Animas Overlook Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views

Located about 7 miles past Junction Creek Campground, less than a half-hour drive from Durango, this trail makes a great short hike and picnic spot. It's a paved loop that follows the edge of the mesa overlooking the Animas River Valley. There are several overlooks and some informative signs that touch on the history of the area and the role of water and other resources. The San Juan Mountains are a backdrop to the beautifully green valley. - Overview by Denis LeBlanc, Outdoor Project

The paved path starts near the northeast corner of the parking lot next to a sign that carefully maps where all interpretive signs, benches, picnic tables, and bathrooms are. A very short spur to the left has the first viewpoint and interpretive signs.

It continues gently downhill to a split near the accessible bathrooms. Take the left to continue past more views and signs. There are more spurs along the way that lead to picnic tables. Benches are provided along the way to help make the uphill easier.

The trail has been designed to be ADA accessible and has no more than a 5% grade and three-foot-wide pavement. Unfortunately, the surface has deteriorated and is rather rough, but it should still be navigable by stroller or wheelchair. The access road is dirt, but it is easily within the capabilities of a standard automobile, and the views, particularly on the way down, are excellent and worth a stop or two.

Interpretive signs explain a lot about the geological and human history of the area. The Animas River Valley has been a center of agriculture and ranching for more than 150 years due to the abundant supply of water the river provides.