Horse Gulch / Telegraph
Durango's backyard trail system: singletrack starts from downtown, loops for every level, and the self-service bike repair station at the trailhead says everything about this town.
Trail beta
Trailhead is at 8th Ave and 3rd Street, east off 8th Ave by the Health Center and Sonic. Free parking, self-service bike repair station at the lot. The first half-mile is a climb (many people walk it). Once up in the meadow, signs point to loop options. Meadow Loop is flat and short, perfect for families or warming up. Telegraph and Grandview Ridge add tech and distance. Stacey's Loop is intermediate flow. Skull Rock is the tech test piece. You can easily stack 1-3 hours of riding without leaving the system.
When to go
South-facing, so it dries out first in spring. Rideable much of the year, though Grandview Ridge trails have a BLM winter wildlife closure from December 1 through April 30. The meadow and lower loops stay open. Afternoons get hot in summer; mornings are prime.