Name: Telluride to Durango
Rating: 3.5

Toolbox

Plan in onX Backcountry

Driving directions
Download GPX File

Know This Trail?

Upload a photo

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

2020: Hermosa Creek is now open. If you are camping, be aware that there may be an increased risk of flooding due to 416 Fire burn scars from 2018. You can also finish the route along the CT to Junction Creek TH.

If riding this route from the Telluride gondola station and Prospect, purchase of a XC pass may be required for access.

Overview

This is a long ride at high altitude. Most people will do this in 3-4 days. There are many places where a 4x4 can meet you for luxury camping and make this an epic MTB trip!

Description

Starting in Telluride, you might as well enjoy some free vertical (you'll do plenty on your own later!), so take the free gondola up to the Prospect trail. This a a beautiful cross country singletrack with no major climbs and tons of fast descents, partly in the ski area, and partly in what feels like pretty remote wilderness (though it's not).

Once back in the ski area, head down various trails (use the mobile app to find your way, it's confusing) until you get to the Galloping Goose #499. You'll now follow that for 18 miles, following the historic rail grade along easy trail with superb scenery. You'll probably want to camp somewhere before this ends. There are several good campgrounds around Trout Lake.

Head up the East Fork Trail #638, which actually descends for a while before starting a long, somewhat techy ascent up to the Colorado Trail. Parts of this are beautiful, parts are pretty tiring. Push through. Good camping at Bolam Pass, which can be reached by 4x4.

You're now on the marvelous Colorado Trail - CT - Segment 26: Blackhawk Pass! This is a big day and you'll reach the high point of this ride (12,000') at Blackhawk Pass. The trail is remarkably rideable (if you've got the lungs!) and passes nonstop stunning scenery. Enjoy the huge long fast descent and perhaps find camp somewhere.

Continue on the Colorado Trail to Hermosa Park Road 578. You can either descend the road to the Hermosa Creek Trail, or descend the Stagecoach Trail for a fast, fun singletrack descent.

Once on Hermosa Creek, follow it for almost 19 miles until it hits a dirt road. If you have a shuttle vehicle or a pickup, it can pick you up at the end of Hermosa Creek at a small campground.

Alternatively, if you need to ride all the way to downtown Durango, descend the dirt road and follow CR 203 to reach Durango.