One of the highlights of living in Southwest Colorado is the hundreds of miles of trails right in our backyard. There are so many options for beginners and advanced outdoor enthusiasts. However, because Durango experiences all four seasons, there are a few months where the trails become a little (or a lot!) muddy. Below we’ll talk about why this happens and best practices for respecting the trails during mud season.
Mud Season
Aptly named, mud season is when the spring runoff from melting snow and spring rain turns our dirt trails into muddy bogs. Typically between March & May, mud season affects much of our region. The nights are still below freezing but the warmer temperatures and sunlight thaw frozen ground most days. This year, due to the lack of snow and abnormally warm temperatures, both in-town and National Forest trails may be too muddy for recreational activities. Trail running, mountain biking, overlanding, backcountry skiing, and horseback riding can all get a little messy.
Respecting the Trails
It’s important to check trail conditions during this in-between season; using muddy trails can cause avoidable damage that will affect summer use. Ruts and soil displacement make trail usage harder for future users but also can affect the natural flora, which can take years to regrow. Additionally, riding on muddy trails can also cause damage to your bike and its components. Durango Trails, a local non-profit organization that builds and maintains trails, offers regularly updated trail conditions as well as other updates for planning ahead. As an alternative, consider sticking to paved paths such as the Animas River Trail or traveling south or west where the climate is usually drier and warmer.
We totally understand it’s hard to stay away from our amazing trail systems, but warm weather and dry trails are just around the corner! Luckily, Durango and the surrounding areas have some great alternatives including indoor activities when the weather isn’t cooperating. For more local information and things to do, please don’t hesitate to contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group - we would love to be your Southwest Colorado guides!
