San Juan National Forest

The Durango area is known internationally as a center of mountain biking. The numerous trails on the Forest, as well as four-wheel-drive and abandoned mining roads, offer scenic and challenging riding for all levels of interest and ability. Many easy routes are popular for family outings. Few trails are closed to mountain bikes. They are prohibited, however, in all Wilderness Areas.

The La Plata Mountains, located west of Durango, are the home of a variety of little-known trails that will prove to be priceless treasures for dedicated mountain bikers, including the Jersey Jim Loop, North Fork, and Chicken Creek Road Loop.

Riders are expected to observe common-sense rules of courtesy to other trail users and respect for the environment.

For detailed information on mountain-bike and road-bike rides in and near the San Juan National Forest, a Guide to Bicycle Routes on Public Lands of Southwest Colorado is available from Forest offices and local bike shops. Also for sale is a Trails Illustrated map, Durango Area Southwest Colorado Mountain Bike Routes.