Colorado Trail: Segment 28 (Dry Fork to High Point)
The locals' after-work epic: pedal up Dry Fork, hit High Point on the Colorado Trail, then rip 10 miles of flowy singletrack back to town. Durango's best effort-to-reward ratio.
Trail beta
Park at the Dry Fork trailhead on CR 208 (turn right on Lightner Creek Rd from Hwy 160 West, then right on CR 208). 2WD-accessible dirt road. Climb Dry Fork: gentle grade through scrub oak and pine, mostly smooth singletrack with some rocky sections. The trail connects to the Colorado Trail; pedal to High Point (9,560 ft) for the full descent experience. From High Point, descend the CT toward Junction Creek for 10 miles of fast, flowy singletrack. Gudy's Rest viewpoint at mile 14.6 is worth a stop. Watch for shale paste on Dry Fork after rain. It cakes tires and drivetrain.
When to go
Dry Fork Trail is closed December 1 through April 15 (wildlife closure). Rideable mid-April through November. South-facing aspects dry out early in spring. Peak conditions May through October.