Lupine - Swerve Loop

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E-Bikes Not Allowed

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Animas Mountain has long been the domain of steep, rocky, eroded trails. However, this loop makes the most of several of the best segments that Durango Trails has rebuilt in recent years. The climb up Lupine is much more mellow and moderate than you'll find on the classic Animas Mountain climb, and the bermy flow trail descent on Swerve is turning into the most popular trail on the mountain.

The route begins from the 4th Ave trailhead by climbing the classic switchbacks up the mountainside. After about 9 switchbacks, before the trail veers to the northeast for the bulk of the Animas Mountain climb, take the left turn off the switchback to connect over to the doubletrack. Head up the steep, rocky doubletrack for a short ways until the left turn onto Lupine.

Follow Lupine up and then along the rim with beautiful overlooks of town. At the 4-way junction with Merve, continue straight to keep climbing Lupine. From here, the re-worked trail is flowy and mellow, providing great uphill pedaling, plus beautiful views of the La Platas.

Pass the turns for Merve Connection and for Vulture, then turn right to pass Upper Merve and reach Swerve .

The descent down Swerve is fantastic, with great berms and rollers. None of the lips really make for great jumps due to how this trail was built, but it's still one of the more fun trails on Animas.

At the bottom of Swerve, re-join Lupine , and then retrace your tire tracks back down to the car. Alternatively, instead of descending the switchbacks, you can descend the steep, rocky doubletrack that is the Animas Mountain Trail.