Durango has an astonishing 200+ miles of trail right in town, and riding during lunch break, or before and after work is just part of daily life here due to the accessibility of the trails. Many of us commute to work or school on mountain bike trails. Some trail systems like Overend don’t have a parking lot “trailhead”, so feel liberated leaving the car behind and ride from hotel or home like locals do and enjoy the Durango way.

We generally recommend Twin Buttes, Overend Park, and Horse Gulch/Durango Mesa as perfect first rides in town. The high elevation alpine trails above treeline are the crown jewels of the San Juan’s, should you visit during the summer and fall window.

Be respectful and don’t ride muddy trails, yield to other users, and enjoy!

Three great introductions to Durango

Twin Buttes
8.5mi, 1,100ft
Often the first place we suggest to a new visitor. It’s well signed and easy to navigate, takes about 1.5-2 hours, has a great unique final downhill with fun approachable rock gardens and smooth berms, and even the climb is one of the easier around. Ride the outside loop counter-clockwise, or use any desired short cuts.

Horse Gulch
10mi, 1,650ft
This park is huge and has something for everyone. From chunk and tech on top of the ridge, smooth jump lines on the Mesa, and flowy connectors and meadow trails. You can ride The Gulch for a week and not see everything. Here’s a good introduction.

Overend Park.
6mi, 900ft
Aka Test Tracks, this is one of the most frequently ridden spots for locals. The north side of the park has longer climbs and descents, and the south is more classic tight and twisty riding.
As this route suggests, up Hidden Valley and down Star Wars is essential Durango riding.