Skull Rock - Big Canyon Loop

About

The Skull Rock - Big Canyon Loop is a 7.5-mile mountain biking route located in the Grandview Ridge trail system near Durango, Colorado. The trail begins at the Sale Barn trailhead and climbs steeply to a mesa top before descending through two distinct sections. The Skull Rock segment features fast, flowy terrain with steep bedrock drops and a short middle climb. This leads into Big Canyon, a consistent downhill section characterized by whoops, rolls, and a rock wall ride in the canyon bottom. The route is classified as difficult and typically takes about three hours to complete, with an elevation of 7,164 feet. Parking is available at the trailhead, and pets are permitted. The loop is accessible from April through October, though winter wildlife closures may delay opening until late April depending on conditions. The trail is part of a multi-use system that connects to downtown Durango via the Telegraph Trail network.