Animas River Trail — Durango, Colorado

AddressAnimas River Trail, Durango, CO 81301 (multiple access points; Rotary Park / Santa Rita Park)

HoursOpen year-round; city parks and open spaces close at midnight per City of Durango facility pages. Trail length is described as about 7 miles by Visit Durango (7.1 miles at Santa Rita; some city materials say 8-9 miles including newer sections) — length varies by source and is not stated as a single verified figure. Restrooms at most parks along the trail are subject to seasonal winter closure except Santa Rita Park and Rotary Park, per Visit Durango parks page. Checked 2026-11-05.

PricesFree

Price notesFree public trail. No pass required.

Age notesPaved shared-use river trail through the city, suitable for strollers, balance bikes, and walkers of all ages; families commonly walk short park-to-park segments rather than the full length.

BookingNo reservation; multiple access points at city parks along the river.

Suggested timeAbout 2 hours

AccessibilityVisit Durango's official accessibility page describes the Animas River Trail as one of the most accessible trails in the region and lists wheelchair-accessible fishing piers (Riverfront Park), accessible restrooms and accessible parking at Santa Rita Park section. Paved surface per Visit Durango trail page.

ParkingFree parking at trailhead parks including Santa Rita Park, Rotary Park and Oxbow Park per official tourism/city pages; availability varies by access point.

Seasonal notesStanding flags from collection: most City-park restrooms along the trail close seasonally in winter EXCEPT at Santa Rita Park and Rotary Park (Visit Durango parks page). Official sources disagree on total length (about 7 miles per Visit Durango; 7.1 at Santa Rita; up to ~9 miles counting newer sections) - no single length is asserted.