Easy to Moderate
26.4 miles/1128ft elevation
1.5-2.5hr
This ride is a local favorite year-round but is a go to during the winter months but can also access other loops south of Durango on County Road 213. Staring at Dallabeta Park (across the river behind Home Depot) it follows the Animas River valley down to where CR 213 ends at HWY550 in Bondad. It is perfect for cruising on a leisurely group ride or taking advantage of the terrain and doing a solid workout.
Most of the ride has a solid shoulder, good pavement, some gentle rollers with a couple punchy ones and it is always good to save a little for the final inbound climb. Traffic can be busy at times close to town but eases quite a bit as you go south through ranch and farmland. Be sure to watch for wildlife and maybe even a Bald Eagle or two as this is one of their favorite areas for hunting and fishing. A local Social Ride, the Church of the High Pines uses this route for its Sunday group ride in the winter months.
Local Tips:
- To ride from downtown area use Santa Rita Dr, S on HWY 550 for ½ mile, onto Frontage Rd and right onto CR 213 on the west side of the river to Dallabeta. Riders also use the Animas River Trail but have to use caution with the many other trail users.
- To add more to the inbound final climb many turn left up Airpark Dr for another .6 mile, 4% effort and then return back to CR 213.