Hogsback Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Hike-a-bike · Views

Hogsback is an insanely steep ridge line plummet that follows one of the most iconic ridges rising above downtown Durango. You can see this trail from all over town, yet it's not ridden all that often due to the steep hike-a-bike required to reach the top and the sometimes-terrifying slide down the exposed ridgeline. The exposure on Hogsback is extreme, and if you fall off the edge, you aren't going to stop rag dolling until you hit the bottom.

The trail has a tendency to be loose and dry almost all the time, and even still, an eroded trench continues to dig its way deeper down the center of the trail, making the line choices even more treacherous.

The route shown here incorporates the most popular trails in the Test Tracks trail system, with the challenging addition of Hogsback added on top. The ride begins from the Leyden Street trailhead by traversing along the base of the hillside and then climbing Hidden Valley. At the top of Hidden Valley, pedal over to the top of Star Wars and drop into the iconic fast, flowy bobsled run. (Or, for a bit more mileage, ride some of the Grabens trails up top.)

At the bottom of Star Wars, turn right to head uphill, and then take a left for the climb up Hogsback . Be prepared to hike your bike, especially after you turn left at the top of the ridge at the junction with Skid Ridge. You'll see the steep staircase-like ascent before you — throw your bike on your shoulders and start trudging.

At the top, drop your seat, brace yourself, and brave the challenges of Hogsback.

At the bottom of Hog Wild, turn right to pedal up 8 Bells , and then left to descend the classic Brown's Ridge jump line.

Alternatively, you can take a right while descending Hogsback for an even spicier descent that drops into Hogsfoot .