Upper Merve

About

Upper Merve is a hiking and mountain biking trail in Durango, Colorado, located within the Animas City Mountain trail network. The trailhead is situated at 947 East 4th Avenue, providing accessible parking for visitors. The route climbs steadily through stands of ponderosa pine and scrub vegetation before descending toward Dalla Mountain Park. Historically a fall-line path, the upper section has been rerouted and rebuilt into a flow trail featuring berms and rollers, while the lower portion retains its original rutted character. The trail connects to the Swerve Trail and Sailing Hawks Trail, allowing for extended loops through the local trail system. Hikers can expect a moderate difficulty level with an elevation gain of approximately 1,808 feet and a maximum elevation reaching 8,077 feet. The trail is open year-round, though winter conditions may include snow and ice. Typical hiking duration ranges from one to two hours depending on pace and whether the user is traversing the full length or utilizing specific segments. The trail operates without registration fees and is accessible to both pedestrians and cyclists.