Colorado Trail – Junction Creek to Gudy's Rest

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

• Distance7.6 mi
• Elevation gain1000 ft
• Leash ruleVoice control permitted on National Forest; leash in the parking area
• Water on trailJunction Creek for the first two miles; scarce above the canyon floor
• SeasonApril–November; snow and ice on the shaded switchbacks in winter
• ParkingLimited trailhead lot fills on weekend mornings; additional parking at Junction Creek Campground up the road
• FeeFree
• RestroomsRestrooms at the trailhead (seasonal)
• Managed bySan Juan National Forest – Columbine Ranger District

The southern terminus of the 567-mile Colorado Trail is also Durango's favorite half-day dog hike. The first two miles are mild and follow Junction Creek through fir and ponderosa, with plenty of places for a swim; after the bridge the trail switchbacks up a sunny slope to Gudy's Rest at 3.8 miles, a bench with a view down the canyon to town. About 1,000 feet of gain, mostly in the second half. It is National Forest, so voice control is legal here, but it is a busy multi-use trail with mountain bikers coming downhill fast. Poison ivy lines the creek; flash floods are possible in monsoon season.

After the hike

More trails near Durango

• Animas River Trail

  Leash required · 8.2 mi
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• Horse Gulch – Telegraph Trail

  Leash required · 2.75 mi
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• Animas Mountain Loop

  Leash required; seasonal closure Dec. 1–April 15 on BLM land · 5 mi
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All dog-friendly hikes near Durango → · Durango dog guide