Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by foxintheforest

Colorado is one of the most picturesque states in the U.S, with its impressive geographical diversity consisting of plains, mountains, forests, canyons, and deserts. One of the best ways to experience the magic of Colorado is to embark on one of the many scenic Durango hikes. 

Located in the southwest quadrant of Colorado, Durango is a stunning town situated on the edge of the Western Slope.

The city has a little something for everyone, no matter what kind of hiking you’re into. You’ll even find camping opportunities if you’re interested. As one of the top getaways in Colorado, Durango is well worth a visit if you’re into beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure.

If you’re looking for Durango hiking trails right near the city, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Here’s a look at 10 of the best Durango hikes.

About this Guide to Durango Hikes 

If you’re looking to explore Durango like a local, and not a tourist, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve enlisted the help of local Durango hiking pro, Mark Evans to give you the inside scoop on the most beautiful hikes near Durango so that you can really enjoy all of the best things to do in Durango.

Inside this guide to Durango hikes you’ll find:

• Jaw-dropping easy Durango hikes
• Moderate hiking trails near Durango
• The most challenging hiking trails in Durango, CO
• Practical info about each hiking trail including difficulty, distance, and more
• The best time to hike in Colorado
• Quick tips for hiking in Colorado

Easy Durango Hikes

For complete beginners or those looking for relaxed Durango hikes, here are some suitable trails.

Falls Creek Loop Trail

Falls Creek Trail is a 4.1-mile-long loop trail located in the San Juan National Forest. This is an easy trail that is accessible to people of all skill levels. It’s a great option if you want to take your children hiking with you. Plus, since it’s located in the San Juan National Forest, there are plenty of other nearby trails and camping spots.

Compared to other Durango hiking trails on this list, the elevation change isn’t as drastic, so it’s a pretty relaxed hiking experience overall. If you intend on hiking the entirety of this trail, you can expect it to take about two hours if you maintain a good pace.

You’re able to see gorgeous flowers and a waterfall along the way. Apart from hikers, you might encounter other mountain bikers and runners so just be aware of your surroundings.   

Mileage: 4.1 miles

Elevation gain: 393 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated time: 2 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: None

Animas River Trail

Animas River Trail is a 13.7-mile-long out-and-back trail. This is an easy, relaxed path that follows the Animas River. 

It’s located within the city limits, and aside from providing easy access to downtown Durango, the Animas River Trail offers scenic views along the river’s edge. It’s a paved trail and is suitable for hiking, running, and biking. 

If you’re bicycling, some sections of the course are cracked and bumpy, so bring a bike that can handle some rough conditions.

Local Tip: You’ll find the Animas Brewing Company along this path, so if you’re the type who likes to enjoy a cold beer after a nice hike, it’s perfect for you.

Mileage: 13.7 miles

Elevation gain: 341 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated time: 7 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: None

Moderate Durango Hikes

If you’re looking for more challenging hikes that still aren’t too complex, here are some moderately difficult Durango hiking trails.

Purgatory Trail

Purgatory Trail is a 10.3-mile out-and-back trail. The path itself is beautiful but also moderately tricky due to some steep inclines. 

It features many stunning views and is also a popular camping spot, so bring a tent heater with you if you plan on overnight camping during the winter. Don’t be surprised if you find a lot of other campers or hikers since it’s quite popular.

Purgatory Trail is best used from early spring until early winter, and if you go during the colder months, be prepared to deal with ice and mud.

Local tip: The mosquitoes can be pretty bad in the summer. If you hate bugs, consider hiking it in a different season or bring plenty of mosquito spray.

Mileage: 10.3 miles

Elevation gain: 1820 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated time: 5.5 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: None

Animas Mountain Trail

Animas Mountain Trail is a 6-mile long loop trail. This is a moderately difficult trail that rewards hikers who complete it with spectacular views of the nearby mountains.

Despite its difficulty level, the Animas Mountain Trail sometimes sees a lot of traffic. If you don’t mind sharing it with others, Animas Mountain Trail might be a good spot for you to check out. The trail features several switchbacks in the first mile and is also quite rocky, so take care and watch your footing.

This trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine companion along with you.

Local tip: There’s not much shade on this trail. If you visit in the middle of summer, you’re definitely going to want to bring plenty of water along.

Mileage: 6.0 miles

Elevation gain: 1519 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated time: 3 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: Closed from the beginning of December to the middle of April.

Goulding Creek Trail

Goulding Creek Trail is a 6.8-mile-long out-and-back trail. The difficulty is moderate, but it can be rewarding thanks to its low traffic and the meadows near the top of the path filled with picturesque wildflowers.

When hiking it, be prepared for the fairly significant elevation changes, as well as the numerous switchbacks within the first mile and a half. Once you get past the switchbacks, the trail levels out into the meadows and becomes a lot less challenging.

Goulding Creek Trail is accessible all year round.

Local tip: Depending on when you go, you might have to deal with both snow and mud on your way up to the end. Consider bringing along snowshoes if you’re planning on hiking this trail during the winter months.

Mileage: 6.8 miles

Elevation gain: 2217 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated time: 3.5 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: None

Smelter Mountain Trail

As one of the best Durango hikes, the Smelter Mountain Trail needs to be on your list. It’s a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail. Despite its relatively short length compared to other ones, this is a moderately complex trail that casual hikers might want to skip out on.

The first mile is quite tough, as it’s steep and rocky with lots of loose gravel. Experienced hikers shouldn’t have too much of a problem navigating this section quickly but watch your footing. Having some hiking poles might make things a bit easier, particularly when you’re heading back down the trail.

If you can make it past the first mile, you can see some excellent views of Durango and the nearby lake. There isn’t much shade, so make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen if you’re hiking in the middle of the day.

Mileage: 3.8 miles

Elevation gain: 1374 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated time: 2 hours

Dog friendly: No

Red tape: From the start of December to the middle of April, it can only be used between 10 am and 2 pm.

Sailing Hawks Loop

Sailing Hawks Loop is a 2.4-mile-long loop hiking trail near Durango. Similar to the Smelter Mountain Trail, the Sailing Hawks Loop has a steep section at the beginning, which then transitions into a more relaxed incline. As such, it’s a challenging trail at the beginning.

One thing to note about this trail is that it contains a ton of side trails that branch off from the main trail. The main trail is largely unmarked, and if you don’t have a map, it can be easy to get lost. Unless you have an impeccable sense of direction, bring along a map before you visit to make things easier. 

Mileage: 2.4 miles

Elevation gain: 439 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: None

Hermosa Creek Trail

Hermosa Creek Trail is an 18.4-mile-long point-to-point trail. Since the path allows horses, ATVs, dirt bikes, and mountain bikes. As one of the top Durango hikes, it’s pretty popular. 

If you’re visiting in an RV, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a selection of awesome camping. If you’re up for a challenge, you can certainly try walking it.

It’s worth mentioning there was a fire along the southern section a couple of years ago, and most of the trees you’ll see for the first mile and a half on the course are burned. As such, the southern section of the trail doesn’t offer much shade, but once you get to the living forest, it becomes a lot cooler.

Mileage: 18.4 miles

Elevation gain: 1853 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated time: 9.5 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: None

Hard Durango Hikes

Not all Durango hikes are easy or moderate. There are also hard hikes for skilled and brave hikers.

Colorado Trail: Segment 28

The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile trail that runs from Waterton Canyon, just southwest of Denver, to a point about 3.5 miles north of Durango. 

You can camp along the majority of the entire trail. Unless you’re the most serious of hikers, you’re probably not going to want to hike the whole trail, but you can certainly hike just a small section of it. 

In fact, many of the segments near Durango offer some of the most beautiful backpacking routes in Colorado.

Segment 28 is the final segment of the Colorado Trail and stretches for about 19.6 miles from Kennebec Trailhead to Junction Creek trailhead. This point-to-point trail segment isn’t the easiest to hike, as it gets fairly narrow once you get a couple of miles in and features obstacles like fallen logs.

Overall, Segment 28 of the Colorado Trail isn’t too demanding and offers hikers the chance to spot plenty of wildlife as they make their way through the gorgeous forest. 

Local Tip: If you’re hiking the entire trail, plan to head out in July for your best chance at having plenty of water sources and limited snow.

Mileage: 19.6 miles one way (you’ll need to shuttle cars)

Elevation gain: 1935 feet

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult depending on how far you decide to go

Estimated time: 9.5 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: None

Silver Mountain

Silver Mountain is a 9-mile-long out-and-back trail. This is probably the most challenging trail on the list, thanks to its high elevation and its very steep inclines.

If you’re going to hike it, make sure you bring along sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. There’s also a large stream you have to cross near the beginning of the trail, so be ready to get your feet in the water and waddle across.

For the effort, you’ll be able to see some stunning views from the mountaintop, so it’s worth taking the time to complete the hike.

Mileage: 9 miles

Elevation gain: 4022 feet

Difficulty: Hard

Estimated time: 6.5 hours

Dog friendly: Yes

Red tape: None

When is the Best Time to Hike in Durango?

When it comes to figuring out the best time to visit Colorado for hiking, you’re going to want to time your visit with the best weather.

You can hike in Durango year-round (and winter is a wonderful time if you have some traction like Microspikes and don’t mind the snow). However for the best weather you’ll want to hike in Durango from late spring until mid-fall. You’ll get the warmest weather (although mid-day in summers can be quite hot) and least amount of snow.

It’s always a good idea to start your hike early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, pesky heat, and crowds. Aim to get to the trailhead by 8 am for better conditions.

Other Nearby Attractions

There are a lot of things to do in and around Durango. A few noteworthy activities and nearby attractions include:

• Taking the scenic train from Durango to Silverton
• Drive the Million Dollar Highway – one of Colorado’s most scenic drives
• Check out nearby Ouray, Telluride, or Silverton. 

Quick Tips for Hiking in Colorado

When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are a few important things to know. Hike like a local, not a tourist with these handy tips.

Check the weather. The weather in Colorado’s mountains changes quickly and without much advanced notice. Always check the weather using a tool like weather.gov before you head out for your specific area you’re hiking at. Bring along plenty of layers (even in summer), sturdy footwear, and rain gear.

Practice Leave No Trace. Leave it better than you found it and pack out all trash including dog poop, toilet paper, bar wrappers, fruit peels and other trash you bring in. Stay on the trails, follow ranger instructions and regulations, and be a good steward. If you hike with your dog, pick up your dog poop and carry it with you. NEVER leave 

Bring sun protection. Higher elevations mean you’ll be more vulnerable to the sun’s rays. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and even a sunshirt to keep the UV at bay.

Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in almost every day during the summer months. If you’re caught out above the trees in a thunderstorm, it can be extremely dangerous. Plan your hike to be back down below the trees before noon for safety. Not to mention, many Durango hikes get crowded, so an early start will give you more solitude on the trail.

Don’t forget the essentials!

This is a must-have list of what to bring on any Colorado hike

Meet Mark Evans

Mark Evans is an outdoor guide and summer camp guide who runs SummerCampHub.com. He helps families find the perfect summer camp for their kids. He also takes people on private outdoor trips for camping and hiking.

Additional Durango Travel Planning Resources

Heading to Durango? Be sure to check out these local guides to the best areas of Colorado:

• Fantastic Hikes in Telluride to Add to Your Bucket List
• Incredible Wildflower Hikes
• The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

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