smooth stretch before the trail's terminus.

While cross country riders could undoubtedly enjoy this trail as well, enduro-oriented mountain bikers riding bikes with a lot of suspension travel are guaranteed to love this beautiful, challenging descent!

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Extreme Exposure

4 out of 4

Some trail sections are extremely exposed where falling will almost certainly result in serious injury or death.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between July and September

Features

  • Technical
  • Hike a bike
  • Drops
  • Roots
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Gardens

Guidebooks in this area