The best walks and hikes around Durango

Durango offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 60 trails recorded. These range from easy strolls to challenging mountain ascents, ensuring there's a path for every skill level.

Yes, Durango has several easy trails perfect for families. The Ermita de San Vicente – Church of San Trokaz loop from Durango is a moderate option that is relatively flat. For very easy, paved options, the Animas River Trail is a popular choice, offering scenic views along the river. Haviland Lake also features a gentle loop trail ideal for leisurely walks.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Mikeldi Durangaldea Trail (GR 229) is a difficult 13.1-mile route with significant elevation gain. Another strenuous option is the Mugarra Summit (969 m) – Mugarrikolanda Pass loop from Durango, which offers rewarding views from the summit. The Engineer Mountain Trail is also known for its steep ascent and high elevation.

Many trails in Durango are designed as loops, providing varied scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include the View Towards La Nevera – La Nevera de Neberondo loop from Durango and the Torre de Muntzaraz – Church of San Trokaz loop from Durango. Haviland Lake and Spud Lake also offer beautiful circular trails.

Durango's hikes offer diverse and stunning views. You can expect panoramic vistas of the San Juan National Forest, the Animas River Valley, and prominent peaks like Engineer Mountain, Perins Peak, Animas Mountain, and Smelter Mountain. Trails around lakes like Haviland and Spud Lake provide picturesque water and mountain scenery.

Yes, for those seeking waterfalls, trails like Cascade Creek feature multiple impressive waterfalls, especially vibrant during late September and early October when the fall colors are at their peak. The Goulding Creek Trail also showcases waterfalls amidst its steep climbs.

Beyond the natural beauty, Durango's hiking areas are close to several points of interest. You can explore various mountain peaks such as Anboto (1,331 m) or Alluitz (1034m). The region also features fascinating caves like the Abaro Tunnel and Baltzola Caves, some of which are near religious buildings like the Hermitage of the Holy Christ of Atxarte.

The hiking trails around Durango are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the varied terrain, from hills and valleys to paths connecting historical sites, and the stunning natural landscapes of the San Juan National Forest.

Durango offers excellent hiking opportunities across multiple seasons. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fall being particularly stunning due to the vibrant autumn colors. Summer is also popular, though some higher elevation trails may still have snow early in the season. Winter hiking is possible on lower elevation trails, often requiring appropriate gear for snow and ice.

Many popular trailheads in and around Durango, such as those for Animas Mountain, Smelter Mountain, and the Animas River Trail, typically offer designated parking areas. It's always advisable to check specific trail information for parking availability and any potential fees or restrictions before heading out.

While many trailheads are accessible by car, Durango does have a local bus system and a trolley. The Animas River Trail, for instance, runs through town and is easily accessible. For trails further afield, public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes and schedules in advance is recommended for specific trailheads.

Durango's trails feature highly varied terrain. You'll find everything from mostly flat, paved paths along the Animas River to gentle loops around lakes like Haviland Lake. Moderate trails often traverse pine forests and open meadows, while challenging routes involve steep climbs, rocky sections, and significant elevation gains, especially in the higher mountain areas.