Haflin Creek to Missionary Ridge is a good half-day, advanced hike through deep woods, Haflin Canyon takes you up from the Animas Valley through nearly 3,000 feet of ascent, almost always through trees. The hike also illustrates different climatic zones and associated forestation, staring among the pinion, junipers and oak brush, reaching a level of Ponderosa Pine, and traveling through the quaking Aspen before reaching spruce and fir forests. This 6.4-mile hike (round-trip) starts at 6,620 feet and climbs to 9,400 feet, beginning near Haflin Creek. This trail rises above the creek, crosses and reached to top of the ridge above the stream source for a good view of the river valley below.


Location: From Durango, head east on 32nd Street and travel to the end, turning left on County Road 250. After just over 5 miles of travel, you'll see a sign (on the east side of the road) for Haflin Creek.