Valley Loop Road Biking Tour is considered one of the best local rides by Durango area cyclists. There is a 15-mile loop and a 30-mile loop all on paved roads. The ride is flat and for the most part, only rising 280 feet one-way. The short route can be ridden in about an hour, the longer in 2-2.5 hr.


Location: Leave Durango's Main avenue at North City Market on 32nd Street heading due east to a stop sign. Turn Left onto CR 250 all the way to Bakers Bridge. This route takes you up the east side of the Animas River Valley. You can cut this short by turning at Trimble lane and crossing Hwy 550 to CR 203. Take a left and pedal back to town. If you go the long route, the road goes north and curves around a KOA campground shortly after Bakers bridge and meets up with Hwy 550. Ride on the shoulder until you get to Hermosa. Turn Right on County Road 203 just past the railroad tracks. The short route is 15 miles, the long route is 30 miles.