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Hit some of the newly-rebuilt trails on Animas Mountain with this high-value loop.


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Map Key

5.5

Miles

8.8

KM

100%

Singletrack

7,851' 2,393 m

High

6,715' 2,047 m

Low

1,201' 366 m

Up

1,201' 366 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Flow · Views

Lower Animas Mountain trails (from Aquila to the south) are closed for wildlife from December 1 to April 30th, with the possibility of opening earlier on April 15th.

Overview

Animas Mountain has long been the domain of steep, rocky, eroded trails. However, this loop makes the most of several of the best segments that Durango Trails has rebuilt in recent years. The climb up Lupine is much more mellow and moderate than you'll find on the classic Animas Mountain climb, and the bermy flow trail descent on Swerve is turning into the most popular trail on the mountain.

Description

The route begins from the 4th Ave trailhead by climbing the classic switchbacks up the mountainside. After about 9 switchbacks, before the trail veers to the northeast for the bulk of the Animas Mountain climb, take the left turn off the switchback to connect over to the doubletrack. Head up the steep, rocky doubletrack for a short ways until the left turn onto Lupine.

Follow Lupine up and then along the rim with beautiful overlooks of town. At the 4-way junction with Merve, continue straight to keep climbing Lupine. From here, the re-worked trail is flowy and mellow, providing great uphill pedaling, plus beautiful views of the La Platas.

Pass the turns for Merve Connection and for Vulture, then turn right to pass Upper Merve and reach Swerve .

The descent down Swerve is fantastic, with great berms and rollers. None of the lips really make for great jumps due to how this trail was built, but it's still one of the more fun trails on Animas.

At the bottom of Swerve, re-join Lupine , and then retrace your tire tracks back down to the car. Alternatively, instead of descending the switchbacks, you can descend the steep, rocky doubletrack that is the Animas Mountain Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Greg Heil

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#3331

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#522

in Colorado

#3,331

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0 Views Last Month
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Photos

Looking northwest into Sailing Hawks. The trail takes a right, don't go over the edge.
Jun 25, 2018 near Durango, CO
Nearly at the bottom of Swerve along a ravine with leftovers from the prescribed burn.
Aug 11, 2023 near Durango, CO
Trail runs along the top of pretty cliffs and rock formations.
Aug 11, 2023 near Durango, CO
Climbing up from Durango
Jul 21, 2013 near Durango, CO
View from the Lupine Trail.
Sep 11, 2024 near Durango, CO
Evidence of the prescribed burn.
Aug 11, 2023 near Durango, CO

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