The treasure of Durango’s Hidden Valley hike

The treasure of Durango’s Hidden Valley hike

The locks are off: Area is finally open to public
Seen from Animas City Mountain, the complete loop traverses the length of the open meadow in the center of this image and the sandstone ridge separating Hidden Valley from the Animas River Valley.
The hike begins at the south end of Hidden Valley and goes north to the Mid-Meadow Lateral Trail. Turn east, gain the ridge, and walk south to Peak 7,385’. Turn around and head north to the Valley Fire Overview. Hike south on trails that favor the west side of Forest Service property.

The treasure of Durango’s Hidden Valley hike

Seen from Animas City Mountain, the complete loop traverses the length of the open meadow in the center of this image and the sandstone ridge separating Hidden Valley from the Animas River Valley.
The hike begins at the south end of Hidden Valley and goes north to the Mid-Meadow Lateral Trail. Turn east, gain the ridge, and walk south to Peak 7,385’. Turn around and head north to the Valley Fire Overview. Hike south on trails that favor the west side of Forest Service property.
Travel basics

Travel: From Main Avenue in Durango, go west on 25th Street. It transitions to Junction Street and then La Plata County Road 204. At the first stop sign, 2.8 miles from Main Avenue, turn right onto County Road 205 and pass Turtle Lake. South Meadow parking is 2.3 miles out County Road 205 beside big boulders; Mid-Meadow parking is at 3.1 miles. You may also access Hidden Valley on foot or bike via the old Falls Creek Road. From the intersection of U.S. 550 and County Road 203, drive 2.3 miles north to limited parking on both sides of the two-lane in the 3900 block.


Distance and Elevation Gain: Build your own hike. Walk a segment or the full tour, 7.8 miles with 1,100 feet of climbing. If you access Hidden Valley from County Road 203, it will add 480 feet of vertical.


Total Time: Three to five hours for full loop


Difficulty: Trail; navigation easy; mild exposure on the ridge near Peak 7,385’


Map: Durango East, Colorado 7.5’ USGS Quad or Apogee Mapping

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