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Overend Mountain Park Test Tracks

4.8
·39 reviews·Durango, United States

A hidden gem on Durango's edge, offering stunning town views and diverse trails for hikers and bikers alike.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon

Plenty of afternoon shade

CrowdMedium
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Forbidden mansion

Overend Mountain Park Test Tracks

Best Time

Afternoon

Plenty of afternoon shade

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden gem on Durango's edge, offering stunning town views and diverse trails for hikers and bikers alike.

4.8
(39 reviews)

"Beautiful park well worth tromping around in. Great for mountain biking, hiking, and running."

Vertical photo
TIP

Listen for Bikers! :ear:

Hikers, be alert for fast-moving mountain bikers. Yield to them on trails.

Steep Sections Ahead :mountain_climbing:

Some trails get challenging. Assess your group's ability before tackling steeper climbs.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Durango Views

Panoramic Durango Views

Various viewpoints along the trails

Breathtaking vistas of the entire town of Durango spread out below. Perfect for photos!

Reddit
Scenic Loop Trails

Scenic Loop Trails

Main trail system

Explore diverse terrain, from shaded forest paths to sun-exposed hillsides. Loops vary in difficulty.

Reddit
Mountain Biking Haven

Mountain Biking Haven

Designated bike trails

A popular spot for mountain bikers with challenging routes and exciting descents.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Etiquette is Key

Hikers, be aware of mountain bikers! They move fast on tight corners. Listen for them and yield the right-of-way to avoid collisions. Some trails can get steep, so gauge your group's fitness. Reddit

Finding the Entrance

The main trail entrance is discreet, nestled between two private driveways. Keep an eye out to avoid missing this Durango gem. TikTok

Best Times

When
Afternoon
Why
Plenty of afternoon shade
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer bikers, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A hidden gem in Durango, CO 🏔️
@mimirazma
37.1K likes • 501K views

Listen for Bikers! :ear:

Hikers, be alert for fast-moving mountain bikers. Yield to them on trails. Reddit

Steep Sections Ahead :mountain_climbing:

Some trails get challenging. Assess your group's ability before tackling steeper climbs. Reddit

reddit.com

Easy, level, and scenic trails?

Hidden Entrance :mag:

The main trail entrance is subtle, between private driveways. Look carefully! TikTok

Sun Protection Needed :sun_with_face:

Parts of the trail are exposed. Bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Listen for Bikers! :ear:

Hikers, be alert for fast-moving mountain bikers. Yield to them on trails. Reddit

Steep Sections Ahead :mountain_climbing:

Some trails get challenging. Assess your group's ability before tackling steeper climbs. Reddit

Hidden Entrance :mag:

The main trail entrance is subtle, between private driveways. Look carefully! TikTok

Sun Protection Needed :sun_with_face:

Parts of the trail are exposed. Bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(39 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Overend Mountain Park for its stunning Durango views and diverse trail system, ideal for both hiking and mountain biking. While many enjoy the mix of shaded and exposed paths, some note that certain trails can be steep and caution hikers to be aware of fast-moving bikers. The discreet entrance is a common point of mention.

"A park with multiple trail loops in the hills at the edge of Durango. The entrance to the main trail is between two private driveways and can be easily missed. From the trails you get beautiful views of most of Durango. Parts of the trails are not shaded and exposed to the sun. Others curve between the trees. It seems to be very popular among bikers. I hiked a loop for about 2 miles and encountered about 10 bikers."

Talal Zraik

"It’s gets steeper as you get close to the precipice, at least the way we ended up going. It was a little too tough for some members of our group. But cool trail system overall, we were looking for something a little more casual."

Jake Logan

"Great afternoon ride.
There is plenty of afternoon shade.
Hikers be cautious of mountain bikers. They have a hard time stopping around the tight corners.
Do NOT hike up star wars. It will cause a bike crash."

Daniel Campbell

What People Like

Beautiful town views
Varied trail terrain
Good for biking

What People Dislike

Steep trail sections
Biker-hiker conflicts
Hard-to-find entrance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The main trail entrance is discreetly located between two private driveways on the edge of Durango. It's easy to miss if you're not looking for it! TikTok

Parking is available near the trailheads. For the Falls Creek trail, park by the big boulder in the meadow of Hidden Valley. Reddit

Information on public transport access is limited, but driving is the most common method. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a car. TikTok

For Falls Creek, start from the Hidden Valley meadow. The river trail at Oxbow Park and the south end behind Home Depot are also recommended. Reddit

Parking areas are generally for standard vehicles. Large RVs might find parking challenging, especially during peak times. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Overend Mountain Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. TikTok

As a public park, it's generally accessible from dawn till dusk. Specific hours are not usually posted, but it's best to visit during daylight. Reddit

There is no reservation system. The trails are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

No permits are typically required for recreational use like hiking and mountain biking in this public park. Reddit

While not officially closed, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to avoid disturbing wildlife or residents. Reddit

🎫 :compass: Onsite Experience

Trail difficulty varies. Some loops are easy and level, while others get steeper, especially closer to precipices. Assess your fitness level. Reddit

The park offers a mix. Some trails curve between trees providing shade, while others are exposed to the sun. Reddit

Yes, it's great for hiking, offering beautiful views and varied terrain. Just be mindful of mountain bikers. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a very popular spot for mountain biking with a network of trails suitable for various skill levels. Reddit

You'll get beautiful views of most of Durango from various points along the trails. Reddit

📸 :camera_with_flash: Photography

Look for viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of Durango. The higher points on the trails provide the most expansive scenery. Reddit

Sunset can be beautiful with the town lights starting to twinkle, and the golden hour light on the hills is lovely. Sunrise might be challenging due to the orientation of the town. Reddit

Landscape photography is ideal, capturing the town and surrounding mountains. Action shots of bikers are also popular. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. Drone usage might be restricted due to proximity to residential areas and park regulations; check local rules. Reddit

The golden hour before sunset provides soft, warm light. Midday can be harsh due to direct sun on exposed sections. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Overend Mountain Park offers some easier, level trails that are suitable for families with younger children. The beautiful views provide a great reward for little legs. However, parents should be aware that some sections can get steep, so it's important to choose your route wisely. Reddit Keep a close eye on children, especially near the edges of trails, and be mindful of the presence of mountain bikers. It's advisable to keep kids on a shorter leash or in a carrier on busier trails and to ensure they are aware of their surroundings. Reddit

⛰️ Avid Hikers & Trail Runners

For those seeking a good workout, Overend Mountain Park delivers. The network of trails includes challenging climbs and descents, perfect for trail running or strenuous hikes. Reddit Explore the various loops to find routes that match your desired intensity. Remember to stay hydrated, especially on the more exposed sections, and be prepared for encounters with mountain bikers who often move at a fast pace. Reddit Consider an early morning visit on weekdays to enjoy a more solitary experience.

🚴 Mountain Bikers

This park is a prime destination for mountain biking in Durango. You'll find a variety of trails catering to different skill levels, from flowy singletrack to more technical terrain. Reddit Many bikers appreciate the afternoon shade available on numerous routes. Be courteous to hikers and other users, and always be prepared to stop or yield if necessary, especially on blind corners. Reddit The park is well-regarded for its biking opportunities, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails: Hiking vs. Biking

Overend Mountain Park is a dual-use area, popular with both hikers and mountain bikers. This means trail etiquette is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Hikers should always be aware of their surroundings, listening for approaching cyclists. Many bikers recommend hikers yield the right-of-way and move to the side of the trail. Some Reddit users specifically warn against hiking up 'Star Wars' trail due to the high speed of bikers and tight corners, suggesting it could lead to crashes. Reddit

For hikers looking for a more casual experience, some loops are described as easy and level, while others can become quite steep as you approach the higher elevations or precipices. It's wise to check trail maps or ask locals about the difficulty of specific routes before setting out. Reddit Mountain bikers will find a network of trails offering varied challenges, from flowing singletrack to more technical descents. The park is known for its excellent afternoon shade on many of its routes, making it a comfortable choice even on warmer days. TikTokReddit

Discovering the Views and Hidden Gems

One of the most celebrated aspects of Overend Mountain Park is the stunning panoramic views it offers of Durango. As you ascend the trails, you'll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the entire town and the surrounding landscape. Reddit These viewpoints are perfect for photography enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a beautiful natural setting. While the main trail system is well-loved, Redditors also point out other scenic spots like the river trail at Oxbow Park and the trails at the south end behind Home Depot, suggesting exploration beyond the primary loops. Reddit

The park's entrance itself is a bit of a hidden gem, often described as being easily missed as it's situated between two private driveways. TikTok This adds to the feeling of discovering a local secret. While some trails are exposed to the sun, others wind through trees, offering a pleasant mix of open vistas and shaded, cooler sections. Reddit This variety makes it a dynamic place to explore, with different experiences depending on the trail and time of day.

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