Animas Mountain East Trailhead

About

Animas Mountain East Trailhead serves as the access point for a popular 5.4-mile loop in the San Juan Mountains, framing Durango on its north side. The route offers moderate difficulty with approximately 1,700 feet of elevation gain, leading to a high point of 8,160 feet. Hikers gain panoramic views of the Animas Valley to the north, the Hermosa Valley to the south, and distant landmarks like Mesa Verde and the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail is well-marked and follows a counter-clockwise lollipop pattern, starting with a doubletrack climb before descending back to the parking area. While the database lists the typical duration as two hours, multiple sources indicate the full loop takes about three hours. The trail is accessible year-round, though winter hikers should prepare for ice and potential traction needs. Parking is available at the trailhead, and dogs are permitted but must remain leashed. The upper loop experiences seasonal closures for wildlife from December 1 to April 15.