Animas River Trail

The Animas River Trail begins at the Purgatory Trailhead (~8,800') in the San Juan National Forest, accessed from US Highway 550 at the Purgatory ski area approximately 26 miles north of Durango. Follow the Animas River Trail south through the Weminuche Wilderness, descending gradually along the Animas River corridor through mixed conifer forest and open riverside sections. The trail follows the river drainage closely for most of its length, with modest elevation changes along the valley floor. At approximately 18.6 miles, the trail reaches the Needleton area and the junction with the Chicago Basin Trail — from here, follow the Chicago Basin Trail northeast approximately 6 miles to Chicago Basin (~11,000'). The route can also be used in reverse as the exit from a Chicago Basin trip, finishing at Purgatory rather than catching the D&SNG return train. The river corridor can have high water during spring snowmelt; confirm current conditions before departing.