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The Durango area has hundreds of miles of trails open to hiking, leading you everywhere from quiet in-town riverside trails to 13,000-foot peaks–all of which can be done as a day hike.
Whilethe scenery may be memorable, your hike will be better if you are prepared for what you might encounter on and off the trail. Packing a few essentials will ensure you are safe, warm (or cool), and happy. Here’s a list of items to consider when packing to hike in Durango.
Backpack: A comfortable backpack with a capacity of around 20-30 liters should be good for a day hike. Make sure it fits you properly and isn’t uncomfortable, too tight, or too loose. Also consider features like accessible pockets, hip and shoulder pockets, and waterproofness.
Water: Bring at least 2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated, especially at higher elevations where dehydration is a risk. Summer can be hot in Colorado, even in the mountains, and becoming dehydrated is among the most dangerous things that can happen. Venturing to a spot with water? If so, it makes sense to pack a small water filter. The new generation of water filters is surprisingly affordable, light, and easy to use–stop byDurango Outdoor Exchange to learn more. Tip: If it’s hot, drink a liter or more on the drive to the trailhead–pre-hydration can go a long way.
Food: Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, nuts, and fruits to keep your energy levels up. Tip: Packing protein bars for the first time? Try one the day before–not everyone’s tummy agrees with the density and mouth-feel of protein bars.
Navigation: Carry a GPS device to help you stay on the trail, especially if you're hiking in unfamiliar territory. The Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app shows all local trails and has an option so maps can be downloaded for easy off-line use. Remember to charge that battery and bring along a power bank.
Sun protection: Colorado's high altitude means intense sun exposure. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin and eyes. Also consider lightweight long-sleeve shirts with hoods and built-in SPF protection. Your dermatologist will thank you.
Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. Include moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer. Don't forget extra socks and a hat and gloves if it's cold and wet. Headed into the high country in June, July, or August? Keep in mind that severe thunderstorms can develop in less than an hour, and that snow can fall all summer long, as can hail.
Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good traction to navigate varied terrain. Not a frequent hiker? There’s no need to spend a lot of money on shoes you rarely use–buying used can be a great bargain. Planning on a hike with a lot of mud or water crossings? Hiking in sandals like Chacos is perfectly acceptable as long as they fit snugly.
No need to go overboard, but a few extras may make sense:
First aid kit
Emergency shelter such as a space blanket or bivy sack
Multi-tool or knife
Headlamp or flashlight
Fire starter
Whistle
Personal ID and contact information
Trash bag
Trekking poles
Insect repellent
Durango has oodles of trails both in town and just outside, with nearly endless options. Did you know you can hike from the city limits all the way to Denver on a single uninterrupted trail?
Some hiking locations include:
La Plata Canyon: Follow old mining roads to rarely visited peaks
Animas River Trail: Right in town, spot birds and the train
Colorado Trail: Starts in Junction Creek and leads 567 miles to Denver
Coal Bank Pass: Wind through old forests for an eye-popping view of Engineer Mountain
Cascade Creek: A mellow hike that leads to numerous waterfalls and a big broad meadow
Looking for something else? Stop byDurango Outdoor Exchange and let our expert staff suggest something for you!
If you are camping in bear country, or in any place where food storage is a concern, you should strongly consider using a bear canister–a storage system that is built to keep bears out of your food. And in some places, particularly parks in California, Montana, Colorado, and Washington,backcountry campers are required to have and use bear canisters.
While you may get lucky by hanging your food in a sack from a tree, this is not permitted in many areas and virtually impractical in many alpine anddesert backpacking zones. Bear canisters are the preferred method for storing food and other smelly items, but there are many kinds to be aware of. Let’s look at them in more detail.
For many hikers, summiting one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks is a lifetime achievement. Others make it their entire personality, working for years and even decades to climb all of them. Some make a goal of climbing them all in a single season while others try to ski them all.
The problem with climbing 14ers for many people is that they are difficult–and we’re not just talking about the thin air. Of the 58 in Colorado, about one-third entrail considerable exposure and require skilled route-finding and ascent/descent skills. About half have either moderate or considerable challenges. Just eight are considered “easy.”
Hikers looking to summit a 14er near Durango will find four that rank generally as easy or the easy end of moderate. They are all in the same two canyons and can be climbed by someone with decent fitness, good shoes, and a penchant for waking up early. The roads to access all these peaks are part of the Alpine Loop and can be driven from Silverton in a four-wheel drive such as a Tacoma, but are generally not in all-wheel drives like Subarus.
Ready? Here goes!
