The best walks and hikes in La Plata County

The Raiders Ridge Lookout via Skyline Trail offers a rewarding, moderate hike within Durango's Horse Gulch Open Space. This 2.1-mile (3.4 km) route, with a gentle 2 feet (1 meter) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 58 minutes, making it perfect for a quick outing. You'll traverse dirt paths that can be rocky, leading to spectacular 360-degree views from Raider Ridge, encompassing the city of Durango, the Animas River oxbows, and the distant La Plata Mountains.

To access the trail, you can park at the Horse Gulch Trailhead, which is the primary entry point for the open space. Alternatively, a smaller parking area in the Skyline subdivision provides more direct access to the Skyline Trail. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant times to visit, offering comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery, though it's a multi-use trail shared with mountain bikers and runners, so stay aware of your surroundings.

This route is part of an extensive interconnected trail system within Horse Gulch Open Space, allowing for numerous loop and thru-hike options if you wish to extend your adventure beyond this specific lookout. The preservation and development of these trails, including the Skyline Trail, are thanks to the dedicated efforts of organizations like Durango Trails, ensuring these natural spaces remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.

This challenging multi-day adventure takes you deep into the remote Weminuche Wilderness to bag three iconic Colorado 14ers: Sunlight Peak, Windom Peak, and Mount Eolus. You'll traverse diverse terrain, from the relatively smooth Animas River Trail to the incredibly steep ascent to Twin Lakes, and then onto extensive boulder fields and exposed ridges. Expect stunning alpine scenery, abundant wildflowers, and even tame mountain goats in Chicago Basin, all while navigating the technical demands of these high peaks.

Planning this trip requires careful consideration, as it's a difficult 21.7-mile (34.9 km) hike with 8561 feet (2609 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking over 16 hours and 22 minutes. Many hikers opt to use the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Needleton to shorten the approach to Chicago Basin, which serves as a common base camp. Be prepared for high-alpine conditions and the technical nature of the summits, especially Sunlight Peak's Class 4 "leap of faith" and Mount Eolus's exposed "Catwalk."

What truly sets this route apart is the opportunity to summit three of Colorado's most remote 14,000-foot peaks in one ambitious trip. The area is renowned for its wild, rugged landscapes and the unique access via the scenic narrow-gauge railroad. It's an advanced hiking experience that promises expansive views of the vast Weminuche Wilderness and a true test of alpine skill and endurance.

The Ella Vita, Hogsback, and Slime Gulch Loop offers a fantastic journey through Durango's varied landscape, transitioning from peaceful creek-side paths along the Ella Vita trail to forested climbs and open ridges. You'll be treated to expansive views of the San Juan Mountains and the Durango valley, especially from the challenging but rewarding Hogsback Peak. Descending into Slime Gulch brings you back to creek banks before another climb through the trees, making for a constantly engaging experience.

This moderate 6.7-mile (10.9 km) hike, with 914 feet (278 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. The trailhead is easily accessible at the end of Ella Vita Court in Durango, within Overend Mountain Park, with parking readily available. While mostly moderate, the Hogsback section is notably steep and can be technical, so consider bringing trekking poles for stability, and be aware that you'll be sharing the path with mountain bikers.

This loop is a local favorite for its diverse scenery, offering everything from lush creek banks to panoramic mountain vistas. Hogsback Peak itself is an easily recognizable landmark from town, making its summit views particularly satisfying. It's a great choice for hikers seeking a good workout with plenty of visual payoff, providing a comprehensive tour of the undulating hills west of Durango.

The Smelter Mountain Trail offers a surprisingly intense workout for its length, delivering incredible panoramic views over Durango and the surrounding mountains. This 2.4-mile (3.9 km) hike climbs a relentless 1234 feet (376 metres) on rugged, unmaintained singletrack, passing through high desert terrain with yucca and pine trees. Expect a challenging ascent that rewards you with sweeping vistas of the Animas Valley, Downtown Durango, and the distant La Plata Mountains from the Smelter Mountain viewpoint.

Planning your visit means being mindful of seasonal wildlife closures, which typically run from December 1 to April 15, sometimes extending to April 30. During these times, access might be limited to specific hours, and dogs are often not allowed. The trail is open year-round otherwise, but its popularity means the trailhead parking can fill quickly, so an early start is recommended to secure a spot.

Historically significant, the base of Smelter Mountain was once home to a major smelter operation from 1888 to 1930, giving the area its "Smelter City" nickname. Later, it played a role in World War II uranium production. Today, it's a regional classic for hikers seeking a quick, strenuous climb and a fantastic vantage point to appreciate the natural beauty and history of the Durango area.

The Haviland Lake to Forebay Lake trail offers a distinctive and easy hiking experience in the San Juan National Forest. As you follow the singletrack path, you'll walk alongside a large water pipe, a unique feature that guides you through Ponderosa pine forests. The route provides impressive overlooks of the Animas River valley and the Tacoma power plant, culminating at the remote Forebay Lake, a popular spot for fishing. It's a great option for a quick, scenic escape.

This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike with 248 feet (76 metres) of elevation gain typically takes around 40 minutes. The trailhead is located in the Haviland Lake area, north of Durango. While generally accessible, be prepared for potential snow and mud during colder months; an early start can help if the ground is frozen. Remember that the starting elevation is over 8,000 feet, so take it easy and stay hydrated, especially if you're not used to high altitudes.

Beyond its unique pipeline feature, this trail is part of a broader network in the Haviland Lake area, offering connections to longer options like the historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road. It's a multi-use trail, welcoming hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers, and is also a dog-friendly route. The area's alpine scenery and the views of the Animas River valley make it a notable destination for a short, rewarding outing.