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A fun and rocky singletrack climb and descent of Animas Mountain.


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Map Key

5.7

Miles

9.2

KM

100%

Singletrack

8,175' 2,492 m

High

6,719' 2,048 m

Low

1,492' 455 m

Up

1,494' 455 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Top part of loop from (Aquila trail north) is closed from Dec 1 to July 31. Bottom part of loop closed from Dec 1 to April 15. Watch out for hikers.

Overview

This ~6-mile 100% singletrack loop Ride begins and ends at the marked parking lot right in Durango. The top is nearly exactly 3 miles up, making for a great ride in either direction. Riding counter-clockwise is a more technical 3-mile climb followed by a fun and fast 3-mile descent. Riding clockwise is a less rocky 3-mile climb with a more technical 3-mile descent.

Need to Know

This loop is mostly ridden counter-clockwise. If you ride clockwise, be very aware of quickly descending riders. There is tree cover here and there, but you'll be mostly sun exposed and Durango can be hot in the summer.

Description

The more popular counter-clockwise direction is mapped here. Begin from the marked parking lot, where you'll immediately start climbing fairly technical zigzags, loose rocks, occasional short/steep sections and narrow lines, with the reward of plenty of wonderful views of Durango as you gain elevation. Be ready to walk a few segments.

When the trail begins to level out, the North Animas Valley appears, and as you crest and begin to descend, you'll see the La Platas come into view. At this point, quickly turn your focus back onto the trail for a wild and fun descent through a nicely carved and curvy (though still quite rocky) singletrack trail back down the mountain to the parking lot where you began.

You'll see a few trail options (more on the way up) that serve to either cut the loop shorter, or provide variety.

This is not a long Ride, but it's a favorite in the area due to its workout climb, fast and fun descent, and close proximity to downtown Durango.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Lampenrider

Trail Ratings

  3.1 from 29 votes

#2048

Overall
  3.1 from 29 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
24%
3 Star
34%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
21%
Recommended Route Rankings

#325

in Colorado

#2,048

Overall
23 Views Last Month
10,461 Since Jul 21, 2013
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
5%
5%
89%
0%

Photos

Views from near the top of Animas Mountain.
Aug 23, 2023 near Durango, CO
Late afternoon view from Animas City Mountain, well worth the ride.
Sep 2, 2014 near Durango, CO
The top of Animas Mountain - It's a lot of work for a singlespeeder!  This is looking north toward US 550.
Jul 29, 2013 near Durango, CO
Stopping to enjoy the North Animas Valley
Jul 21, 2013 near Durango, CO
Pointing out the La Platas
Jul 21, 2013 near Durango, CO
Climbing up from Durango
Jul 21, 2013 near Durango, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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