Gravel Rides
While Durango is mostly known for its outstanding trail systems and spectacular road rides, there are also an abundance of unpaved roads in the area that can be connected to create some memorable and challenging gravel rides. Some are accessed via paved county roads while others take right off on the dirt. Gravel rides are considered to be more than 50% non-paved roads, but all of our rides are more than 60% gravel.
The majority of gravel roads in the county are well-maintained and many get frequent treatment to keep them firm and the dust down. Overall, they are smooth but washboards can develop on hills and exits of corners. Locals have been riding road bikes with 23-28mm tires on these routes for decades. Horse Gulch Rd., where a few of the rides start and finish, is an exception as it is not maintained but is not much of an obstacle for a gravel bike.
While many of the roads are quiet please be aware of vehicle traffic and follow rules of the road especially keeping right and going single file when vehicles approach in either direction.
Below are some of our favorite loops right from town but riders can make a ride out of any combinations of roads in the area.
