Animas Mountain Trail

Overview

Loop up the mountain that frames Durango on the north side. Views down into the Animas Valley, west to Mesa Verde, and east toward the Weminuche Wilderness. The local after-work classic. The full route covers 5.4 miles as a loop with about 1,700 feet of climbing, and most hikers finish it in around 3 hours. It sits in the San Juan Mountains, near Durango in La Plata County, topping out at 8,160 feet.

Trail Highlights

How Hard Is It?

This is rated moderate. The long 5.4-mile distance paired with demanding 1,700 feet of gain is what sets the effort level. It runs as a loop, so you get new scenery the whole way and finish back at the trailhead. The elevation stays low enough that altitude is not a major factor for most hikers. If you hike regularly, plan for roughly 3 hours of moving time; add a buffer for photos, snack stops, and the slower pace at altitude.

Best Time to Hike

The best seasons here are spring, summer, fall, and winter. It holds up as a winter route, but you will likely want traction and to check avalanche and trail conditions before heading out. In Colorado the weather turns fast in the high country, so start early, aim to be heading down by early afternoon, and watch the sky. Lightning, not distance, is what turns most summer hikes around.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is in the San Juan Mountains, closest to Durango (La Plata County). No pass or permit is required to park, though popular lots still fill early on summer weekends. The parking coordinates are 37.3028, -107.8728; plug those into your map app rather than the trail name, since several Colorado trailheads share names. Mountain weather and road closures can change access, so confirm the access road is open before a long drive.

Dogs & Kids

Dogs are allowed, and they should stay leashed to protect wildlife and other hikers. It is a tough one for young kids given the 5.4 miles and 1,700 feet of gain. Save it for older, trail-tested kids or go without them.

What to Pack

Pack the Colorado basics: more water than you expect, layers for a 30-degree temperature swing, sun protection for the high-altitude UV, and rain protection for the afternoon. For a long, demanding hike like this one, the gear that earns its weight most is comfortable footwear and a solid shell. Here is what we actually recommend for trails like this:

• ›hiking boots with real traction
• ›a packable rain shell
• ›trekking poles for the climb and descent
• ›a water filter for the longer day
• ›microspikes for snow and ice
• ›an insulating layer for the summit

Frequently Asked Questions