Overend Mountain Park is Durango’s in-town playground for mountain bikers, tucked into the hills on the western edge of the city, about two miles from downtown. This city-owned open space covers around 300 acres of forested gullies and ridges, rising from roughly 6,500 to nearly 7,500 feet, with more than a dozen miles of singletrack.

Most of the riding is intermediate: buttery, twisting trails with short, punchy climbs, berms and the odd jump. Ella Vita is a favourite flowy loop, Brown’s Ridge has a jump line and Star Wars is a popular steep descent. For a real test, Perin’s Gulch climbs to Hogsback, a steep, loose and rocky ascent with lovely views over town; its very top is hike-only.

Trailheads sit at Leyden Street, Crestview Street and Hidden Valley Circle, and the city also suggests parking at the Manna Soup Kitchen on Avenida del Sol and riding up Ella Vita Court. Uphill riders have right of way, stay on established trails, and keep dogs on a lead.

Summer and autumn are the main riding seasons, and the park has typically stayed open through the 1 December to 15 April wildlife closures that shut some nearby areas. Check what’s open first, then settle in for a ride on Durango’s doorstep.

Trail conditions can change quickly in the mountains, always check current conditions before heading out.