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Hiking Trails

Several challenging and scenic hiking trails are within walking distance of the Fort Lewis College campus. Some are a bit further. Here is a brief list of the many trails that surround our campus and the Durango community.

CENTENNIAL NATURE TRAIL -- This Fort Lewis trail is a mile that connects Fort Lewis College and Durango. It offers a beautiful view of Durango and up-close look at nature. The trail begins at the south edge of the college, near the chapel and descends 300 feet. After a series of turns, the hike ends in town.

RAIDER RIDGE OVERLOOK -- This one-mile hike offers a great view of the campus and Durango. You can also see parts of the La Plata Mountains.

LION'S DEN TRAIL -- This trail is located across from Fort Lewis College Recreation Complex. This path is a multi-use trail for hikers and bikers.

THE ANIMAS RIVER TRAIL -- The trail has about 5 miles of a hard-surface path running through town along the beautiful Animas River, with 4.2 additional miles planned for the future. It travels through several city parks and across five walking bridges.

ANIMAS MOUNTAIN TRAIL -- This trail is 5-miles, round-trip and is great any time of the year, offering views of the Animas Valley, the river and wildlife. It takes 3-4 hours to complete. During winter months, snow covers most of the upper elevations.

COLORADO TRAIL/JUNCTION CREEK -- This offers an excellent chance to explore part of the 469-mile Colorado Trail. It follows Junction Creek and provides beautiful views in all directions.

MISSIONARY RIDGE -- This trail is a good half-day, advanced hike through deep woods. The hike illustrates different climatic zones and associated forestation, starting 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.