Introduction to Durango Mesa Park
Minutes from downtown Durango is Durango Mesa Park, the transformative public space dedicated to recreation, conservation, and community. Nestled east of Main Avenue against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains, the park spans over 1,800 acres.
Atop the Ewing Mesa, Durango Mesa Park is designed to serve as a community hub for outdoor activities. Once completed the park will feature world-class biking, plenty of hiking trails, event spaces, and more. Durango Mesa Park reflects the community’s deep commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and love of the outdoors.
The Vision Behind Durango Mesa Park
Durango Mesa Park was made possible by the Durango community for the purpose of creating a space that serves the community. Development at Durango Mesa Park has grown in the past few years as area residents, the City of Durango, and other private parties have come together to create this multi-use park.
The long-term vision for Durango Mesa Park is to enhance the area through hundreds of acres of open space, miles of trails, amenities, and a music/cultural venue for community events. All of these amazing developments help enrich Durango’s recreation economy by adding world-class mountain biking trails and outdoor spaces that everyone can use.
Trail Development Highlights
Demonstration Trails Opened in 2023
Initially Durango Mesa Park Foundation opened up 7 miles of trails for recreationists to test out. These 7 miles connected to the already existing Horse Gulch Trail System, which expanded access to more fun and even better views.
These original trails were made up of a few downhill mountain biking trails that varied in skill level, multi-use trails like the Mesa Connector, and different jump features. You can access these demonstration trails through the Horse Gulch Trailhead or the Telegraph Trail network. Running, hiking, or biking on these trails will give you just a little hint at what is to come with Durango Mesa Park.
Connector Trail and Upper Zones (2025 Additions)
More trails have arrived in 2025 with the addition of a 1.4-mile connector trail that links the Meadow Hub atop the mesa to the Crites Connect and Carbon Junction trails. You can now hop from trail system to trail system and check out the Sale Barn Trail.
Now, instead of taking the steep Telegraph Trail from Horse Gulch to the Sale Barn, you can take a flowy connector trail. This beginner-friendly connector allows riders easier access to Sale Barn and other trails while also creating a more accessible experience.
Adaptive and Downhill-Friendly Trails
Another big addition to Durango’s mountain biking trails is the new downhill lines that feature different additions like jumps and berms. There is a mix of trails that suit different mountain biking skill levels. One of the new lines, named Yeti Run, includes small lips and rollers, which add to the exhilaration.
Amongst the Upper Drop Zone trails, there is a mix of difficulty levels. It's important to do some research beforehand on which trails will best suit your skill level. These new downhill-only trails are designed to include riders of all levels and create a community where a seasoned pro or beginner can ride.
Hiking-Only Trails and Multi-Use Options.
This year, a new hiking-only trail was constructed, highlighting the diversity of new trails being added in Durango. It begins along the Durango Mesa Park Connector Trail and can be accessed from the Horse Gulch Trailhead.
As the Durango Mesa Park begins to develop more, expect not only more biking trails but hiking trails as well. This addition of new designated trails will help create a balance between bikers and hikers using the area.
Durango Mesa Hub and Infrastructure Improvements,
Meadow Hub Amenities
There will not just be hiking and biking at Durango Mesa Park. The project includes many major infrastructure developments that will benefit the whole community. One of these developments is the Meadow Hub, which will include picnic areas for the family, shade structures for hot days, and more signage.
The Meadow Hub helps provide adaptive mountain biking to riders of all skill levels and needs. Once Durango Mesa Park is completed, it will serve as a central point in the park for all recreationists.
New Access Road Construction
The Mesa access road that leads into the park is currently being rebuilt to help future visitors of the park have easier access into the area. Along with this, a new intersection is being added to make sure you can enter the park more easily.
By doing all this, it means you will not only be able to have simpler access to the park, but emergency response will as well. Much of this infrastructure work on the road is expected to conclude later this year. Once completed, the foundation expects to begin the next, more exciting, phase of the project.
What’s Next for Durango Mesa Park?
Fun and awesomeness are in store for the future of Durango Mesa Park. Once completed, the park will have an amazing outdoor amphitheater for live performances, a playground, BMX tracks, a disc golf course, and so much more.
Here, soon you’ll be able to bike to a concert overlooking the La Plata mountains or camp under the stars right outside town. There will be something for everyone and every skill level at the park. And with full public access, you won’t want to miss the future fun you will have at Durango Mesa Park.
Conclusion:
Durango Mesa Park is all about creating an accessible and memory-making experience for all of its visitors. No matter if you are a resident or a visitor, the park is about connecting with a community of people who love to be outside. Whether you are a biker, trail runner, hiker, or lover of anything outdoors, Durango Mesa Park will be the place for you.
The future of Durango Mesa Park looks bright, and you don’t want to miss any updates. Stay engaged with developments about the park by signing up for the Durango Mesa Park newsletter. That way you won’t miss a chance to try out a new trail!
