Open Space for Everyone

Public lands are part of what makes this area so special. These lands include national and state parks, preserves, monuments and forests, as well as BLM land, wilderness areas and more. It is your responsibility to know what activities are allowed on specific trails.

BODO STATE WILDLIFE AREA

Experience scenic views of downtown Durango and the Animas Valley from atop Smelter Mountain. The Smelter Mountain Trail is open to the public for day-hiking from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dogs are prohibited on this trail. Enjoy a 1-mile hike that climbs 1,000 feet in elevation and opportunities to observe deer, elk, rabbit and various fowl. If you’re lucky, you might catch a paraglider preparing for a flight from the top.

HAVILAND LAKE STATE WILDLIFE AREA

Located about 18 miles north of Durango off Highway 550, Haviland Lake is a great place to enjoy camping, fishing and nonmotorized boating. Visitors can access a series of interconnected trails in the national forest known as Chris Park or the Haviland Lake Trail System from the campground. It also makes a great basecamp for other hiking and mountain biking adventures near between Silverton and Durango.

HAWKINS PRESERVE

Inside the southern city limits of Cortez, Hawkins Preserve is 122 acres of protected land where the public can enjoy hiking among ancient ruins and desert nature. There are around 3 miles of trails with a total of eight segments that loop and connect for hikers to explore. Climbing is allowed with a permit, which is available on the Cortez Cultural Center’s website.

OVEREND MOUNTAIN PARK

This 300-acre playground filled with multiuse trails is a mountain biker’s paradise. With plenty of obstacles and bends, the downhill track offers great views of the city. Many locals refer to Overend as the Test Tracks because it is a great place to try new skills and techniques on terrain that is fun to ride again and again. There are multiple trails in this area, so pick the one that suits your skill level.

McPHEE OVERLOOK TRAIL

Get a gorgeous view of the second largest body of water in Colorado on this multiuse trail near Dolores. The trail starts with steep switchbacks climbing to the top of the mesa overlooking McPhee Reservoir, with a mixture of beginner to advanced terrain. At about 9 miles long, one way, the pathway leads people past interesting rock features and through pinon, juniper and sagebrush to the Little Bean Canyon Trail in the Boggy Draw trail system. To get to the trailhead, located across the highway from Joe Rowell Park, turn on B Street off Highway 45 and follow the road toward the fire station.

TURKEY SPRINGS TRAIL SYSTEM

With numerous loops, including 14 interconnected routes and 30 miles of trails, Turkey Springs Trail System is a hidden gem in the San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs. Open to visitors and their pets, the area includes beautiful views of meadows and mountains, as well as a variety of flora and fauna. Whether enjoying a leisurely hike, trail riding journey or pedal-powered adventure, Turkey Springs Trail Systems has opportunities for every fitness level. Travel southwest for 3 miles on Forest Service Road 629 to reach the trailhead.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

In order to protect wildlife habitats trafficked by the public, any person over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing or hunting license, or a State Wildlife Area Pass from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.