Far from the heavily-trafficked I-70 corridor is a town that’s not as easy to get to for those on the Front Range, but it’s totally worth the visit. Retaining its ‘gold level’ status in terms of bicycle friendliness for another year – an award from the League of American Bicyclists, Durango belongs on the summer bucket list for Colorado’s two-wheel enthusiasts.

The ‘gold level’ status is something that only 460 communities around the United States have achieved, with Durango first being awarded silver status in 2008 and then moving from silver to gold in 2012.

A key part of the award is related to cycling infrastructure, with local education related to this form of transportation and encouragement in participation of the sport also being notable factors in the designation.

Durango has long been considered a cycling hub of the American West, with a staple route being the Baker’s Bridge Loop – a 30-mile round-trip ride that starts in downtown Durango and heads north toward its namesake feature. Paved, the loop travels along a river and offers stunning valley views.

Other popular cycling options nearby include Highway 550 from Durango to Silverton (about 50 miles each way), the road from Mesa Verde National Park Visitors Center to the Museum, Durango to Navajo Reservoir (45 miles each way), and Florida Road to Vallecito Reservoir (about 36 miles round-trip).

The Durango area is also home to hundreds of miles of trail that’s great for mountain biking. There’s the Aspen Loop Trail, the Alien Run Trail System, the Animas Mountain Trail System (located in-town), the Fort Lewis Trail System, and more. There are also good access points for the Colorado Trail (learn more about mountain biking in the Durango area and find many more options here – there’s no shortage).

“Having Durango be once again recognized for its high level of commitment towards having a community where it is safe, fun, and efficient to ride a bike is an incredible honor,” said Multimodal Specialist Liam Goettelman of the city’s retention of its gold-level status.

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