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Animas Mountain Loop

Dog-friendly hike near Durango · Animas Mountain Trailhead, W 4th Ave off 32nd St, Durango

Illustration of a river canyon trail in southwest Colorado

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

Dogs on this trail

Off-leash dogs are not allowed on City open space and Durango's leash law applies to the trailhead and Dalla Mountain Park; the BLM Animas City Mountain trails are closed Dec. 1–April 15 to protect wintering deer and elk.

Source: BLM Tres Rios Field Office / City of Durango (Dalla Mountain Park) · checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm before you go.

  • Distance5 mi
  • Elevation gain1428 ft
  • Leash ruleLeash required; seasonal closure Dec. 1–April 15 on BLM land
  • Water on trailNone — carry water
  • SeasonApril 16–Nov. 30; the upper mountain is closed in winter (lower Dalla Mountain Park stays open)
  • ParkingSmall gravel lots at the W 4th Ave trailhead and at Dalla Mountain Park (3234 Junction St); full by mid-morning on weekends
  • FeeFree
  • RestroomsNo restrooms at the trailhead
  • Managed byBLM Tres Rios Field Office / City of Durango (Dalla Mountain Park)

Animas Mountain is Durango's north-end workout: a 5-mile lollipop loop that climbs about 1,400 feet through ponderosa and scrub oak to a rim 1,200 feet above the Animas River, with the valley spread out below. Dogs must be leashed from the city trailhead onward and off-leash dogs are the number-one conflict here, so expect to be reminded. The whole BLM upper mountain closes Dec. 1 to April 15 for deer and elk winter range; Dalla Mountain Park's lower boulder-field trails stay open and make a fine 2–3 mile winter walk. Sunny, dry and warm early; carry water for the dog.

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After the hike

Ska Brewing World Headquarters

225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden provided they stay on a leash and with their humans.

  • patio
  • water bowls

Durango · verified 2026-10-24

Durango Beer & Ice Co. / The Nugget Mountain Bar

3000 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Leashed dogs (about six feet, not roaming) are welcome on the outside deck; no dogs on furniture, clean up immediately, waste station at the parking-lot end.

  • patio
  • water bowls

Durango · verified 2026-10-24

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