The best MTB trails in La Plata County

La Plata County enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine, making it suitable for mountain biking for much of the year. The prime season typically runs from late spring through early fall when high alpine trails are clear of snow. Lower elevation trails, especially around Durango, can often be ridden earlier in spring and later into fall. Some trails in La Plata Canyon are even accessible by fat bike in winter.

Yes, La Plata County offers trails for all skill levels. While many routes are challenging, there are easier options. For instance, Overend Mountain Park in Durango provides various loops with wide turns and packed dirt, suitable for easy to intermediate riders. The region has 4 easy-rated mountain bike tours available on komoot.

The terrain in La Plata County is incredibly diverse. You'll find everything from peaceful wooded climbs and flowy singletrack to demanding technical sections and high alpine experiences. Many trails incorporate historic mining roads. Expect significant elevation changes, with some high alpine rides reaching over 12,000 feet, offering stunning views of the San Juan Mountains.

Absolutely. Many trails in La Plata County offer breathtaking views. For example, the Animas Mountain Trail – Durango provides stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. High alpine trails, such as those around Molas Pass and Engineer Mountain, also offer dramatic scenery. The La Plata Canyon Road (County Road 124) itself is known for its scenic overlooks, including Kennebec Pass.

Yes, many mountain bike trails in La Plata County are designed as loops or can be combined to form varied loop rides. The Horse Gulch loop via Mike's and Sidewinder trails is a popular option known for its flowy sections. Another great choice is the Twin Buttes and Cliffrock Loop, which offers multi-use trails that can be linked for diverse experiences.

La Plata County is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You'll be riding through the rugged La Plata Mountains, a subrange of the San Juan Mountains, with peaks like Hesperus Mountain. The Animas River flows through the county, and many trails are within the vast San Juan National Forest. You might also encounter old mining roads and cabins, reflecting the region's silver mining history. For specific natural attractions, consider visiting Haviland Lake or Lemon Reservoir.

Many trails in La Plata County, particularly those within the San Juan National Forest, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control and on a leash where required. It's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out, especially in wilderness areas or designated wildlife habitats. Remember to pack out all waste.

The trails vary significantly in length and difficulty. On komoot, you'll find routes ranging from shorter, moderate rides like the Animas Mountain Trail – Durango at 6.4 miles (10.3 km) to much longer, difficult routes such as the Junction Creek Trail – Durango, which spans over 34 miles (56 km). The region offers 4 easy, 25 moderate, and 38 difficult mountain bike tours.

Durango has a local public transit system, Durango Transit, which serves various parts of the city. While it may not directly access all remote trailheads, it can be useful for reaching trail systems closer to town, such as Overend Mountain Park or the Animas River Trail, which connects to other biking opportunities. For more remote trails, personal vehicle transport is often necessary.

The mountain biking experience in La Plata County is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 7 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from flowy singletrack to challenging technical descents, and the stunning high alpine scenery. The extensive network of trails and the variety of options for all skill levels are also highly appreciated.

While popular trails like Hermosa Creek and Horse Gulch can see significant use, especially on weekends, La Plata County's vast network of over 300 miles of trails means you can often find quieter routes. Exploring trails further from Durango or venturing into the San Juan National Forest can lead to more secluded experiences. Consider routes like the Blackhawk Co. Trail eastern loop for a challenging and potentially less crowded adventure.

Many popular trailheads throughout La Plata County offer designated parking areas. For trails closer to Durango, such as those accessing Horse Gulch or Animas Mountain, you'll typically find parking lots. For more remote trails within the San Juan National Forest, parking might be less formal but usually available at the trailhead. Always check local signage for any parking restrictions or fees.