While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. Start Here, Broadly speaking, there are three bikepacking genres to choose from – Multi-day Mountain Biking, Ultralight Race & Gravel, and Expedition & Dirt Touring. A nice gradual trail and awesome views at the top. Amazing descent into Durango – Indian Ridge is the highlight of the segment. Beginner Intermediate Advanced ... Durango Trails PO box 3868 Durango, CO 81301 970-259-4682. Great riding in both directions. The main hike-a-bike in this section is up to the scenic Gold Hill, which features steep sections and is likely tro trap late snow, and the ensuing 10 Mile Range. There are further smaller hike a bikes en route to Searle and Kokomo passes. Pretty time of year! Best Mountain Biking Trails near Durango, Colorado. Both these towns offer good breweries, a mountain vibe, and plenty of food. Post updated by Cass Gilbert in July 2017. There’s altitude to contend with and storms in the summer monsoon season; the latter requires strategic planning and an understanding of the terrain ahead. For trail riding, you want to single out the trails below. Looking for a great trail near Durango, Colorado? I absolutely loved this hike. Solid quick evening hike. In fact, at over 500 miles in length, the Colorado Trail packs more sublime singletrack than you're ever likely to have ridden in one sitting... to support us & get The Bikepacking Journal. Visit this section to learn how to choose a route, and some insight into navigation. But it’s easy to let the mind dwell on what’s not rideable… just remember that for the vast majority of the time, the Colorado Trail’s singletrack is incredibly flowy, fast, rambunctious, and fun! Carry a Steripen as a means of quickly purifying your primary and secondary water bottle as necessary. Originally published in The Bikepacking Journal 03, Ditibised is Alexandera Houchin’s extraordinary story of training for the Tour Divide, framed in four seasons…. Although resupply points are well endowed, the journey between them is often extremely remote. The hike itself was very manageable. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. Easy, mostly dirt roads with a section of pavement. Later, the La Garita Wilderness detour can be relatively dry. This detour and be hot and dry. With more than 2 Durango trails covering 29 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Galloping Goose Trail (CO) or Animas River Trail. Burned sections along the south, but still great. November 1, 2020. Did it anti clockwise. Often the magic comes from the perfect, non-stop flow. You can loop and connect town trails to high alpine rides like Missionary Ridge or the Colorado Trail, which has its southern terminus in Durango. Gorgeous! what a view. The hike down the opposite way had great views of the valley below. Quite muddy this time of year. Skill Level. Cick the link to see them plotted or select from the links to the right to filter. We’ve awarded this route a 9 as it’s undoubtedly one of the harder long distance bikepacking routes on the site. I could never. Heading in a westerly direction, the second half of the ride, from Buena Vista to Durango, broadly speaking features more challenging terrain, with riding that becomes increasingly rocky and more technical. Elsewhere, the going is easier; much of the route is characterised by flowy singletrack and gravel roads. It is commonly ridden in the opposite direction, however the 2015 Colorado Trail Race used the south to north course. It is a through route, or point-to-point, stretching almost 500 miles from the dusty southern Colorado town of Durango, to Denver (Littleton to be exact). Other times, the bike serves as a vehicle to sights unseen. Nice and simple meadow walk in fall weather! The recommended Lost Creek Wilderness Detour involves a lengthy pavement stretch, but it’s quiet and scenic. Great trail with many scenic outlooks. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Dry Fork Trail. Definitely strenuous, wear some good hiking boots! Youtube. Pretty views of hogsback! Although this misses out some fantastic views, it avoids many of the hike-a-bikes, with a similar amount of overall climbing. It travels through the incredible Colorado Rocky Mountains amongst peaks, glacial lakes, creeks, and a spectacular array of ecosystems. Along the Colorado Trail… A few short, chunky hike-a-bikes to contend with but largely rideable. It’s definitely a little scary bc of how steep it is, but very worth it. Took about 2 1/2 hours so great sunset hike. View All Features. Region ... Biking Hiking Paved/E-Bike Friendly Trail Running Winter Recreation. Drink a bottle at each creek that you’re thirsty at, and refill immediately. Don’t forget to look left for turtle lake. Always keep on Wagon trail. Parking is also nice and close to the trail head. Very dry and dusty, but a nice trail with nice views, especially for being located right in town. Click the link below to find out how to start. Do It for the Views: Section Bike the Colorado Trail. Facebook. I butt-scooted the steep part. For the most part, the Colorado Trail is very well marked. We provide inspiration and information through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of gear, news, and events that help our community thrive. Around great views!!! Depending on the time of year, water is relatively easily sourced, which takes one logistical piece out of the puzzle. Durango Mountain Bike, E-Bike, Hike, Trail Running trails, Colorado. Dogs did well on the trail. Northern part is great. Simply put, bikepacking is the synthesis of mountain biking and minimalist camping; it evokes the freedom of multi-day backcountry hiking, with the range and thrill of riding a mountain bike. Note that the Ride With GPS map below includes main resupply points and some key water sources along the way. Hardest section by far, so plan your food wisely. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. It is a through route, or point-to-point, stretching almost 500 miles from the dusty southern Colorado town of Durango, to Denver (Littleton to be exact). Great hike super close to town. #9 - Ella Vita, Hogsback, and Slime Gulch Loop, #20 - Twin Buttes and Lightning Creek Loop, #24 - First Fork and Red Creek Loop Trail, Ella Vita, Hogsback, and Slime Gulch Loop. Trail conditions are often technical, with steep, rocky, rooty climbs and numerous thrilling, babyhead strewn or staircase-like descents. Great hike and gorgeous views! Note – data book gives directions for Denver to Durango, requiring extra brain power going opposite direction. VERY steep. AllTrails has 52 great hiking trails, mountain biking trails, trail running trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. As a rough approximation, we consider the trail to be over 90 per cent rideable – note that this is in time, rather than mileage. Explore the best trails in Durango, Colorado on TrailLink. However, The Colorado Trail Databook is well worth carrying, as it breaks the ride down in manageable segments, listing resupply points, water access, campsites, and passes. Tougher climb than clockwise as much rockier. a few steep parts but over a good moderate hike. Contact Us Durango Trails PO box 3868 Durango, CO 81301 970-259-4682 3,565 photos. 246 trails with 456 photos Fun and easy trail. Telluride Area Trails. Took about 3.5 hours including pictures-taking and a quick lunch on a high boulder overlooking the city. Twitter. Totally worth it if your debating on going. I went clockwise and didn’t see much along the way view-wise then WOW! It is commonly ridden in the opposite direction, however the 2015 Colorado Trail Race used the south to north course. This trail is all the things: easy to access, beautiful hike, amazing views of the city, and QUITE the challenge! But appreciate that this will vary greatly between riders, depending on their skillset, how much gear they are carrying, the freshness of their legs, the weather, and how well acclimatised they are (see comments below). Hiking. Absolutely gorgeous trail with minimal traffic at 9 am on Tuesday morning, Oct 20,2020. From there, the trail can be rejoined via the steep and rocky Miners Creek Road. Thru-cyclists are required to detour around each of the Wilderness areas. View The Classics, The Bikepacking Journal is our printed collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography.Find details here alongside a growing collection of web exclusive features... Have one to share? Learn More, As important as it is to have a reliable bike and pack as light as you can, choosing the right route is perhaps the key to your enjoyment. Highly recommend. Based in Durango, Colorado, Durango Trails is a 501(c)3 organization that builds and maintains trails, educates trail users and encourages connectivity on road, path and trail. Bicycles are prohibited in each of the six Wilderness Areas; it is against federal regulations. Views at top ridge/summit are good otherwise nothing to see elsewhere. Click the link below to learn about each. Allow between 8-18 days for the trip, depending on your pace and skill level. Although numerous, for the most part hike-a-bikes on the CT are relatively short, though there are a number of longer stretches to contend with too – be comfortable pushing or carrying your bike. No major hike-a-bikes. Fill your third bottle for when distances are longer between creeks. Georgia Pass has excellent views. Although Breck is a popular resupply point, Frisco offers a wider variety of food, including healthy options like Natural Grocers and Whole Foods. The Colorado Trail is one of the longest, more arduous, yet most rewarding bikepacking routes in the US. Take the long route! Amazing, perfect Sunday trail for us not to difficult and very beautiful. The Colorado Trail is one of the premier, long distance bikepacking trails in the US. See Trail Notes for an overview of each section between resupply points. Note that you can also begin in Denver and ride a bike path all the way to the TH at Waterton TH.