Animas River Trail

The Animas River Trail serves as a central hub for outdoor activity in Durango, Colorado, offering a paved, accessible route that connects the community to the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains. Spanning approximately 7.1 miles, the trail is designed to be accessible for beginners, featuring a hard-surface path that accommodates walking, running, and cycling. The route is notable for its seamless integration with the local infrastructure, crossing eight bridges and passing through one tunnel without intersecting any street-level traffic, ensuring a safe and continuous experience for users.

Visitors often appreciate the trail’s unique historical connection to the region’s railroad heritage. In several sections, the path runs parallel to the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, allowing hikers and cyclists to share the corridor with the iconic steam locomotives that traverse the area. This proximity offers a unique cultural experience, blending the tranquility of nature with the industrial history of the area. The trail extends from the intersection of 32nd Street and East 3rd Avenue, moving southward toward River Road, and provides easy access to local parks, schools, and recreational facilities.

The trail is open to the public and supports a variety of activities, including fishing, rafting, and kayaking, particularly where it connects with the Animas River. While the trail is generally well-maintained, visitors should be aware that infrastructure improvements, such as widening the path or upgrading to concrete surfaces, are occasionally implemented to enhance safety and accessibility. This accessible, scenic route offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to explore the natural and cultural landscape of Durango, providing a flexible and inviting environment for both locals and visitors alike.