Animas River Trail: Durango's Scenic Spine

The Animas River Trail (ART) is the centerpiece of Durango's trail system, acting as both a recreational haven and a vital transportation link for the community. This paved, shared-use path meanders for over 7 miles along the banks of the Animas River, offering stunning views of the river, the San Juan Mountains, and the surrounding landscape. The trail's route is mostly concrete and asphalt and takes users through the heart of Durango, providing easy access to a variety of parks like Santa Rita Park, Schneider Park, and Animas City Park, open spaces, and other natural surface trails. It also connects key community locations such as the Durango Recreation Center, the public library, downtown Durango, and several neighborhoods and schools. The trail crosses the river multiple times via picturesque bridges and features underpasses and a tunnel, allowing users to traverse the city without street crossings. Along the trail, interpretive signs share the history of Durango, including its mining past and the impact of immigrants and pioneers. The trail's route shares some right-of-way with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a relic from the 1880s. The Animas River itself is one of the last free-flowing rivers in Colorado, adding to the trail's appeal. It is a popular spot for fishing, rafting, and kayaking.