Mike's - Cuchillo Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Many of the trails in Horse Gulch are fairly aggressive. The trails on the Ridge are steep and rocky, and the new jump trails in Durango Mesa Park are big and burly. So if you're looking for a pedal-forward XC ride that isn't filled with massive technical features, try this loop on for size.

Begin from the Horse Gulch Trailhead by climbing the Mesa Connector trail to maximize the singletrack in this ride. For less climbing, you can skip Mesa Connector and Telegraph Connect and head toward the Meadow Loop instead.

At the upper hub, take Telegraph Connect instead of the jump trails to flow down a delightful little descent to reach the Meadow Trail and subsequently, Stacey's Loop.

To make this recommended loop, you'll be making a lot of right turns. Take a right on Stacey's Loop, and then take a right on Mike's to climb to the high point of the ride. Once you drop into Cuchillo , it feels like you're descending, but there are still a few more climbs coming on Cuchillo before it's really time to rip downhill.

Cuchillo is home to a few rocky, steep pitches, so this isn't all flowy, easy trails. But they're all quite manageable, and add a bit of flavor to what would otherwise be bland singletrack.

There are a few decisions on how to finish the loop. You can either follow Cuchillo, ride the tail end of the Meadow Loop , or even duck over to Cap's for a fast, flowy finish. Regardless, once back at the benches, follow the road back down to the trailhead.