Haviland Lake: Outer Loop
Circumnavigate the small but scenic Haviland Lake Trail System.
Moderate Trail Running
- Distance
- 9.3 km
- Ascent
- 252 m
- Descent
- 252 m
A beautiful loop visiting the Miners Trace Waterfall.
Trail Running Moderate
The trails at Haviland Lake aren't renowned as the best running trails in the Durango area, but they're awfully convenient if you happen to be camping at the Haviland Lake Campground. And for those who are willing to investigate, they also hide some beautiful sites and peaceful spots.
This trail system is extremely popular with horseback riders, largely thanks to the nearby Bears Ranch stable that offers guided horseback rides. However, the stable is closed at least one day per week—on Sundays in the summertime and Mondays in the fall—providing a perfect window of opportunity for hikers and runners to get out on the trails. (Note: even though commercial rides won't be happening, you can still encounter horses on these trails.)
This route combination has one objective: visiting the beautiful little waterfall along the Miners Trace trail! This cascade is tucked away in a small rocky ravine below the trail, providing a beautiful destination that offers surprising beauty in this small, underrated trail system.
The Miners Trace trail itself is a fairly rocky trail with rock gardens, ledges, and small slabs. A few sections of the trail are a bit exposed, too, providing views and a delightful airy feeling. At the bottom, you'll pass some old mine sites from whence this trail receives its name—complete with an informational sign.
This route recommendation loops back up to the trailhead on the Wagon Trail—one of the nicer trails in this network. The return climb is pretty mellow and scenic, although without the beauty of the stream. Alternatively, you could also choose to run an out-and-back route to the waterfall without doing the loop.
Moderate
Circumnavigate the small but scenic Haviland Lake Trail System.
Moderate Trail Running
18 m away
This mellow trail run to Forebay Lake is a sleeper hit, located just outside of Durango.
Easy Trail Running
36 m away
A great four-mile loop on the flowiest trails at Haviland Lake.
Moderate Trail Running
6.8 km away
An approachable trail run leads to a stunning view point from the top of Castle Rock.
Difficult Trail Running
9.8 km away
Traverse a stunning, isolated mountain valley.
Moderate Trail Running
7 routes · Trail Running