Durango, Colorado sits at the doorstep of the San Juan Mountains, one of the most rugged and beautiful ranges in the entire Rocky Mountain chain. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a family looking for a gentle nature walk, the trails around Durango deliver unforgettable experiences at every turn.
As a guest at
Adventure Inn Durango, you're perfectly positioned to explore all of these incredible trails. Located just half a mile from downtown, our hotel serves as the ideal basecamp for your Durango hiking adventures.
Easy Hikes: Perfect for Families and Beginners
1. Animas River Trail
The Animas River Trail is the perfect introduction to Durango's outdoor scene. This paved, 7-mile path follows the Animas River through town, offering beautiful water views, shaded sections, and easy access from multiple points. Start right from
Adventure Inn and walk south toward downtown, where you can stop for coffee or breakfast before continuing your trek.
The trail is flat, stroller-friendly, and dogs are welcome on leashes. In summer, you'll see kayakers and tubers floating the river alongside you.
2. Falls Creek Trail to Animas Overlook
Just a 15-minute drive north of town, this moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail rewards you with panoramic views of the Animas Valley and the Needle Mountains. The trail climbs gradually through aspen groves and wildflower meadows, making it especially stunning in late September when the aspens turn gold.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at the overlook. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the La Plata Mountains.
3. Lion's Den Trail
Located right at the edge of town, Lion's Den is a quick 1-mile loop that climbs through scrub oak to a rocky overlook. It's steep but short, making it a great option when you want a quick workout and sunset views without driving anywhere. The trailhead is accessible by bike from downtown.
Moderate Hikes: Step Up the Challenge
4. Hermosa Creek Trail
This trail north of Durango follows a gorgeous creek through a narrow canyon lined with ponderosa pines. The lower section is an easy 5-mile out-and-back along the creek, but you can extend it into a longer loop for more of a challenge. Swimming holes along the way make this a favorite on hot summer days.
5. Hogsback Trail on Missionary Ridge
The Hogsback trail on Missionary Ridge is a local favorite that climbs through dense forest before opening up to spectacular ridge-top views. The 10-mile out-and-back route gains about 2,500 feet in elevation, so it's a solid workout. Mountain bikers share the trail, so stay alert on weekends.
6. Potato Lake (Spud Lake)
A 3-mile out-and-back trail near the top of Coal Bank Pass, Potato Lake sits in a stunning alpine cirque surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks. The trail is relatively short but sits above 10,000 feet, so take your time and bring layers. The lake itself is crystal-clear and makes a magical backdrop for photos.
Challenging Hikes: For Experienced Adventurers
7. Engineer Mountain Trail
Engineer Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks visible from Durango. The trail to the summit is roughly 7 miles round trip with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The final push involves some scrambling over rocky terrain, but the 360-degree views from the 12,968-foot summit are absolutely worth the effort.
8. Colorado Trail: Dry Fork to Kennebec Pass
This section of the famous Colorado Trail takes you through high alpine meadows, past abandoned mining ruins, and up to Kennebec Pass at 11,760 feet. The 12-mile out-and-back route showcases everything that makes the San Juans special: wildflowers, mountain streams, and jaw-dropping views of the La Plata Mountains.
9. Chicago Basin (via Durango & Silverton Railroad)
This is the ultimate Durango hiking experience. Ride the historic
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Needleton, then hike 6 miles up to Chicago Basin, a high-altitude wonderland surrounded by three fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet). Most hikers camp overnight and summit Windom, Sunlight, or Eolus peaks the following day.
10. Ice Lakes Trail
About an hour from Durango near Silverton, Ice Lakes is consistently rated one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado. The 7-mile round trip climbs to a brilliant turquoise alpine lake at 12,257 feet. Arrive early, as this popular trail fills up quickly in summer.
Trail Tips from Your Durango Basecamp
Before heading out on any hike, remember these essentials:
- Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, especially in July and August
- Carry plenty of water and sun protection at high elevations
- Let someone know your hiking plans
- Pack layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly
- Bring bear spray if hiking in remote areas
After a long day on the trails, there's nothing better than returning to
Adventure Inn Durango and soaking in our outdoor hot tub under the stars. Our comfortable rooms, free parking, and bike storage make us the perfect home base for hikers exploring everything the San Juan Mountains have to offer.
Ready to start your hiking adventure?
Book your stay at Adventure Inn Durango and discover why Durango is one of the best hiking destinations in Colorado.
