Horse Gulch and Telegraph Trails
Vast high desert trail system near Durango, perfect for biking, hiking, and running with stunning panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Horse Gulch and Telegraph Trails
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast high desert trail system near Durango, perfect for biking, hiking, and running with stunning panoramic views.
"A hidden gem in Durango, CO with miles of trails for every adventurer."
Check Trail Status First
Muddy trails can cause damage. Check Durango Trails for current conditions before heading out . :earth_americas:
Carpool or Bike In
Trailhead parking fills up fast! Save a spot by sharing rides or cycling to the start . :car: :bike:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Raider's Ridge Views
Raider's Ridge
Spectacular panoramic views of Durango and the surrounding high desert landscape.
The Meadow Loop
The Meadow
A popular, scenic loop offering a mix of casual climbs and fun downhill sections.
Mike's Trail
Connects to Meadow Loop
A challenging but rewarding downhill section for experienced riders and hikers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Etiquette
Horse Gulch is a multi-use network; be mindful of hikers, bikers, and runners, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve this beautiful high desert area.Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Status First
Muddy trails can cause damage. Check Durango Trails for current conditions before heading out. :earth_americas:
Carpool or Bike In
Trailhead parking fills up fast! Save a spot by sharing rides or cycling to the start. :car: :bike:
Respect Multi-Use Trails
Share the path with hikers, runners, and dogs. Yield to uphill traffic and be courteous. :raised_hand:
Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
This high desert area has minimal shade. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Horse Gulch
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Status First
Muddy trails can cause damage. Check Durango Trails for current conditions before heading out. :earth_americas:
Carpool or Bike In
Trailhead parking fills up fast! Save a spot by sharing rides or cycling to the start. :car: :bike:
Respect Multi-Use Trails
Share the path with hikers, runners, and dogs. Yield to uphill traffic and be courteous. :raised_hand:
Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
This high desert area has minimal shade. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes, especially in warmer months. :snake: :bear:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the extensive trail network at Horse Gulch and Telegraph Trails, praising the beautiful high desert scenery and the variety of routes for hiking, biking, and running. The accessibility from Durango is a major plus, though parking can be a challenge during peak times. Some find certain sections challenging, but overall, it's considered a gem for outdoor recreation.
"If biking, it's an intermediate route, a little treacherous for beginners, but fun nonetheless. We did a shorter loop, took about 40 min. Great views!"
Joannie Pharand
"Great trail network for mountain biking, running, hiking and more.
🚵♀️🥾🏃🏽🐕 a multi-use trail network used by mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, dogs and more.
🚙As this is one of the many close to town networks, it’s also busier and the trailhead parking is limited.
Here are some tips to stay stoked on Horse Gultch:
Follow Leave No Trace principles:
🧭Plan ahead and prepare: weather (summer heat can be brutal without shade, wildlife patterns during different seasons and trail status, trail reports on Durango Trails), parking (carpool, ride your bike there.
🪨Travel on durable surfaces: stay on trail, keep singletrack single, don’t step on vegetation, hike/run/bike single path to reduce social trails.
🚮Dispose of waste properly. Dog waste, snack wrappers, accidental drops. Tip: bring a small bag along to pick up what you may find. Reduce single use items during your visit to Durango.
🐻Respect Wildlife: this area is home to bears, mountain lions, coyotes, birds, deer, elk, fox and more. In summer months, be aware of rattle snakes.
Use the rule of thumb to keep your distance.
🫎Don’t ride or access trails when they are closed due to wildlife migration patterns.
🫸🫷Be considerate of others: hikers, mountain bikers, runners: look out for each other and spread the stoke of this awesome network that we are lucky to have so close to town, doesn’t matter how you enjoy it."
TripOutside
"Great high desert trail that is very close to the town. Minimal trees and casual climbs. Great beginner and intermediate downhill options. We took the Meadow Loop to Mike's trail. Challenging but a great downhill!"
Mike
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Horse Gulch and Telegraph Trails are conveniently located just east of downtown Durango. You can drive to the main trailhead off of County Road 250, or for a more eco-friendly option, consider biking directly to the trailhead from town. Parking can be limited, so arriving early or carpooling is recommended.
While there isn't direct public transportation to the trailhead itself, Durango's public transit system can get you close to the general area, from where you could potentially bike or walk the remaining distance. Check the Durango Transit website for routes and schedules.
The Telegraph Trails are interconnected with the Horse Gulch system. Access points can be found within Horse Gulch, or you can look for specific trailheads along the eastern outskirts of Durango. Many users access Telegraph via Horse Gulch.
Yes, Horse Gulch has several access points and trailheads. The main trailhead is popular, but exploring other access points can sometimes offer more parking options and different starting points for your adventure.
There's some discussion about e-bike access, with signs at the entrance indicating restrictions. While some users find e-bikes beneficial for accessibility, it's important to be aware of and respect any posted regulations regarding pedal-assist or e-bikes on specific trails within Horse Gulch.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Horse Gulch and Telegraph Trails are generally free to access and do not require any tickets or passes for entry. It's a public land area managed for recreational use.
The trails are open from dawn until dusk. There are no official operating hours, but it's advisable to finish your activity before dark for safety reasons.
There are no entrance fees for Horse Gulch or Telegraph Trails. However, donations to local trail maintenance organizations are always appreciated to help keep these trails in good condition.
Parking at the Horse Gulch trailhead is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservation systems in place, which is why carpooling or arriving early is highly recommended, especially on weekends.
For general hiking, biking, and trail running, no special permits are required. However, if you plan on organizing a large event or commercial activity, you would likely need to obtain permits from the relevant land management authorities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Horse Gulch offers a diverse network of multi-use trails, ranging from beginner-friendly paths to intermediate and challenging routes. You'll find singletrack, wider paths, and scenic loops suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.
Absolutely! Horse Gulch is a premier destination for mountain biking in Durango, with miles of trails catering to various skill levels. Riders often praise the fun downhill sections and the variety of terrain.
For hiking, the Meadow Loop offers a pleasant experience, while Raider's Ridge provides stunning vistas. Many users enjoy exploring the interconnected trails to create custom loops of varying lengths and difficulty.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails at Horse Gulch, but they must be kept on a leash. Remember to clean up after your pet and pack out any waste.
Expect beautiful high desert scenery with expansive views of Durango, the Animas River Valley, and the surrounding mesas. Raider's Ridge, in particular, offers spectacular panoramic vistas.
📸 📸 Photography
Raider's Ridge is a prime location for landscape photography, offering sweeping views of Durango and the high desert. The open meadows and winding trails also provide excellent opportunities for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh due to the open, high-desert environment.
Beyond the landscapes, keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer, coyotes, and various bird species. The unique high-desert flora also makes for interesting close-up shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a sturdy tripod will help with low-light conditions during golden hours.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the local land management authorities regarding any restrictions or permit requirements for flying drones in this area before you fly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the high desert environment can be harsh. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as shade is limited. Leashes are required for dogs, so if you bring a furry family member, be prepared to manage them responsibly.
🚵♀️ Mountain Bikers
Intermediate riders will enjoy the flow of the Meadow Loop and the thrill of downhill sections like Mike's Trail.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Trail Runners
Raider's Ridge offers rewarding climbs with spectacular views, making it a popular choice for those seeking a bit of elevation gain. The trails are generally well-maintained, but the high desert environment means you should be prepared for sun exposure and carry ample water. Be mindful of mountain bikers sharing the trails and practice trail etiquette.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail Network
When planning your route, consider using a trail map or a GPS app, as the sheer number of trails can be overwhelming. Popular loops include the Meadow Loop and routes that ascend Raider's Ridge for panoramic views of Durango.
Remember that this is a multi-use area. Hikers, bikers, and trail runners share these paths, so courtesy and awareness are key. Yielding to uphill traffic and maintaining a safe speed are essential for a positive experience for everyone.
Wildlife and Environmental Stewardship
Practicing Leave No Trace principles is crucial for preserving this delicate high-desert ecosystem. This includes staying on marked trails to prevent erosion and protect vegetation, packing out all trash (including dog waste), and avoiding feeding wildlife.
By being mindful of the environment and wildlife, visitors can help ensure that Horse Gulch remains a beautiful and accessible natural resource for generations to come. Respecting the land and its inhabitants is a shared responsibility among all who enjoy these trails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit