Telluride to Durango

About

The Telluride to Durango route is a high-altitude mountain biking traverse through the San Juan Mountains, typically completed in three to five days. The trail is rated difficult and advanced, featuring technical singletrack, doubletrack, and historic rail grades. Starting near the Telluride gondola station, riders access Prospect Trail for cross-country singletrack before descending to the Galloping Goose Trail. This 18-mile segment follows a historic rail grade with relatively easy terrain toward Trout Lake. From there, the East Fork Trail leads to Bolam Pass and connects to Segment 26 of the Colorado Trail. The route climbs to Blackhawk Pass, reaching an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet, before descending via Hermosa Creek Trail or Stagecoach Trail toward Durango. The trail is accessible from April through October, though conditions vary with snowmelt and weather. Parking is available at trailheads such as the Durango Transit Center and Telluride gondola station. Pets are permitted on the route. Riders may require a cross-country pass for certain access points near the ski area.