Animas Overlook Trail

Just about 7 miles past Junction Creek Campground and less than a half-hour drive from Durango, the Animas Overlook is a great short hike and picnic spot. The path is a short 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, which has been a center of agriculture and ranching for 150 years due to the abundant supply of water the river provides. 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 has not been maintained, 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.