Durango Mountain Biking

Durango Mountain Biking Offers Variety and Convenience

Colorado cities consistently top "Fittest Cities" lists around the country, and it's no wonder: you can't go anywhere in Colorado without seeing vehicles carrying all manner of kayaks, canoes, street cycles and outdoor gear rooftop storage. Boulder and Colorado Springs are typically king among fitness towns, but for top-of-the-line mountain biking, the western town of Durango is surely among America's top biking destinations.

Durango Mountain Resort features over 50 miles of lift-accessed trails along with the course from the first-ever Mountain Bike World Championships. If you're not too keen on mountain biking in a resort area, there are plenty of other non-touristy bike trails to explore. Here are a few of the best (some of which include directions):

Chapman Hill Loop is a demanding 2.2 miles up the plumb terrain of Chapman Hill, featuring fun downhills with switchbacks. Smelter Mountain has strenuous sections but is a moderate 8.2 mile round trip. From Durango, go 1.2 miles on Camino Del Rio, and turn right at the light after Animas River. Take a right on County Road 211, then park and enjoy the ride.

Animas City Mountain is an excellent 5.9 mile singletrack loop workout that offers a fine view of Durango. Dry Fork Loop is a mid-level 9.2 mile loop with a lengthy moderate climb and thrilling downhill ride. Hermosa Creek Trail is considered a top U.S. ride for all skill levels, and it's just a few miles north of Durango. The 17.6 mile loop known as the Hoffheims Connection of Colorado Trail is busy on weekends, but this hard ride offers beautiful views of Junction Creek Valley, and it's easy to find. From Main Avenue, turn west on 25th to 2nd Avenue, park and head up 25th, which meets up with the Colorado Trail.

Naturally, there are hundreds of additional trails in and around Durango. Drop by one of the local bike shops to buy a trail map, or better yet, ask a "local" about the best of Durango's trails. Before packing and driving to reach the nearly 2,000 miles of Durango mountain biking trails, don't forget to give yourself more interior storage by using a Shuttle Pack, available online or at a fine biking retailer near you.