4 m away
Grandview Ridge Loop
A beautiful loop up and around Grandview Ridge.
Moderate Trail Running
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 374 m
- Descent
- 374 m
A great trail run heading high into the hills above Durango.
Trail Running Moderate
The Telegraph Trails provide beautiful loop routes surpassing the half-marathon distance, which are accessible directly from downtown Durango! While the route options are myriad, this loop is one of the best on offer.
Begin running from the Horse Gulch trailhead, and then take a right onto the Telegraph Trail. Telegraph can be a bit of a grind at times, but as you get higher and higher up the trail, beautiful views slowly begin to open up, giving an indication of what you'll find at the top. While you'll gain elevation consistently, this section has nothing exceedingly technical. The climb does finish with a short, steep pitch to reach the saddle, but after that, the grade mellows out substantially.
From the pass, you'll enjoy some fantastic sidehilling before dropping swiftly down Yellow Brick Road into the Sidewinder trail. Upper Telegraph, Yellow Brick Road, and Sidewinder all provide smooth buffed-out singletrack. The manicured trail tread provides fast running, but the difficulty will kick up a notch when you drop into Skull Rock.
The initial steep descent into Skull Rock provides a taste of what's to come. There are a few steep sections and big blocky rocks to negotiate, but the change in character provides welcome diversity to this run.
The final stretch of the descent on Big Canyon is aptly named, with the trail rolling through the bottom of a steep-sided canyon. At times, you're running directly down the stream bed. The eons of water action have carved entertaining features, such as a rock wall in a corner of the canyon. This final section of trail is one of the true highlights of the route, but like all good things, it soon comes to an end.
The route connects along some pavement to reach the Railroad Trail, providing a beautiful pedal along the river to return. You'll have to run along more pavement on Sawmill Road to reach the next section of singletrack, but ultimately you'll complete the loop on trail.
Moderate
4 m away
A beautiful loop up and around Grandview Ridge.
Moderate Trail Running
5 m away
Run to an incredible 360-degree view from Pautskey Point.
Difficult Trail Running
984 m away
A quick run to a beautiful vista over Durango.
Moderate Trail Running
1.4 km away
While Smelter Mountain is known as one of Durango's classic in-town trails, the ascent is far from easy.
Difficult Trail Running
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Gain stunning views from the dramatic Hogsback Ridge.
Difficult Trail Running
4.3 km away
One of the most popular trail runs in Durango.
Moderate Trail Running
5.2 km away
The most popular route to the top of Perins Peak, beginning in Rockridge.
Difficult Trail Running
9.1 km away
A popular Durango trail run to a gorgeous viewpoint.
Moderate Trail Running
7 routes · Trail Running