Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Durango, Colorado
Durango sits at 6,512 feet in the southwestern corner of Colorado, wedged between the San Juan Mountains and the high desert, which means the hiking here covers more ground types than most Colorado towns its size.
100 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 100 spots
Durango sits at 6,512 feet in the southwestern corner of Colorado, wedged between the San Juan Mountains and the high desert, which means the hiking here covers more ground types than most Colorado towns its size. The trail network around town pulls from two distinct zones: the Twin Buttes and Perins Ridge area to the west, where trails like Sailing Hawks, Ella Vita, Lions Den, and the Junction Connector form a dense web of interconnected routes above the Animas Valley, and the wilder backcountry to the north and east, where something like the Windom Peak Climber's Route represents a serious all-day commitment. With 455 active listings in and around the city, you can piece together everything from a 45-minute after-work loop on the Spirit Trail to a multi-hour ridge traverse on Skid Ridge or Perins Ridge with real elevation gain and views into the La Plata Mountains. The trail system is genuinely well-connected — the Ella Vita Connector, Crite's Connect Trail, and Junction Connector exist specifically to link longer routes without backtracking — so it rewards hikers who study the map before they go rather than just picking a single out-and-back. Summer afternoons bring afternoon thunderstorms reliably by early July, and the Twin Buttes area can get hot and exposed by mid-morning. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for lower-elevation trails, while higher routes like Windom Peak Climber's Route typically require late June through September windows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to hike near Durango in summer?
Start early, ideally on the trail by 7 or 8 a.m. The Twin Buttes area, Perins Ridge, and other exposed west-facing trails get hot and shadeless by mid-morning, and afternoon thunderstorms roll in reliably from July onward, sometimes as early as noon at higher elevations. Being off exposed ridgelines by 1 p.m. is a reasonable rule of thumb from July through mid-August.
Are the trails around Twin Buttes and Perins Ridge suitable for beginners?
The Twin Buttes trail network has options across skill levels. Trails like the Ella Vita Trail, Spirit Trail, and Junction Connector are moderate and well-marked, making them reasonable for hikers with basic fitness. Perins Ridge involves more sustained climbing and some exposure, so it suits intermediate hikers more than true beginners. The Windom Peak Climber's Route is rated hard and is a different category entirely.
How difficult is the Windom Peak Climber's Route, and what should I bring?
It is listed as a hard route and should be treated as a serious alpine objective, not a casual day hike. Expect significant elevation gain, potential for loose terrain, and rapidly changing weather above treeline. Bring layers, rain gear, at least 3 liters of water, and a map since cell coverage is unreliable. An early start is essential to clear the exposed upper sections before afternoon storms build.
Can I connect multiple trails to make a longer loop around Durango?
Yes, and the trail system is built for it. The Ella Vita Connector, Crite's Connect Trail, and Junction Connector are specifically designed to link the larger routes in the Twin Buttes and Perins Ridge area without requiring you to retrace your steps. Downloading a trail map from a source like Trailforks or CalTopo before you go will help you plan a loop rather than just following a single trail.
What gear do I need for hiking in Durango, and are there any access or parking considerations?
For most trails in the Twin Buttes and Perins Ridge area, trail runners or light hiking boots, sun protection, and plenty of water are the basics. The trailheads for these areas are generally accessible by standard vehicle, though some forest road access points like Harris Cabin Road may require higher clearance depending on conditions. Arrive early on weekends, particularly at the Twin Buttes trailhead, as parking fills up by mid-morning in summer.
