Bicycling
With a healthy college population and a generally mild climate, Durango is extremely bike-friendly and a popular destination for single-track enthusiasts. Many locals consider bikes to be their main form of transportation. The bike lobby is active, the trail system is well developed, and mountain biking is a particularly popular recreational activity.
Animas River Trail. This 7-mile paved path parallels the river from Animas City Park south to Dallabetta Park in one smooth stroke. It's the main artery, linking up with several of the town's other trail systems. Durango, Colorado.
Durango Mountain Bike Tours. Take a guided, private ride tailored to your skill level and interests with Durango Mountain Bike Tours. Rides range from a two-hour "Town & Trails" tour for beginners, complete with riding instruction, to full-day excursions on the area's most challenging single-track. Ask about guided tours at Phil's World, the famous single-track trail network a few miles outside of Mesa Verde. If you don't have a bike, you can rent one here. Durango, Colorado. 970/367–7653; www.durangobiketours.com. From $90.
Hermosa Creek Trail. This single-track trail travels roughly 19 miles from Purgatory Resort to the lower Hermosa parking area. It's an intermediate-to-difficult ride with a couple of steep spots and switchbacks along with mellow rolls through open meadows and towering aspen and pine forests. The trail hugs the steep riverbank at a few places and there are a few creek crossings, so you shouldn't try it too early in the season, while the snow is still melting (the water can be waist-high in the spring and early summer). To minimize the fight against gravity, you can leave your car at the lower trailhead and catch a shuttle to the top—even so, there will still be plenty of climbing. Durango, Colorado, 81301.
Tours and Expeditions
San Juan Hut Systems. Having a fully equipped hut waiting at the end of a tough day of riding makes the San Juan Hut System a backcountry biker's dream come true. The company, which started out as a hut-to-hut service for backcountry skiers, operates a 215-mile route from Durango to Moab, Utah, suitable for intermediate and advanced riders. Trips run from June to October and last five or seven days, covering alpine meadows, desert slick rock, canyon country, and the famous Whole Enchilada Trail. Along the way, the six one-room huts are supplied with bunks, sleeping bags, heating and cooking stoves, food, and water. Colorado. 970/626–3033; www.sanjuanhuts.com. From $795 per person.
James Ranch Grill. For a delicious summer detour, head 10 miles north of town to James Ranch, where you'll find a pleasant organic farm, with an outdoor grill that features homemade cheeses and homegrown meats and produce grown on-site. The menu keeps things simple, featuring a short list of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. After visiting the goats, shop the local market next door. 33846 U.S. 550, Durango, Colorado, 81301. 970/676–1023; www.jamesranch.net.
