Twin Buttes Trail

The Twin Buttes Trail System is conveniently located near downtown Durango, Colorado. The main trailhead and parking area are situated at the base of the buttes, easily accessible from the city.

While the main Twin Buttes Trail features a challenging, steep, switchbacked climb with a significant 650-foot elevation gain from the parking area, the broader Twin Buttes Trail System offers a range of difficulties. Some sections are suitable for beginner to intermediate users, with moderate, steady climbs and descents. Hikers aiming for the summits may find routes steep and brushy.

The terrain is diverse, ranging from steep, switchbacked climbs to sections following an old railroad grade and classic singletrack. You'll traverse areas with pinion and juniper trees, scrub oak, and ponderosa pine forests. Some parts feature smooth, fast sections with banking turns, while others present more technical challenges or open meadows.

The trail offers picturesque views of the Animas River Valley, the prominent Twin Buttes themselves, and Perins Peak. You'll also encounter majestic stands of scrub oak and, in spring, a diverse display of wildflowers. A unique feature is a portion of the trail that follows an old railroad grade built in 1901.

The area is known for abundant birdlife, including bluebirds, blackbirds, and red-tailed hawks. Opportunities for wildlife viewing include sightings of squirrels, turkeys, deer, elk, and occasional bears. In the spring, the trail comes alive with a diverse display of wildflowers.

Spring offers beautiful wildflower displays, while fall brings pleasant temperatures and changing foliage. Many lower trails remain open year-round, but some upper trails, like the Cliffrock Loop, are subject to seasonal closures from December 1 to April 15 to protect wildlife habitat.

Yes, the Twin Buttes Trail System is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles to ensure a positive experience for all users and protect local wildlife.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Twin Buttes Trail System. It is part of the city's open space and is free for public use.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Twin Buttes Trail, Lightner Creek Trail, and East Twin Buttes Trail, offering options for longer or varied excursions within the system.

Beyond its convenient location near Durango, the system is highly regarded for its multi-use nature, accommodating hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and even Class One e-bikes on certain sections. It features "bob-sleddy" banked descents, and a portion follows an old railroad grade from 1901. The trails are also maintained by the local nonprofit, Trails 2000.