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

Jun 12

Going to Durango, Colorado in the summer month of June made for a perfect week of weather and exploring while hiking the trails of Durango!

Durango sits at 6522’ of elevation so the best time to go hiking in Durango CO is from June to October.

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.

There is something for everyone when it comes to Durango hikes!

Don’t worry, I’ve also added a list of the best restaurants in town because we all know 90% of the time we are thinking about what to eat once the hike is finished.

- Best Hikes in Durango
- Hiking Essentials
- Places to Raft/Kayak in Durango
- Camping in Durango

Planning your trip to Durango? Save this post on *Pinterest or text a link to your hiking buddy!*

Directions to Durango, CO

Whether you are taking a roadtrip throughout the Southwest or flying in, here are a few options:

via Durango: you can fly directly into Durango-La Plata County Airport from major cities including Denver, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City from major airlines including America, United, Frontier, and Delta.
via Albuquerque: the closest international airport is ABQ International Airport. You will need to rent a car and drive 3.5 hours/215 miles to Durango, CO.
via Denver: you can fly in DEN International Airport, rent a car a drive 6.5 hours/360 miles to Durango, CO.

Best Hikes in Durango, CO

1) Animas Mountain

Hiking distance: moderate 6 mile loop
Elevation Change: 1,519 ft
Trailhead Location: 3269 W 4th Ave, Durango, CO 81301
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).

2) Smelter Mountain

Hiking distance: 3.8 mi roundtrip (out and back)
Elevation Change: 1,374 ft
Trailhead Location: 3269 W 4th Ave, Durango, CO 81301
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.

Hiking distance: 11.7 mi roundtrip (out and back)
Elevation Change: 1,745 ft
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.
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.

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
Trailhead Location: 1 Wetherill Mesa Rd, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
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

We use affiliate links for products we recommend and, at no extra cost to you.

Best River Sports in Durango

1) River Paddle down the Animas River in Durango

The best place to drop in your kayak, SUP, or raft in Durango is right off 32nd St. on the east side of the river.

From 32nd St. go north on Third Ave. and drive about a block, you will see the drop in sites on your left.

This a popular spot for locals and tour companies so I’m sure you won’t miss it.

Start by paddling up stream 1.3 miles to Oxbow Park and float back down to the 32nd St. drop in site for a fun and serene river float.

If you didn’t bring your own raft or SUP you can get a rental at 4Corners River Sports first just south of downtown Durango.

2- Lake Paddle at Lake Nighthorse in Durango

Lake Nighthorse is only two miles from downtown Durango, but makes you feel like you’re at a remote and peaceful mountain escape.

You can bring your kayak or SUP for a nice, calm paddle and you can even bring your dog to join!

If you didn’t bring your own raft and need to rent, 4Corner River Sports has a location right on the water.

The reservoir is open daily from April 1-November 14th, but during the summer months it is open from 8am to 6pm, June 1st to September 30th.

3- Attend Animas River Days in Durango, CO

If you can time your trip right, typically the first weekend in June, Animas River Days is one of the best local events in Durango.

Animas River Days host competitions in river surfing, stand-up paddling, freestyle kayaking, boatercross, raft and kayak slalom.
It’s a fun, free family event to watch the best of the best paddle down these class III and IV rapids without taking the medal for best wipeout!
*Tip - if you want to bring your dog, you can watch the competition from the other side of the river at the off-leash dog park.

Camping in Durango, CO

*Photo from our free campsite near Durango at Madden Peak Road Dispersed Camping.*

RV parks in Durango, CO

Junction Creek Campground is the closest campground, located just 5 miles west from downtown Durango, CO. There are a total of 44 campsites, 29 reservable sites and 14 sites with electrical hook-ups. The regular sites cost $24/night and electrical hook-up sites cost $35/night.
Oasis RV Resort is located 7.5 miles East of downtown Durango and has a 4 star rating on Campendium. Nightly rates range from $42 to $89 depending on your campsite. The park is nicely landscaped with big patio sites setup with patio furniture!
United Campground is located 4 miles North of downtown Durango and has a 4 star rating on Campendium. They have 100 level RV sites with full hook-ups, many shade trees and over 90 grassy and shaded tent sites. Nightly rates range from $36/night for tent sites and $49/night to RV sites.

Free Camping near Durango, CO

Madden Peak Road Dispersed Camp: just 25 minutes west of downtown Durango. We loved our our campsite here! Easy to get our fifth wheel into, good cell service for Verizon, and close to both Durango and Mesa Verde with phenomenal views!
Bay City Gulch is another option just west of Durango, but it doesn’t have as many sites as Madden Peak.