Top 5 Spring Hikes in Durango
Spring is one of the best times to explore the outdoors around Durango. As the snow begins to melt and the days get longer, local trails start opening up with beautiful views of the San Juan Mountains, the Animas River, and the surrounding valley.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike with sweeping mountain views or a shorter trail close to town, Durango offers plenty of options for all experience levels. With hundreds of miles of trails within a short drive of downtown, it’s easy to find a route that fits your schedule and skill level.
Here are some of the best spring hikes in Durango to add to your travel plans.
Spud Lake
Spud Lake is a mellow hike located near Cascade Creek that’s perfect for a relaxed outdoor outing. The trail is about 1.5 miles each way, making it a great option if you’re looking for a quick and easy hike near Durango. It’s especially ideal for beginners or anyone new to hiking. Along the way, keep an eye out for beaver ponds and wildlife, or take time to explore the shoreline and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This scenic trail is also a great family friendly adventure for kids.
Engineer Mountain Trail
If you’re driving north on Highway 550 past Purgatory Resort, you may notice the striking double-cone peak of Engineer Mountain rising above the landscape. The Engineer Mountain Trail is a challenging 4.4-mile hike that rewards those who make the climb with incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Because of the higher elevation, snow can linger into early summer, but the sweeping mountain scenery and alpine setting make it a memorable spring hiking adventure near Durango.
Church Camp Loop
Church Camp Trail is a scenic 3.5-mile out-and-back hike near Durango known for its open meadows and beautiful mountain views. This easy route is great for beginners and typically takes about an hour and a half to complete. Hikers of all skill levels can enjoy this peaceful trail, and dogs are welcome too. The best time to visit is from April through October when the trail conditions are most favorable.
Animas River Trail
The Animas River Trail is a paved pathway that stretches about 7 miles alongside the scenic Animas River through Durango. This accessible route is a great option for families with small children or anyone looking for an easy outdoor walk. You don’t have to complete the entire trail to enjoy the views, and it’s a great way to experience nature while connecting to parks, public spaces, and scenic spots throughout town.
Animas River Trail
Colorado Trail To Gudy’s
The Colorado Trail stretches nearly 500 miles across the state, and the section leading to Gudy’s Rest is one of the most popular hikes for visitors near Durango. This 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is open year round and makes a great option for spring hiking as the weather begins to warm. Dogs are welcome on the trail, so bring your furry friend along and enjoy a scenic adventure on one of the most well known hiking trails in the United States.
Plan to add one of these top spring hikes in Durango to your next trip itinerary. From scenic mountain overlooks to peaceful river views and easy paved paths, there are trails for every skill level to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure or a relaxing walk outdoors, spring is the perfect time to explore the area. Book your hotel and start planning your Durango spring getaway today.
*Every year the Bureau of Land Management Colorado implements seasonal closures of trail access across the state to reduce disturbance to wintering wildlife. These closures usually take place between December & April. Please see BLM Colorado's interactive map of seasonal closures before planning your outdoor activities.