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Hesperus, Colorado

Top Spots in and near Hesperus

  • Durango, Colorado

    Mountain Bike in Dalla Mountain Park

    4 mi
    The Dalla Park shares a trailhead and parking lot with the Animas Mountain trail, frequently used for hiking and trail running. There is plenty of room in this lot, as well as several picnic tables. Immediately after crossing through the gate, the trail divides. The bike park takes up the south a...
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  • Durango, Colorado

    Hike the Animas Mountain Trail

    5.9 mi / 1535 ft gain
    The Animas Mountain Trail is a 6 mile loop trail, easily accessible from town, and best used from March until October. In the early spring and late fall, it is advised to bring YakTrax or similar in case there are icy patches on the trail. This trail is located in the San Juan National Forest nea...
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  • Durango, Colorado

    Hike the Colorado Trail to Gudy's Rest

    4.0
    8.1 mi / 1400 ft gain
    This hike, a local favorite is less than five miles from downtown Durango. The entire hike offers beautiful views especially once your reach the top of Gudy's Rest. The trail starts off with a gradual uphill along Junction Creek. On this section of the trail, you will likely run into locals proba...
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  • Durango, Colorado

    Hike the Falls Creek Loop

    4.5
    4.1 mi / 393 ft gain
    The Falls Creek Loop is a 4.1 mile trail in the San Juan National Forest, just outside of Durango, Colorado. Lots of side trails jut out from the main trail, and it is easy to lose your way. Take the middle trail at the first split, and keep following the main splits. You will find yourself on a ...
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  • Durango, Colorado

    Drive the San Juan Skyway from Durango to Ouray

    4.7
    The drive from Durango to Ouray via Colorado 550 (The San Juan Skyway) is one of the most gorgeous roads in the country. The drive itself is worth your time, but if you have time be sure to make stops along the way at the many waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes along the road. This drive passes...
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  • Durango, Colorado

    Trimble Hot Springs

    4.3
    The Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs offers a 101-105 degree, Olympic size swimming pool, in addition to two mineral pools, saunas, and a spa. Lodging is available as well, including a 'couple's hideaway' package.
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  • Durango, Colorado

    Hike the First Fork/Red Creek Loop

    9.8 mi / 2195 ft gain
    Leaving from Durango, head north on Florida Road/CR 240. From the intersection with County Road 250 (the last stoplight), drive about 8 miles until you reach Colvig Summer Camp. Turn northwest here. The road will soon narrow and turn to dirt - continue straight. 1 mile further, there will be a la...
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  • La Plata County, Colorado

    Soak at Pinkerton Hot Spring

    5.0
    The Million Dollar Highway in Southern Colorado is a scenic mountain drive with many beautiful sights.  Pinkerton hot springs is located on the side of the highway just outside of Durango, Colorado.  There is a small pullout area for parking with a plaque explaining the history of the area and th...
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  • Hesperus, Colorado

    Summit Centennial Peak in the La Plata Mountains via Sharkstooth Trailhead

    6 mi / 2162 ft gain
    From the western end of the town of Mancos, follow CR 42 north until it enters the national forest and becomes FR 561. Go right on FR 350 and keep right at any junctions (there are two of them) until you reach the signed Sharkstooth Trailhead about 19 miles from Mancos.  Enjoy your drive through ...
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  • Durango, Colorado

    Hike Goulding Creek

    4.0
    5.9 mi / 2122 ft gain
    This trailhead is only about 15 miles from Durango on Highway 550. Look out for Glacier Club/Tamarron on your right, and soon after (about a mile) there is a small dirt turn-off on the opposite side of the highway. There is one other turn off on the west side of the highway in this stretch, but i...
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  • Mancos, Colorado

    Camp at Morefield Campground

    Morefield Campground is located 4 miles inside of Mesa Verde National Park. There are 267 sites in the campground, and it has tent-only loops. There are also 15 full-hookup RV sites, with many more able to fit RVs. Reservations are recommended, but are not required; the full-hookup sites are the ...
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  • Mancos, Colorado

    Hike Point Lookout Trail

    5.0
    2.3 mi / 400 ft gain
    This trail is located within Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park. The parking lot also serves as the parking lot for the amphitheater, so it's pretty huge - unless there's a program going on you shouldn't have to worry about finding a spot.  The trail starts out nice and level, facin...
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  • Bayfield, Colorado

    Cross country Ski around Vallecito Lake

    Drive north from Durango on Florida Rd, following signs to Lemon and Vallecito Reservoirs. Florida Road will turn into County Road 250. Follow this for 15 miles out of town until you reach County Road 501 - make a left turn here.  Soon, you'll reach the dam. Turn right to begin driving around the...
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  • Mancos, Colorado

    Hike the Knife Edge Trail

    2 mi / 20 ft gain
    The Knife Edge Trail leaves from a small parking lot located in Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park. It's definitely an easy trail, but it is perfect for the entire family. It offers an unhindered view westward, so it is a prime place to catch the sunset in the park, especially if yo...
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  • Aztec, New Mexico

    Explore Aztec Ruins National Monument

    Stop at the visitor center first then take your time walking the trails and exploring the different rooms, especially the great house. This National Monument is a Unesco World Heritage site.
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  • Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

    Explore Balcony House

    5.0
    0.5 mi
    Starting at the trail head at 7,000 feet, you will head down the trail until you get to the cliff dwellings. There will be a wooden ladder you will have to climb, a recreation of the ladder used hundreds of years ago by the tribes living there. Once you get to the top of the ladder, the trail wil...
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Camping and Lodging in Hesperus

Transfer Group Campground
Mancos, Colorado

Transfer Group Campground

Florida Campground (Co)
Durango, Colorado

Florida Campground (Co)

Haviland Lake Campground
Durango, Colorado

Haviland Lake Campground

Morefield Campground
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Morefield Campground

From $33 / night

Graham Creek Campground
Bayfield, Colorado

Graham Creek Campground

Pine Point Campground
Bayfield, Colorado

Pine Point Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Hesperus

Visiting Old Friends

Visiting Old Friends

Sarah Ortegon

Beautiful Lodging in America’s Most Unique National Park

Beautiful Lodging in America’s Most Unique National Park

The Outbound Collective

10 Photos of Mesa Verde National Park's Stunning Landscape

10 Photos of Mesa Verde National Park's Stunning Landscape

The Outbound Collective

Why You Should Explore These Incredible Cliff Dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park

Why You Should Explore These Incredible Cliff Dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park

Christin Healey

6 Amazing Adventures in Mesa Verde National Park

6 Amazing Adventures in Mesa Verde National Park

Haley Baker

The Quietest Ski Town: Silverton, Colorado

The Quietest Ski Town: Silverton, Colorado

Holly Mandarich