Animas Mountain/Dalla Mtn Park
In Town Durango
Advanced-Expert
These two systems combined are some of the most difficult trails in Durango based on steepness of the climbing and overall rockiness, looseness and chunkiness of the terrain. The easiest way to access the systems is via the 25th St Birkett trailhead but it still climbs the same amount as going up via 32nd St/W 3rd Ave access. There is no preferred direction for Animas Mtn as both ways up are steep and rocky. Up the East side is very rocky and loose to climb but offers some of the best views of town and the Animas valley. The new Swerve Flow trail is dedicated downhill. Animas Mtn closes seasonally for wildlife habitat and the top portion is closed for a longer time for nesting falcons – please do not ride in these areas when closures are in effect.
Dalla Mtn Park (aka Sailing Hawks) is also very unique terrain as it hugs the lower slopes of the Animas Mtn cliff-band and is a very popular climbing and bouldering area. While many riders access via Birkett or W 3rd Ave, it can also be accessed from the Jacob’s Cliff trailhead, but in general the trails are ridden counterclockwise via Ponderosa. While there aren’t any sustained climbs the trails are very technical from millennia of rocks/boulders sluffing off the cliffs above and is the go-to for locals to work on technical skills.