Parking is a little tight but worth it. Take plenty of water if it's a hot day! The Animas Mountain Trail has a trail head right in town. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. A popular and iconic trail in Durango, Animas Mountain yields spectacular views of the Hermosa (to the south) and Animas (to the north) Valleys. Start the trail at 32nd St in north Durango and make your way up several switchbacks. Officially, this loop is a lollipop heading in a counter-clockwise direction. Part of the Animas Mountain Trail System. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Animas Mountain Trail is very easy to follow via the many signs along the way. Take a moment to enjoy the well-earned views before you start your descent on the east side of the loop to return to the start. the trail climbs steadily for nearly three miles until you reach the high point of Animas Mountain. It's not an incredibly difficult trail and is pretty well marked. The mountain only has scrubs, so don't look for shade on a hot sunny day! Animas Mountain Trail is a 6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Durango, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. This is a loop trail and offers about 1,800 rise in elevation. Easy to find and access. Length 6.0 mi Elevation gain 1,519 ft Route type Loop