The best road cycling routes around Durango

Durango offers a wide variety of road cycling routes. While this guide highlights some of the best, the komoot community has mapped over 30 routes in the area, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

The best time for road cycling in Durango is generally from late spring through early fall. Summer offers warm weather and full access to high mountain passes, while spring and fall provide cooler temperatures and stunning scenery, though some higher elevation routes may still have snow in early spring or late fall.

Yes, Durango has several options suitable for families and beginners. The Animas River Trail is an excellent choice, offering an easy, paved, multi-use path that follows the Animas River through downtown, perfect for a relaxed ride with scenic views. The Beautiful Valley Loop is another easy option, providing gentle terrain and views of the La Plata Mountains.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Durango area delivers. The iconic Durango to Silverton Via Highway 550 route is a demanding 50-mile one-way ride with significant elevation gain over Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass. Another challenging option is the Lemon Reservoir & Vallecito Reservoir via Florida Road, a longer route with substantial climbs.

Durango's routes are rich with natural beauty. You'll encounter views of the majestic La Plata Mountains, the scenic Animas Valley and River, and the expansive San Juan National Forest. Features like the Hermosa Cliffs, Wildcat Canyon, Vallecito Reservoir, and Lake Nighthorse are visible from various routes. For specific natural monuments, you can explore highlights like Anboto (1,331 m) or the Balcón de Bizkaia Viewpoint.

Yes, many popular road cycling routes in Durango are circular. Examples include the Beautiful Valley Loop, a 26.7-mile ride through the Animas Valley, and the Smelter Mountain Loop, a moderate 14.4-mile option. The Wildcat Canyon Loop is a 35-mile ride offering fantastic views.

The road cycling routes in Durango are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain, from river valleys to alpine climbs, and the stunning mountain backdrops. The variety of options, catering to all ability levels, is also a significant draw.

Absolutely. The La Plata Mountains provide a majestic backdrop to many rides. The Beautiful Valley Loop offers direct views, and sections of CR 250, particularly as part of the Baker's Bridge Loop, also provide stunning vistas of the range.

Durango is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, making it easy to combine road cycling with other activities. You could cycle to Abaro Tunnel or Baltzola Caves, or visit nearby Mesa Verde National Park for its ancient cliff dwellings. The Animas River also offers opportunities for kayaking and rafting, and Lake Nighthorse is popular for various water activities.

While popular routes can see more traffic, exploring roads like CR 250, which is part of the Baker's Bridge Loop, can offer a quieter and more scenic alternative to busier highways. Venturing onto some of the longer, more demanding routes like the Durango to Navajo Reservoir trip can also lead to less crowded experiences.

Durango's road cycling routes feature diverse elevation profiles, ranging from gentle, flat sections along river valleys to significant climbs into the San Juan Mountains. You'll find routes with minimal elevation gain for leisurely rides, as well as challenging ascents like the 6,000 feet of climbing on the Durango to Silverton route, which includes two mountain passes.