FATMAP by Strava

Grandview Ridge Loop

Durango

A beautiful loop up and around Grandview Ridge.

Trail Running Moderate

Distance
14 km
Ascent
374 m
Descent
374 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
2 km
High Point
2.3 km
Gradient
Grandview Ridge Loop Map

In contrast to many of the technical, challenging trails found in Durango, the Grandview Ridge trails were "designed as swoopy, intermediate style multi-use and multi-direction trails," according to DurangoTrails.org. The loop mapped here is one of the most logical ways to make the most of this trail network.

Description

Beginning from the Horse Gulch Trailhead, you'll climb up the gulch before turning off on the Meadow Loop Trail. The climbing will really begin in earnest, ascending mostly-smooth singletrack as you head toward the top of Grandview Ridge. While you can choose to climb to the very top of the ridge, this loop wraps around the backside on a delightful benchcut singletrack, crossing the ridge via a low pass.

After putting in the work, it's time to descend! This route follows the Crite's Connect Trail to the Carbon Junction Trail, forming a logical, consistent descent back down the mountain. While there's nothing overly technical on this descent, it's fast, flowy, and fun. You'll find yourself flying through corner after corner, hooting and hollering as you drop back down to the river below.

Wrap up the loop with a scenic stretch of running along the river to get back to the trailhead.

Difficulty

Moderate

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between May and November

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area