Description

The out-and-back route to Gudy's Rest is an exceedingly popular Durango-area hike, especially early and late in the season when the higher-elevation trails are covered in snow. The hike begins from a trailhead near the Junction Creek Campground by following the Colorado Trail along a bench above Junction Creek itself.

This section of the hike is fairly mellow, despite some rocks and roots to step over.

You'll enjoy gorgeous views of rock outcroppings, the creek below, and the mountains peeking through the trees above you. After crossing the creek on a well-built bridge, it's time to get your climbing legs on! The hike gains most of its elevation quickly via a series of switchbacks that climb steadily up the mountainside.

While you'll gain a stiff 584 vertical feet in about 1.2 miles, the trail is well-built and well-graded.

Even though the climb is aerobic, the trail is never exceedingly steep or eroded, thus keeping this hike to a "Moderate" FATMAP rating. You'll know when you reach Gudy's Rest thanks to the wooden sign on the tree and the wooden bench on top of a stupendous overlook! The view from this cliff edge is sublime, with the mountains spreading out around you and Durango not quite visible in the distance.

This is the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy a snack, and soak in the tremendous view—you earned it! To get back to your car, simply turn around and retrace your steps.