Top Trail Runs in Durango's Expansive Trail System

Check out this greatest hits list from the epic trail system surrounding Durango.

Greg Heil

Images

IMG_2176hdr.jpeg
Enjoying the view from Animas Mountain

by Greg Heil

IMG_2174hjdr.jpeg
View of the San Juans

by Greg Heil

IMG_2168 (1)hdr.jpeg
View from Animas

by Greg Heil

IMG_2158.jpeg
View of Durango

by Greg Heil

IMG_2160.jpeg
View of Durango

by Greg Heil

30e36063-1055-40e4-bdfe-d043e4e0db8e.jpeg
Looking toward Grandview Ridge

by Greg Heil

90e53435-3474-4752-9b17-86bdb173de9b.jpeg
Engineer Mountain

by Chris M Morris

fe32fd9f-bada-478e-b81b-14f1a34d53f4.jpeg

by Scott Anderson

34dc1eaa-d1de-4518-bf9b-d8bfb9c7d024.jpeg

by Scott Anderson

ad1cc7a1-b620-49c2-b982-59b07d60130e.jpeg

by Scott Anderson

0466dabc-59fb-473a-a1d5-d3dcefb914b5.jpeg

by Scott Anderson

d385446d-6e56-4573-b56d-370f8b260c24.jpeg

by Scott Anderson

IMG_2200hdr.jpeg

by Greg Heil

IMG_2220hdr.jpeg
View of Durango

by Greg Heil

IMG_2214hdr.jpeg

by Greg Heil

IMG_2216hdr.jpeg

by Greg Heil

78773860-194b-4186-a30e-13e4452ad071.jpeg
f2ba249f-2c26-4840-98ac-d89009b29ccd.jpeg
49767327813_a1911c2912_k.jpg
IMG_2236.jpeg
Hermosa Creek

by Greg Heil

IMG_2278.jpeg

by Greg Heil

IMG_2274.jpeg
San Juans peeking out

by Greg Heil

IMG_2235 (1).jpeg

by Greg Heil

IMG_2250.jpeg

by Greg Heil

Description

The small mountain town of Durango serves as the primary jumping off point for mountain adventure across the entire southwestern corner of Colorado. With hundreds of miles of singletrack accessible from downtown and the main artery of Highway 550 leading deep into the San Juan mountain range, there are more trails accessible within day trip distance of Durango than you could run in a lifetime.

As southwestern Colorado's hub, you can choose to fly into the small regional airport if traveling from a distance. Once in town, a wide array of hotels and resorts offer lodging options, and the nearby national forest offers dozens of campgrounds. Local stores can easily outfit you with any gear you didn't bring. And even when you're not running, the bustling downtown food and beer scene will keep you entertained.

With so many trails to choose from, the question is: where do you begin? Well, with this guidebook, for starters! Within this guidebook we've rounded up the most-recommended trail runs accessible from Durango.

For in-town runs, the three most popular spots to start are Animas Mountain, Hogsback Ridge, and the Grandview Ridge Loop. All three routes gain vantage points above downtown Durango, with long-range views of the mountains beyond.

If you head up Highway 550 into the mountains, consider an out-and-back on the high alpine Molas Pass section of the Colorado Trail, or an out-and-back on the isolated Hermosa Creek Trail.

Looking to bag a peak? Engineer Mountain is a visually-impressive summit that rewards climbers with 360-degree views of the San Juan mountains.

Last but not least, Ice Lake Basin is renowned as one of the most beautiful spots in all of Colorado! While it requires the longest drive from downtown Durango of any route on this list, it is well-worth the commute, or even flying from around the world to experience!

Adventures

Engineer Mountain

This out-and-back climbs the slopes of Engineer Mountain and rewards with high-altitude wildflowers, views of a rare rock glacier, and a technical summit ridge.

Ice Lake Basin

This pair of San Juan alpine lakes is guaranteed to take your breath away.