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Horse Gulch Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · Running trail in Durango, Colorado · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Horse Gulch Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular area right next to campus with a network of trails that is good for biking and hiking.
What runners say about Horse Gulch Trailhead
“Beautiful views of Durango from the south eastside if you take the ridge trail.”
“Easy hike depending which side you go up.”
Great scenic hiking & biking spot for a quick getaway outside of Durango.
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!
Awesome trail system. Many trails, varying in intensity. Beautiful views of Durango from the south eastside if you take the ridge trail. Many bikes here to share the trails.
Awesome trail system. Watch for downhill bike traffic on the entry dirt road. Initial uphill is a bit of a slog but there is nice open single track for miles after that.
Trail conditions & character
“The views are spectacular, especially from the top of Raider's Ridge overlooking Durango on the west and the Horse Gulch meadow on the east.”
“Great location, convenient parking, amazingly quiet right after the first trail curve.”
“Nice steep climb in the beginning, then it opens up to a nice meadow.”
“Initial uphill is a bit of a slog but there is nice open single track for miles after that.”
Plan your run at Horse Gulch Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Durango
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Animas Mountain East Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 170 reviews
Popular hiking and biking area with varying trails and views of Durango and the valley.
