6 Best Twin Buttes Trails: Walking With Nature in Twin Buttes Durango

The Twin Buttes community in Durango, Colorado, is a real estate gem that offers stunning natural beauty and many recreational opportunities. Nestled amidst the majestic San Juan Mountains, this picturesque region is renowned for its extensive network of trails that attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from near and far. Whether one seeks an adrenaline-pumping mountain biking adventure or a serene hike through the lush wilderness, Twin Buttes' share of Durango's hiking trails cater to diverse preferences.

Upper Ed & Flo Trail

The trails in Twin Buttes are multi-use, but the Upper Ed & Flo Trail is highly recommended for downhill mountain bikers. Upper Ed & Flo is 1.3 miles long, and it rushes down 380 feet in that distance, with a couple of significant drops. It's a very technical ride with many twists and turns. Upper Ed & Flo is a single-track trail, and e-bikes and trail runners are also allowed on it. There are beautiful views as the trail winds through the Ponderosa pines of the area.

Mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, and leashed dogs all share the trail. Runners enjoy it for a short but challenging uphill and downhill jaunt. This is one of the trails on the far western edge of the Twin Buttes development. Due to wildlife in the area, the trail is closed annually from December 1–April 15.

Lower Ed & Flo Trail

Lower Ed & Flo Trail connects directly to Upper Ed & Flo, although it's considered a separate section. This section is 0.7 miles long and steeper than the Upper Ed & Flo Trail, dropping 320 feet in elevation in a shorter distance. Combining the two trails makes for a fun 2-mile run or mountain bike experience. The two trails connect right at a juncture with the Mid Traverse Trail in Twin Buttes. The base of Lower Ed & Flo connects to the Lightner Creek Trail.

This trail has several tight, bermed turns and is rated as an "Intermediate" mountain biking trail. The same rules that apply to the Upper Ed & Flo also apply here. There are several jumps over logs and rocks on the downhill track, but more cautious bikers can easily avoid these.

Lightner Creek Trail

Most of the Durango luxury homes and condos that have been built so far in Twin Buttes are close to the Lightner Creek Trail. The trailhead is near the Speedway Gas Station on Highway 160, and the trailhead runs parallel to the highway for part of the journey. The trail's midpoint runs through the neighborhood and continues for 1.8 miles before ending at Lighter Creek Road, west of the development.

This trail is an easy route for mountain biking or moderate for a hike. Tackling the trail from either end will require some "ups and downs;" the trail features a 190-foot climb and a 64-foot descent, so don't expect a flat journey. It's a dirt and gravel single-track, so hikers should stick to the right side of the trail to accommodate mountain bikers. This trail is open year-round.

Cliffrock Loop Trail

The Cliffrock Loop Trail offers some of the best views out of all the trails in Twin Buttes—rivaling even those of Durango's neighborhoods with the best views. This 2.5-mile multi-use trail is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Leashed dogs are welcome with their owners on the path. This loop begins at the upper end of the main Twin Buttes Trail. The starting point is on the opposite side of the old railroad bed. It features a 286-foot elevation climb, which may not seem like much, but the base of the trail is at more than 7,000 feet elevation. Hikers should adjust their pace accordingly.

People who traverse the Cliffrock Loop Trail will be treated to wonderful views along the way. Hikers will cross through a meadow near the upper part of the loop before heading back down. The Twin Buttes are in sight to the west of the trail. Once the hike reaches the old railbed, turn left to return to the starting point. This trail is closed between December 1 and April 15 for wildlife.

Twin Buttes Trail

The Twin Buttes Trail, a great addition to the outdoor activities in Durango, is a challenging hike that features a 650-foot elevation climb. The trail begins on the north side of Highway 160, near the Speedway Gas Station. It's a 2.2-mile jaunt with many turns and switchbacks as it makes its way up to the base of the Cliffrock Loop Trail. This is a popular single-track trail for mountain bikers, but hikers frequently tackle it as well.

Like many of the trails in the Twin Buttes neighborhood, this one presents opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Bird species in the area include bluebirds, blackbirds, red-tailed hawks, and wrens. Wildlife can include squirrels, turkeys, deer, elk, and the occasional bear. The Twin Buttes trail does not close for the winter season due to area wildlife; many people like snowshoeing there.

The Buttes Trail

The Buttes Trail, as the name implies, is one of the best ways to get an up-close look at the pair of geological structures known as the Twin Buttes. To help avoid confusion between it and the Twin Buttes Trail, it's best to look at the Twin Buttes Trail Map to make it easier to understand the network of interconnecting trails.

To reach the Buttes Trail, hike up the Twin Buttes Trail to where it meets with Cliffrock Loop Trail. Then turn left on the old railbed trail, and that's the Upper BC&F Trail. The .6-mile Buttes Trail splits off to the right while approaching the first mountain and stays on the northeastern side of the mountains. It terminates where it connects to the end of the Upper BC&F Trail and the Upper Ed & Flo Trail. Hikers and mountain bikers can then take the Upper Ed & Flo Trail down to the neighborhood or follow the Upper BC&F Trail back to the starting point.

Get Out on the Trails in Twin Buttes

With its beautiful trails, the Twin Buttes community—one of Durango's best neighborhoods near Lake Nighthorse—is a real estate haven that seamlessly blends natural splendor with outdoor recreational pursuits. The allure of this region lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes but also in its proximity to a wealth of amenities and attractions. Whether one seeks a primary residence, vacation home, or investment opportunity, the Twin Buttes area presents a compelling choice.