5 Best Hikes in Durango, CO [Waterfalls, Dog-friendly]

Jun 12

There is a multitude of hiking trails in Durango from cascading waterfalls, dog-friendly, and even one in a national park created to protect cultural and historical sites.

Best Hikes in Durango, CO

1) Animas Mountain

Hiking distance: moderate 6 mile loop
Elevation Change: 1,519 ft
Dogs allowed: yes

For a great early morning hike with sweeping views of Durango and blooming wild flowers than head out to the Animas Mountain Trail.

The Animas Mountain Trail is a moderate 6 mile loop trail, located on the north side of town in Durango. The best time to see the wildflowers is in late May to June.

There isn’t much shade on this trail and it gets hot in the summer so make sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you’re taking your dog as there are no water sources nearby.

If you want spectacular sunset views then start the trail at 630pm (if you’re hiking in the summer).

Trailhead Location: 3269 W 4th Ave, Durango, CO 81301

2) Smelter Mountain

Hiking distance: 3.8 mi roundtrip (out and back)
Elevation Change: 1,374 ft
Dogs allowed: yes

Right above downtown Durango and the off-leash dog park sits Smelter Mountain.

This is a great day hike with expansive views of the Animas Valley, Lake Nighthorse and Downtown Durango.

It is a moderate 3.8 mi roundtrip hike to the top of Smelter Mountain and back down.

Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as this hike gets hot in the summer with no trees for shade.

Trailhead Location: 3269 W 4th Ave, Durango, CO 81301

3) Cascade Creek Falls

Hiking distance: 11.7 mi (out and back)
Elevation Change: 1,745 ft
Dogs allowed: yes

Cascade Creek Falls is a 11.7 roundtrip, out and back trail located 35 minutes north of Durango near Purgatory Ski Resort.

This hidden treasure of a hike should be on your short list of must--do activities in Durango.

From the lush golden-marsh to the turbulent waterfalls thundering down, Cascade Creek is hiker’s paradise!

The main trail has two waterfalls, the smaller of the two can be found by going left at the trail split about a 1/4 mile in.

The larger Cascade Creek Falls will be on the main trail and is an incredible 150 foot waterfall that crashes into the creek below.

If you want to go above and beyond to see all eight waterfalls then make sure to use this blog post as your guide.

Trailhead Location: just past Purgatory Ski Resort there is a hairpin turn to the right at Cascade Creek. Turn left across the road at this turn onto Forest Service Road 783. Follow this road for approximately 3/4 mile to a small parking area on the left.

4) Spud Lake Trail

Hiking distance: moderate, 3.1 mi roundtrip (out and back)
Elevation Change: 419 ft
Dogs allowed: yes

Spud Lake Trail is an easier hike located 45 minutes north of Durango, just past Purgatory Ski Resort. You’ll experience endless mountain peak views as your backdrop for the entire hike. At the summit, Spud Lake unveils itself as a perfectly clear, blue backcountry lake.

If you’re into fishing then don’t forget your rod and reel as Spud Lake is known for its excellent trout fishing. You can also camp overnight here and it’s dog-friendly.

Trailhead Location: turn onto Lime Creek Road, which is found 5 miles south of Coal Bank Pass along Highway 550. The trailhead is reached about 3 miles from the highway. The last mile of Lime Creek Road is very rocky and uneven, and a high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended

5) Petroglyph Point Trail - Mesa Verde National Park

Hiking distance: moderate, 2.4 mi roundtrip loop
Elevation Change: 328 ft
Dogs allowed: no

Mesa Verde National Park is only a 40 minute drive West from downtown Durango and is definitely a national park worth visiting!

Did you know Mesa Verde is the only national park in the United States created to protect cultural and historical sites rather than natural features?

Additionally, UNESCO named Mesa Verde National Park a World Heritage Site in 1978.

Admittedly, I actually did not put visiting Mesa Verde National Park on my priority list, and decided last minute to visit since we love national parks.

After a full day in the park, I can hands down say it is a must visit and you will be blow away by how much history this park encompasses.

The cliff dwellings are jaw-dropping and if you can plan your visit 14 days prior, you should reserve a ticket to visit one of these cliff dwellings up close, in-person.

To save you some time, here is a full day itinerary to see Mesa Verde National Park.

Hiking Essentials for Durango

Hiking shoes: the mens and womens Altra Lone Peaks are our favorite. Plus, the most comfortable hiking socks with a lifetime guarantee.
Hydration Pack: a 20-25L backpack is ideal for day hikes. His Gregory 25L and her Osprey 20L are comfortable for all-day hiking and have a lifetime warranty.
Trekking Poles: I highly recommend bringing poles to save your knees and back. These carbon fiber poles are of incredible quality for the price.
Sun hat: the best hiking hat you’ll ever own.
Sunscreen: Coola is our go-to lightweight sunscreen that stays on throughout sweaty hikes.
Safety Items: ultralight First Aid Kit, a LifeStraw, multi-tool and a survival blanket.
Dog Accessories: Our Aussie never goes on a hike without a hiking water bottle, hands-free leash, and no-pull harness.
Inflatable SUP: have some fun on the water with our most-used and favorite inflatable SUP