photos by Stephen Eginoire

Folks have long enjoyed the beautiful ponderosa pine forests and sublime overlooks of Animas Mountain. For Durango, it is the quintessential backyard stash. This gently tilted mesa, composed of multiple sandstone formations, rises to an elevation of 8,161 feet above sea level, nearly a 1,500-foot vertical jaunt from town. Hikers, bikers, climbers and horseback riders are just a few of the folks who come to Animas City Mountain for a stellar piece of the Durango outdoors, now available in a user-friendly snow-free format.

Angelina Skowronski and her pup, Emmy Lou, head up the Animas Loop Trail. Mike DAnna soaks in the hard-earned view from the summit overlook on the Animas Mountain Trail. A showy male grouse blends into the branches of a ponderosa pine. The trail map beckons users at the 32nd St. trailhead

 

In this week's issue...

September 11, 2025
Back on top

After harrowing flying accident, local highliner steps back out with renewed mission
 

September 11, 2025
New order

Rule change for Land and Water Conservation Fund raises alarms

September 4, 2025
Armed with knowledge

Local community organizers work to ensure immigrant neighbors know their rights