Animas River Trail

The trail primarily features a hard surface, combining concrete and asphalt, making it smooth for jogging. While mostly accessible, some older asphalt sections might have cracks and tree roots, so keep an eye out. It's generally wide, often at least 10 feet, and follows a gentle grade along the river.

The Animas River Trail is largely considered easy, making it ideal for casual joggers and beginners. Its paved surface and gentle grade contribute to its accessibility for all ages and skill levels. While there's a gradual rise, with an elevation gain of around 60 meters (196 feet) over its full length, it's very manageable.

The trail runs through the heart of Durango, offering numerous access points. You can typically find parking near the various public parks it passes through, such as Rotary Park or Memorial Park. It also provides easy access to downtown Durango, the community recreation center, and the public library, all of which may have nearby parking.

Yes, the Animas River Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's a popular and busy trail, so dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. In summer, you'll see kayakers and inner-tubers on the river, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the paved surface often remains accessible for jogging, though you should check local conditions for snow or ice.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and jog on the Animas River Trail. It's a public trail, freely accessible to everyone.

You'll enjoy continuous scenic views of the Animas River as the trail weaves through Durango. It passes through several public parks, crosses the river via picturesque bridges, and uses underpasses to avoid street crossings. Look out for interpretive signs about Durango's history, outdoor art, mosaics, and sculptures. You'll also run parallel to the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in places, often seeing and hearing the steam engines.

Yes, the Animas River Trail is considered the "spine" of Durango's overall trail network. It provides a vital transportation backbone, offering easy access to downtown, the community recreation center, the public library, schools, and various businesses. It also connects with other local trails like the Animas River Trail System, Florida Rd, and Oxbow Park Trail.

One of its most unique features is its "rail-with-trail" configuration, sharing a right-of-way with the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. You can often see and hear the steam engines as you jog. The trail also serves as a central artery for Durango, connecting many parts of the community and offering easy river access for activities like fishing or kayaking.

The main section of the Animas River Trail is about 8.75 kilometers (5.4 miles) long. For an average jogger, this distance can typically be completed in around 50-60 minutes, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Absolutely! The trail's easy, paved surface and gentle grade make it very family-friendly. It passes through numerous parks, offers interesting sights like the railroad, and provides a safe environment for children to walk, bike, or jog alongside adults.