Five rides that show you Durango

Durango has more good singletrack within a few minutes of town than most places have in a whole county. These are the five rides we send guests on first, from an easy shakeout to a full day out.

1. Horse Gulch

Minutes from Main Avenue, a web of flowing trails through piñon and juniper. The right first ride: short loops, big views back over town, and easy to extend when your legs feel good.

2. Animas Mountain

A steady climb on the north edge of town to views straight down the Animas Valley. Rocky in places, rewarding all the way. Go early in summer.

3. Log Chutes

Cool forest riding up Junction Creek Road, with smooth climbs and fun descents. A favorite on hot afternoons when town is baking.

4. The Colorado Trail from Junction Creek

The start, or the finish, of a 500-mile trail to Denver. Ride out and back as far as you like through some of the prettiest forest near town.

5. Hermosa Creek

The big one: a long day along a mountain creek, best done as a shuttle. We arrange the drop-off and have lunch packed.

Staying with Ophir? Bikes are sized to each rider and delivered to the house, and we'll match the ride to the weather and your legs.

Draft for Casey to check and expand with local detail before publishing.