Durango is a biking town and riding up the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton is a classic ride. The local Durango college, Fort Lewis, boasts three National Championships in mountain biking. Every Memorial Day Highway 550, the Million Dollar Highway, is closed from Purgatory Ski Resort to Silverton for the Iron Horse Classic where thousands of cyclists climb from Durango (6500’) over Molas Pass (10,900) and down into Silverton (9300’). Epic climbs on dirt and pavement flow out from town in every direction and quality rental bikes can be acquired at several local stores. We added our own modifications to the Iron Horse climb to include the Animas River Trail and it goes something like this.
Animas River Trail
The Animas River runs through Durango, both literally and figuratively. Along the Animas River runs the Animas River Trail. This is a beautiful seven mile stretch of paved, multi-purpose trail that starts a couple of miles below Durango and right into town.
This is the section of river that everybody plays on. Rafting companies run commercial trips and the locals come out in kayaks, inner tubes, and even surf boards on the holes. Families picnic along the banks and stroll along the paths. It’s flat and casual.
Stops along the way: Historic downtown Durango is full of eclectic eateries, comfy cafes, and tasty treats. All along 3rd avenue sits a cornucopia of culinary curators. This is also the terminus for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which can be used as a bike shuttle back from Silverton. Coming to downtown Durango by bike is a great way to find a parking space.
Million Dollar Highway: Durango to Pinkerton Hot Springs
This trail segment runs 13.5 miles on back roads through ranchland along the river bottom. To begin with, the Animas River Trail just sort of disappears into suburbia. On the map, the trail ends at 29th street but continues as a sidewalk all the way to 32nd. Google gave several options on where to go, but my favorite is to take 32nd to County Road 250.
250 the classic back road ride. It weaves through horse farms and cattle ranches complete with red barns. You could take 250 above Pinkerton and drop in, but I prefer to head over on Trimble Road to the Million Dollar Highway – Highway 550. It cuts out a little climbing and backtracking. It also lets you enjoy the fantastic stops. Don’t worry about traffic. This section of the Million Dollar Highway has a wide bike lane.
Stops along the way: PJ’s Gourmet Market sits at the corner of Trimble and 550. It’s a great place to pick up a tasty treat for the road from their deli or even just a banana and Gatorade. Further up the hill is the Honeyville store, where you can get anything honey related from tasty jellies to honey wine. If you’re biking on a Saturday, you can’t miss out out the James Ranch and Harvest Grill. It’s the freshest beef you’ll ever have. Pinkerton Hot Springs itself is pretty cool. The mineral rich waters bubbled up to form a muddy, colorful mound.
Million Dollar Highway: Pinkerton Hot Springs to Purgatory
The 14 mile stretch is where the climbing begins in earnest. It’s a steady climb of over 2200’. The bike lanes along the Million Dollar Highway are wide and accommodating. Between the friendly road and steady climbing, this is THE classic Durango hill climb. Along the way, the river bottoms change steadily into alpine forests. Horse ranches get replaced by rustic cabins with a few ponies in the meadows out front. This route is also the return ride from the classic Hermosa Creek mountain bike trail. The alpine scene is completed with views of snow capped mountains, quaking aspens, and alpine lakes.
Stops along the way: About halfway up is the Needles Country Store. This is the last provision directly along the route. Purgatory Ski Resort has a mini mart and restaurant, but you would have to divert off the highway. Many a rider will just flip it at Purgatory and start rolling back downhill. Nothing wrong with that.
Million Dollar Highway: Purgatory to Molas Pass
There is a reason so many people turn around at Purgatory, this next section is intense. Molas Pass is fifteen miles further up the road from Purgatory. It’s the highest mountain pass on the Million Dollar Highway heading to Silverton, topping out just below 11,000’. The air is thin and cold. Even when it’s springtime in the valley, it can still be winter up here. The extra wide bike lanes disappear completely, and you are sharing a lane with the cars. Truth be told, we didn’t ride this section of road, but we did see people grinding up the road. The climb is over 3000’ up, including the climbing back out of the Lime Creek Valley.
Stops along the way: You’re on your own. There composting toilets at Molas Pass but no potable water. Unless you are participating in the Iron Horse Classic. Then, the road is closed to vehicles and there are SAG stops all the way up the mountain. That might be reason enough to ride the Iron Horse right there.
Million Dollar Highway: Molas Pass to Silverton
This is the steepest section of road yet. You drop nearly 2000’ from Molas pass into Silverton over the course of seven miles. This might make a fun downhill, but remember you’ll have to bike back up. Unless, you take the railroad back to Durango, which a lot of riders do. It’s over a 50 miles ride to this point with about 6000’ of elevation gain. You have earned your train ride home.
Stops along the way: Silverton is a classic mining town. Mainstreet is lined with converted saloons and coffee shops. You could almost imagine two cowboys drawing iron at high noon. The historic narrow gauge railroad completes the scene. In many ways, you aren’t biking up a mountain, you’re biking back in time. Hospitality rules king here, so if you can’t find something yummy to eat, you’re not trying.
WHY RIDE THE IRON HORSE CLASSIC?
Does this ride sound like fun to you but you would rather do it with the road closed and support stops along the way? That’s just part of the Iron Horse Classic. It’s a weekend of bike racing, bike tours, parties and fun in Durango Colorado.
The story goes that two brothers, Tom and Jim Mayer had a friendly race. Jim was a brakeman on the railroad that runs between Durango and Silverton. Tom would race him to Silverton on his bicycle. After a few runs, Tom was able to beat the train up the mountain (albeit the train had a few stops and speed restrictions).
In 1972, the historic railroad began operations and a group of 36 riders got together to resume the races. The classic has grown to over 3500 participants and expanded to have events and parties span all of Memorial Day Weekend. If you ever wanted to ride in Durango, the Iron Horse Classic might be the perfect opportunity. If you ride the Iron Horse, here what’s in store for you:
- Beautiful Scenery
- Epic climbs
- The road to Silverton is closed for the race
- SAG stops and support along the way
- Durango is centrally located between Denver, Albuquerque, Phoenix and Salt Lake City
- Friendship and fun
No matter how you choose to ride, Durango has something for you.
Check out Trip Advisor for great places to stay in Durango
Looking for more to do besides biking in Durango? Click HERE to learn all about more great stuff to do!
This is really fascinating – such beautiful scenery and countryside to bike through. I would particularly love the ranch lunch.
James Ranch was a highlight of the ride. It’s only open on Saturday but worth the wait.
This trip looks like an amazing one. I love the landscapes – especially those presented in winter. It must be amazing to be at over 10,000 feet! I hope I’ll be able to take this journey one day too.
Colorado is an amazing place. It was springtime in the valley and winter at the peaks. You actually travel more climate zones climbing up a mountain than driving from Mexico to Canada. Try to get above 1200′ and you’ll reach arctic tundra.
What a wonderful trail and scenic landscape. I also read about the train ride from these two destinations and that it is also a great option to explore and see the areas/towns mentioned.
We have checked out that train from Durango to Silverton and it looks great. We thought of it in for a possible bike shuttle as the bike ride between Durango and Silverton is particularly brutal from Purgatory Mountain on up. It also looks like it would be a really cool way to see that area as the train does not run along the highway. If you pick the right departure for the day you could be lucky enough to get to ride in one of the historic train cars.
The photos are incredible! So much greenery! This is definitely a place I would love to check out.
It is a beautiful place Anna, with many different things to see and experience with each season!
What amazing scenery! Looks like a beautiful spot for a bike ride.
Thank you Maria. It was a beautiful ride.
The scenery looks beautiful and the snowcapped mountains are awesome. Is there really a ski resort called Purgatory? You’d think they might change their name to something a bit happier!
The name Purgatory stems from the Spanish Escalante Expedition during the 1700’s. During their trip, one of the members fell into the swiftly flowing Animas River somewhere near site of the ski area and perished into its waters. Group members declared “El Rio de Las Animas Perdidas en Purgatorio.” Translated into English, this means the river of lost souls in purgatory. That is a little morbid but the locals like the name. A few years back the resort was sold and there was a major rebranding to Durango Mountain Resort. This wasn’t popular at all so the town got it’s historic, morbid name back.
Absolutely fantastic. It was great fun living your experiences vicariously, here.
Thank you. I popped over to your post on Timbre and it was a great first hand experience that I could travel vicariously through as well.
I love the Million Dollar Highway! I first saw it as a kid on a road trip with my parents. Two years ago, it was part of a campaign I did with Mini. It’s even more beautiful than I remembered. You’re brave for biking it (and in excellent shape). Bravo!
Thank you Leah. The brave – You don’t have to be too brave for the Purgatory through Durango section. It’s a beautiful, wide shoulder. Being in shape is definitely a plus. I love getting to repeat influential trips from childhood. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Awesome post! I’ve driven the Million Dollar Highway twice, but never thought about biking it. Such an incredible journey!
It’s a great ride but you have to know your limits and know the road. As you know, the views are amazing but it feels just a little different and more intimate by bike.
Exploring the countryside we believe can be done best on bikes. The James Ranch sounds like a perfect stopover for lunch and the vistas that follow are stunningly breathtaking though the climb seems tough. Silverton looks like a pretty town to spend some relaxing time after that strenous bike ride.
Spring in Colorado is pretty special. We’re just getting ready to refresh this post with the Iron Horse Classic coming up. It’s a strenuous climb up the mountain for sure but the views make it all worth while.
This route looks so epic and gorgeous! I’m in Oaxaca now, and mountain biking is popular here too on the mountain roads just out of town. It blows me away how these cyclists bike up these steep mountains with no shoulder, gaining as much as 4 or 5k feet. So impressive! But with views like these, I can see why this is appealing.
Some bikers our there are real beasts. The winners of this event do the whole route in two and a half hours or so which is amazing. They are climbing about as fast as I bike the flats. I would absolutely love to mountain bike in Oaxaca.
Wow, this is gorgeous. I haven’t spent any time in the area but Silverton looks like a fun place to wander and those views are insane!
There are a lot of fun things to do in Silverton. It holds onto the mining past very well and still has a steam railroad to boot.
Colorado has so many amazing bike trails- and scenic spots! Thanks for the great guide on what looks like another one worthy of a day trip.
If you mountain bike, you should also check out the Hermosa Creek trail coming off the resort. It’s a long, singletrack downhill that you can either loop back on the road or car shuttle up. Amazing ride with little technical difficulty.
I am itching for a ride there now. Scenic location and smooth roads, and a picnic there, relaxing under the sky… I want to do them all.
Interesting bit of history there.
It’s a beautiful place to ride for sure.
I wish I could get into bike riding, I should give it another chance! It’s such a great way to see the beautiful scenery in beautiful places while getting an incredible workout. This route’s views wouldn’t disappoint either!
There are as many different styles of biking as there are walking. In general, pick a flat surface with little or no traffic and lots of pretty scenery. Also, don’t spend too long in the saddle at any given time. If you don’t like a 30 minute ride through something amazing and beautiful then biking really isn’t for you. If you do like it, just keep having fun doing it and don’t rush yourself.
Wow, this looks intense!! I would love to do something like this, after training a bit, haha! I love that there are smaller towns within the route, and the scenery/landscape look absolutely gorgeous! I also think it’s funny that there is a town (?) or maybe mountain called Purgatory haha
It’s actually the ski resort. They changed owners a few years back and switched to Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) but that was kind of sterile. The sense switched back to the classic Purgatory and it totally goes with the vibe.
This is such a scenic trail to bike along! I’m not so much of a biker but I would be open to bike downhills, e.g., after Molas Pass, through the scenic part and do some sightseeing!
It’s all scenic parts but the bike lanes are much better from Purgatory to Durango and the grade is fairly constant. I think you would like that part or the trail the runs along the Animas in town.
Wow…that looks like an incredible trip! I have never been much of a biker (with just riding my beach cruiser around the neighborhood).
Some of my best rides have been on a beach cruiser going through our neighborhood. Nothing wrong with that.
It’s amazing how riders can enjoy 3 different seasons on this path, assuming they can make it up the two mountain passes. My quads are already sore from reading this but I’m so down for all things honey and grass fed ranch! That’d be the highlight for us because food is everything, haha! I suppose the views aren’t too shabby either 😛
Technically, you can get winter on the top of the first pass, lol. Make sure you’re in the area Saturday since that’s the only day James Ranch is open.
I drove through this area two summers ago on a road trip and fell in love with the scenery. Definitely one of the most beautiful areas I’ve seen. Of course, I was in a car, so I didn’t feel the effects of those mountain passes and inclines. I don’t blame you for skipping the intense mountain passes. That sounds crazy!
It’s a beautiful area for a road trip too.
I give you guys a lot of credit, sounds like a pretty arduous bike ride! Incredible to hear about the history and story behind the Iron Horse Classic – awesome that he eventually beat the train on his bike! I enjoy a leisurely bike ride though am quite allergic to uphill lol I usually end up walking the bike if it gets too steady an incline, so I think the train might arrive first 😀 It does look like a beautiful area though to explore, and I can see how you would have much more freedom and flexibility to immerse yourself in the scenery by cycling 🙂
You don’t have to beat the train to have a good time. Nothing wrong with just enjoying the ride on the flats.
Growing up in Boulder, I’d have enough of the Front Range and had to move down Southwest. I spent many years in Durango, climbing, biking, hiking, snowboarding, hunting, fishing…practically anything I could ever think of doing all over these San Juans. This post makes me homesick, but in the best way because it helps ensure me I’ll make it back home from Australia someday…one of these days! Thanks guys!
You always give the best comments Dave. We really appreciate it. I (Jenn) grew up in Denver and worked at Keystone and Copper Mountain and went to school for a little bit at Western State. There is so much fun to be had in Colorado.
I love biking road trip and this place looks perfect for that. Not sure if I could handle the hike to the mountain roads though. Where I live now, Malaysia is too hot to cycle long distance so I usually just do a short ride in the morning.
Jenn was absolutely melting in Thailand when it was only about 25c. We’d be doing cool morning rides in Malaysia too.
Wow this bike ride looks awesome! I love exploring a new area by bike! How long was your bike ride? Love the different scenery and seasons of the ride!
We did it in parts. It was about 20 miles out and back on the Animas River trail. Then we bike downhill only from Purgatory Ski Resort (actually Cascade Village which is just up the road from Purgatory) to James Ranch. That was about 10 miles.
Such a nice landscape, loved all the pictures! I recently started biking and wanted to know more about amazing places to go. This is definitely in my bucket list, next time i go to Colorado I’ll go there for sure!
xo, Pilar Noriega
http://thelifestylehunter.com
Glad you’re joining the bike club. So many good places to see and ride. You’ll absolutely enjoy this one.
Woo, I don’t know if I could keep up with such an adventurous trail but I’d love to try! I love the variety that the road takes you through. You see so much more on a bicycle too – and hear, smell, see things like even elk that are so easy to miss in a car.
Indeed, biking is such a great way to be immersed in the world around you.
I’ve heard great things about the community in Durango, but had no idea just how beautiful it is there! Biking seems like it would be a perfect way to get out into nature there.
Durango is a chill town. Everybody is ready to go out and explore and it’s filled with good vibes.
Haha, I would probably pass out, but it looks like an incredible bike ride! Those mountains take my breath away. It’s always amazing how small you feel whenever you’re in the heart of nature. I need to make it to Colorado one day soon.
Small in the heart of nature… What a great way to put it. You’ll love Colorado. So much nature everywhere.
I’m not a cyclist by any stretch but this does sound pretty amazing. Looks like a beautiful area!
Thank you. We can’t wait to return to Durango and see more of the area. The air is so fresh and clean.