Highpoint from Town

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Thanks to the rideable trail leading high into the mountains, Highpoint is a popular objective for riders of all stripes. For an endurance-oriented ride, locals will pedal to Highpoint from downtown on this epic loop with a tail on the end.

The long climb to Highpoint earns an entertaining rip back down the Colorado Trail filled with delightful chunk to keep you on your toes. The downhill is fast and flowy, but fairly technical. You'll encounter plenty of rocks, small drops, and chunder. In the lower sections of the Colorado Trail, there are a few big, blocky rock moves, and some tight switchbacks to negotiate.

Beginning from the Albertson's in downtown Durango, pick up the River Trail for a short ways, and then loop up and over the bridge to begin climbing Highway 160.

To get off the highway, pick up the Lightner Creek Trail to reach Lightner Creek Road. Climb Lightner Creek Road, and then take a right onto the gravel Dry Fork Road. Continue climbing to reach the Dry Fork Trail.

From the Dry Fork trailhead, climb the Dry Fork Trail , turning left at the Y to continue on the named Dry Fork Trail. At the junction with the Colorado Trail, turn left to head up toward Highpoint. As you climb, you'll slowly gain beautiful views of the La Plata mountains, culminating at the viewpoint from "Highpoint," a knob at about 9,560ft. Highpoint is about 3.4 miles from where Dry Fork meets the Colorado Trail.

Once done enjoying the view, turn around and rip back downhill! Be sure to yield to uphill riders and hikers. Pass the Dry Fork Trail, go up a short climb, and then rip into the most technical portion of the descent.

Pass the Hoffheins Trail to continue downhill on the Colorado Trail. Near where the trail hits Junction Creek Road, keep right to continue on the singletrack and finish the final stretch of the Colorado Trail. At the end of the singletrack, turn right on the pavement and coast into downtown.

At Highway 550, turn right, pedal a couple of blocks, then cross the highway after passing the high school. Pick up a paved spur trail, which leads to the River Trail. Turn right on the River Trail, and follow it all the way through downtown until you return to Albertsons.