From smooth and fast to rugged and steep, this system has it all. It is the staple of Durango MTB rides with the main trailhead just east of E 8th Ave on 3rd St. The Mesa Connector Trail also begins here.
Head up Horse Gulch Rd to the Telegraph Trail, for some this can be the most daunting part of the ride but the access to a plethora of singletrack makes it well worth it. Once there, keeping right, most loops in the Meadow (Stacey’s, Cuchillo, Mike’s) are generally ridden counterclockwise with Send-It and Rooster being primarily downhill traffic but always keep eyes and ears open. A classic loop is Meadow to Stacey’s, to Mikes, to Cuchillo, right on Drop Over, left down Cap’s to the trailhead. For something tougher, riders can add Telegraph and Send-It, Rooster from the top of Mike’s or up Rocky Road to the Ridge.
While traveling up Horse Gulch Rd on rider’s left is what is known as the Ridge, and it is steep, technical and rocky whether going up or down. Rocky Road is the main access to climb the Ridge, but other options are the new Half Ridge and Sugar, and Ridgeview and Skyline from the Powerline side of the Ridge. The descents from the ridge are all advanced/expert terrain with some purpose-built Gravity trails including rock armoring and optional drop lines.