Twin Buttes Trail

The Twin Buttes Trail system is conveniently located just west of Durango, making it easily accessible. You'll find parking available at the main trailhead for the system.

Yes, the trails within the Twin Buttes system are multi-use and generally dog-friendly. However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users and protect the local wildlife.

The Twin Buttes Trail offers great riding for much of the year. However, be aware that the upper trails are subject to seasonal closures from December 1st to April 15th to protect wintering wildlife. Spring, summer, and fall generally offer excellent conditions, but always check local conditions before you go.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Twin Buttes Trail system. It's open for public enjoyment.

The terrain is quite varied, offering a mix of experiences. You'll find 'buff, tight, and turny singletrack' known for its fast flow, alongside semi-rocky climbs and numerous switchbacks. The trails wind through natural landscapes with pinion, juniper, and ponderosa trees, as well as open meadows. While many sections are smooth and curvy, some areas also feature blocky rocks and roots, adding technical challenges.

You'll be treated to wonderful views of Durango, as well as picturesque vistas of Perins Peak and the Hogsback. The landscape itself, rich with ponderosa, pinion, juniper, and gambel oak, contributes to a very scenic riding environment.

The Twin Buttes trail system is designed to accommodate a range of riders. While many popular segments are rated as 'blue difficulty' (intermediate singletrack), there are also 'green difficulty' (easy, family-friendly) options available. New trail segments are also being developed to offer even more gentle alignments, including for adaptive mountain bikes. So, yes, beginners can find suitable sections.

Yes, the route intersects with several other trails within the system. You'll find sections that connect with the Lightner Creek Trail, Upper Bc&F Trail, Road Behind Buttes, Upper Ed & Flo Trail, Cliff Rock Loop Trail, Boston Coal & Fuel Railroad, Lower Loop Trail, and East Twin Buttes Trail, allowing for varied loop options.

It's important to remember that the trailhead and much of Durango are above 7000 feet. This higher altitude can make climbs feel more physically demanding than at lower elevations, so be prepared and consider your hydration and pace accordingly.

Absolutely! Many segments, like 'Ed & Flo,' are celebrated for their modern, flowy design, featuring rolling berms and rollers that allow for speed and fun. The system also offers a great variety of interweaving trails, letting you create different loops and experiences, including connections to other trails like the Cliffrock Loop. Some parts even follow an old Boston Coal & Fuel Railroad bed, adding a historical touch.

The specific route highlighted, which is 8.9 km long with 256 meters of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 58 minutes to mountain bike. However, the Twin Buttes system offers many interweaving trails, so your duration will vary depending on the loops and segments you choose to ride.