How to ride Hermosa Creek Trail: Tips and insider advice

Looking for rides near Purgatory? This classic has it all

The Hermosa Creek Trail is one of the best and most popular rides in the Durango area. Starting from near the base of Purgatory ski area, this trail is a classic for e-bikes and mountain bikes. This is a huge area with many options for short rides or all-day epics–read on to learn the essentials for mountain biking Hermosa Creek.

Where is Hermosa Creek? 

Hermosa Creek is a large drainage running north to south just west of Purgatory ski area. There are two trailheads: Northern (Upper) and Southern (Lower).

Northern/Upper trailhead: Take U.S. 550 north from downtown Durango. Turn left into Purgatory Resort. Take Forest Road 578 past the ski area and to the trailhead–the trail starts on the far side of the creek and is usually easy to pedal across.

Southern/Lower trailhead: Take U.S. 550 north from town and turn left at Hermosa Park Road. Cross the railroad tracks and follow the road for about 4 miles to the southern Hermosa Creek Trailhead. Find the trail heading north near the junction of several dirt roads near the parking area.

How long is the Hermosa Creek Trail?

Hermosa Creek Trail from one end to the other is 18.5 miles. It can be done as an out and back, a point-to-point with a shuttle, or as a gateway to access numerous other trails in the area. If ridden north to south using a shuttle, there is about 1,800 feet of climbing. If ridden south to north as a shuttle, there is about 2,300 feet of climbing.\

What to expect on the Hermosa Creek Trail?

Hermosa Creek is a multi-use trail, so you should expect many other types of users, especially within the first few miles of either trailhead. Besides mountain bikers and e-bikers, be prepared for runners, hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, hunters, and dogs.

What is the Hermosa Creek Trail like?

From the upper trailhead, the trail starts in the alpine setting of Hermosa Park, but quickly joins the creek and follows it closely for 6.5 miles. This first 6.5 miles is a gentle downhill along an old dirt road that is mostly smooth but has some rocky sections. There are several trail junctions along the trail, most of which are well marked; in every case, Hermosa Creek Trail is the most heavily used trail and should be obvious.

After 6.5 miles, the road reaches a small meadow and the junction with the Salt Creek Trail. From here on, the trail is single track and becomes more technical, with rocky and rooty sections.

w and the junction with the Salt Creek Trail. The trail becomes singletrack at this point and becomes more technical, and you should expect some loose, rocky, and rooty trail conditions.

From here on, the trail has more climbing, including one section that gains about 500 vertical feel in just a mile–expect to do some walking. The last few miles of trail are wider and obviously popular, so expect to see other trail users and keep your speed in check.

What bike is best for the Hermosa Creek Trail?

With sizable climbs but a decent amount of downhill you will want a bike that can do it all–think a mid-travel trail bike with 27.5 or 29-inch wheels, chunkier tires, neutral geometry, and suspension travel around 150mm front and rear.

Not sure what is best? Stop by Brimstone Bikes on your way to the trail. Brimstone, located just steps from the lifts near the base of Purgatory, has bike rentals, bike sales, and bike service, plus gear, goodies, and everything you need to get on the trail.

How to get Hermosa Creek Trail conditions

With a wide elevation range and plenty of different exposure aspects, it can be hard to know what the conditions of Hermosa Creek Trail are. Make sure to call the pros at Brimstone Bikes before setting out. Brimstone staff will have all the most up-to-date trail conditions for Hermosa Creek and all the other trails in the region, and can help make recommendations for a day on the trail.