The best cycling routes in La Plata County

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Animas River Trail, a paved path that follows the scenic Animas River through the heart of Durango. You will enjoy picturesque views as you cycle, with the river always close by. This route covers 16.5 miles (26.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 333 feet (101 metres), making it a relaxing journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete.

Accessing the trail is straightforward, with numerous entry points and convenient parking available along its length. If you do not have your own bike, rentals are readily available in the area, allowing you to easily start your adventure. The trail is well-integrated into the city, connecting seamlessly to downtown Durango, various city parks, and other local amenities, making it simple to incorporate into your day.

As you pedal, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as osprey and beaver, adding a natural element to your urban ride. You might also catch a glimpse of the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which shares the right-of-way in parts. The trail is also adorned with public art and sculptures, providing visual interest, especially as the southern sections become more secluded and tranquil.

Embark on the Dry Fork Loop, a moderate touring bicycle route that winds through the diverse landscapes of San Juan National Forest. You will navigate varied terrain, from shady ponderosa pine forests to vibrant aspen stands and scrub oak, with wildflowers adding splashes of color in early summer. This 8.7-mile (14.0 km) journey involves a substantial elevation gain of 1265 feet (385 metres), typically completed in about 1 hour and 33 minutes, offering rewarding views of the majestic La Plata Mountains and expansive vistas from Gudy's Rest overlooking Junction Creek canyon.

Before you set out, be aware that the Dry Fork Loop observes a seasonal closure from December 1st to April 15th. This measure is crucial for protecting wintering big-game and spring-nesting peregrine falcons, so plan your visit accordingly. It is also important to ensure your touring bike is well-equipped to handle rugged singletrack sections, which include rocks and roots, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.

The route is a prime example of the natural beauty found within San Juan National Forest, showcasing its rich biodiversity and stunning geological features. As you cycle, you will experience the unique ecosystem that supports both dense forests and open vistas, making it a notable trail in the region. The blend of challenging climbs and scenic rewards makes the Dry Fork Loop a distinctive experience for touring cyclists seeking both adventure and natural splendor.

Embark on the Hermosa Valley via CR 250 & CR 203 loop for a moderate touring bicycle ride through varied landscapes. You will cover 26.7 miles (43.0 km) with an elevation gain of 869 feet (265 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. Enjoy picturesque views with tall mountain walls on one side and expansive vistas across the valley towards the La Plata Mountain Range on the other, especially from County Road 250.

When planning your ride, be aware that while the route is mostly well-paved, some segments might be unpaved, which could increase the difficulty. Accessing the trail is straightforward, as Durango offers excellent cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes. This makes it easy to start your journey and explore the area.

This loop offers a tranquil cycling environment, particularly on CR 250, which serves as a quieter and more scenic alternative to busier roads. The route allows you to explore a beautiful part of the San Juan National Forest, providing a refreshing outdoor experience away from urban hustle.

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure through the diverse Colorado mountain landscapes of the Jones, Pinkerton, Dutch, Hermosa Creek Loop. This challenging 30.7-mile (49.4 km) route will have you gaining 4903 feet (1495 metres) in elevation, typically taking around 5 hours and 10 minutes to complete. You'll wind through old-growth forests, vibrant aspen stands, and open meadows, with expansive views of the Animas Valley and La Plata mountains. Expect a dynamic ride with technical singletrack, rocky sections, roots, and multiple creek crossings, offering a true test of skill and endurance.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration, as this route demands very good fitness and advanced technical skill; you might even need to push your bike on some sections. Be aware that cell service can be marginal or non-existent, particularly along the Dutch and Hermosa Creek portions, so come prepared for any situation. Early summer runoff can make creek crossings waist-deep, and you should watch for hazards like falling trees or unstable soils in areas affected by the 2018 416 Fire. Always check conditions before you go.

This loop is best suited for experienced riders with robust gravel bikes, given its rugged and technical terrain. The trail offers a unique opportunity to explore areas impacted by the 2018 416 Fire, showcasing nature's resilience and recovery. It provides a memorable journey through a mix of challenging features and stunning natural beauty, making it a notable touring bicycle route in the San Juan National Forest.

Embark on a challenging touring cycling adventure from Hermosa to Coal Bank Pass. This difficult route stretches for 51.1 miles (82.3 km), demanding a significant 4727 feet (1441 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to spend around 5 hours and 37 minutes pedaling through the dramatic landscapes of the San Juan National Forest. As you climb, you'll encounter rugged peaks and expansive mountain panoramas, even though the pass summit itself is often tree-lined. The journey offers a mix of paved roads and some unpaved sections, testing your endurance with grades up to 7%.

Before you set out on Coal Bank Pass from Hermosa, ensure you have very good fitness for the sustained climbs. This route is best tackled when weather conditions are stable, so always check local forecasts and road conditions before your ride. While the primary surface is paved, be prepared for some unpaved and more challenging segments along the way. Plan your start time to allow ample daylight for the full duration of the ride.

This route is a segment of the renowned Million Dollar Highway, celebrated for its natural beauty and engineering. As you cycle, you'll be immersed in the San Juan National Forest, an area known for its diverse ecosystems and stunning alpine scenery. The experience offers a true taste of high-mountain touring cycling in Colorado, providing a memorable challenge for experienced riders.

The Lemon Reservoir via Florida Road route offers a challenging touring cycling experience, covering 34.4 miles (55.4 km) with a significant 2334 feet (711 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this difficult ride in about 3 hours and 49 minutes. As you cycle, you will pass through diverse terrain, from dense pine forests to open areas with sweeping vistas. The route takes you deep into the San Juan National Forest, providing views of the hills of the Weminuche Wilderness. The highlight is Lemon Reservoir itself, a beautiful and secluded alpine lake surrounded by forests, where you might even spot bald eagles.

When you plan your ride, be aware that the route is almost entirely paved, but you should still prepare for some rough sections and varying shoulder quality. A short gravel climb awaits near the top as you approach the Lemon Dam, which marks the end of the pavement. Parking for cyclists is generally available along Florida Road, offering convenient access to begin your journey. This makes it easy to start your touring cycling adventure.

This route is considered a classic for touring cyclists seeking a rewarding experience near Durango, Colorado. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the San Juan National Forest. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as grouse or loons, especially around the serene Lemon Reservoir. The combination of challenging terrain and stunning natural scenery makes this a memorable ride.

Embark on a moderate touring cycling adventure through Durango's Horse Gulch Park with the Powerline, Skyline, & Sugar Trail loop. This 9.3-mile (15.0 km) route, which takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete, offers varied terrain and rewarding scenery. You'll gain 1371 feet (418 metres) in elevation as you cycle through old-growth forests of Douglas fir and ponderosa pines. From the top of Skyline Trail on Raider Ridge, you can enjoy panoramic views of Durango and the Animas Valley. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in the meadows during warmer months, adding to the high-desert landscape. The trail opens up to exposed ridgelines, providing a diverse experience.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail system is easily accessible right in the town of Durango. You will find parking generally available at Horse Gulch Park, making it convenient to start your ride. There is even a self-service bike repair station located at the trailhead, which can be very handy. Be prepared for varied surfaces along the route, including packed dirt, gravel roads, and potentially some technical singletrack sections. This makes it a local favorite for its convenience and diverse riding conditions.

This loop offers a diverse experience within Durango's Horse Gulch Park, a well-known area for outdoor activities. The route's combination of forest paths and open ridgelines showcases the unique high-desert environment of the region. You will encounter a mix of natural beauty and practical amenities, like the bike repair station, that enhance your touring cycling experience. The trail system's proximity to Durango makes it an ideal option for a quick escape into nature.

Prepare for a difficult touring cycling adventure on the Black Hawk Pass loop, covering 25.9 miles (41.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 4144 feet (1263 metres). This route takes you through wild backcountry, where you will experience whispering aspens and old-growth forests. You can expect panoramic 360-degree views of the San Juan Mountains, particularly from the Colorado Trail segments. Keep an eye out for stunning vistas of North Twilight Peak as you pass through Hermosa Park. This challenging ride typically takes about 4 hours and 19 minutes to complete.

Planning your trip is key for this high-country touring bicycle route. The best time to ride is generally from June through October, when conditions are most favorable. However, you should always be prepared for potential storms, as weather can change quickly in the mountains. Be aware that strict travel management rules and seasonal closures apply within the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area, so always stay on designated trails.

This loop offers a deep dive into the San Juan National Forest, showcasing its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. You will traverse segments of the renowned Colorado Trail, known for its expansive views and challenging terrain. The route's highlight below Blackhawk Mountain provides exceptional vantage points, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the surrounding wilderness. This journey is a true test of endurance and a rewarding experience for any touring cyclist.

Start your touring bicycle adventure on the Horse Gulch and Animas River Trail Loop, a moderate route spanning 10.4 miles (16.7 km). You will experience a diverse landscape, beginning on the paved Animas River Trail with pleasant views of the river and its wildlife as it winds through Durango. The trail then transitions into the Horse Gulch Trail System, where the scenery changes to a high alpine desert with dirt paths, sage bushes, and pinon trees. This loop involves a total elevation gain of 1197 feet (365 metres) and typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. From higher points within Horse Gulch, you can enjoy panoramic views of Durango and the distant La Plata Mountains.

Planning your visit to this loop is straightforward, as the Horse Gulch Trail System is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Durango. The Animas River Trail also runs directly through the city, making access simple from various points. For cyclists, a useful self-service bike repair station is available right at the Horse Gulch trailhead, which can be a great help before or after your ride. This accessibility makes the route easy to fit into your day, whether you are staying in Durango or just passing through.

This route stands out for its unique combination of urban river path and high desert mountain biking terrain, offering a varied experience within a single loop. It provides a distinct perspective of Durango, showcasing both its riverside charm and the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. The transition from paved trails to dirt paths gives you a taste of different cycling environments, all while staying close to city amenities. This blend makes it a notable option for those looking to explore the area by touring bicycle.