4.7
(18)
1,119
riders
27
rides
Road cycling in Bor - Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area offers routes that traverse varied landscapes, from riverside paths along the Animas River to more open mesa terrain. The region features a mix of flat sections and gradual ascents, with some routes extending towards higher elevations and reservoirs. The area is characterized by its natural park setting, providing a scenic backdrop for road cyclists.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
9
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
12
riders
35.7km
02:00
420m
420m
Cycle the moderate 22.2-mile Florida Mesa loop near Durango, gaining 1379 feet through picturesque rural scenery.

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5.0
(2)
111
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
68
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
59
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Bor - Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area
Dallabetta Park offers super-good views and facilities that are hard to match. The park has picknicking areas, a visitor’s center, and rest rooms. It is also the trailhead for the Animas River Trail.
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Durango, Colorado, is a famous mining town and railroad city that is an outdoor mecca today. There are towns of trails, roads, and paths for outdoor enthusiasts, and riding through downtown gives you a taste of old and new with old buildings and new businesses lining the streets.
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The trail is a flat, paved multi-use path which follows the Animas River through Durango between Oxbow Park to the north and Dallabetta Park to the south. There are plenty of access points to jump on and off the trail and connect with other routes around town.
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Oxbow Park marks the northern terminus of the Animas River Trail. The park is fairly new and features some singletrack paths along the water as well as a restroom and picnic tables.
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This is a fantastic trailhead in the center of downtown Durango. There are restrooms, river access, and plenty of parking. From here you can cross the Fassbinder Bridge to follow the Animas River north or take a left at the water to wind south along the river through Durango.
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Encompassing well over 4 square miles and situated within San Juan National Forest, Vallecito Reservoir is a must-visit if you are out for a bike ride near Durango, Colorado. The long road following the west shore of the lake is paved, and the roads and paths on the east side of the lake are dirt.
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There are over 25 road cycling routes available in Bor - Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area, offering a diverse range of options for cyclists of all skill levels.
The best time for road cycling in Bor - Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area is generally from spring through fall. Summer offers warm weather, while spring and fall provide cooler temperatures and often vibrant scenery, making them ideal for longer rides. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, Bor - Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area offers 13 easy road cycling routes. A great option for beginners or families is the Animas River Trail – Historic Downtown Durango loop from The Home Depot, which is 9.9 miles long and follows the scenic Animas River.
Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 4 difficult routes. Consider the extensive Oxbow Park and Preserve – Animas River Trail loop from Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which covers approximately 140 miles with significant elevation gain.
Many of the road cycling routes in Bor - Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Florida Mesa loop and the Animas River Trail – Durango, Colorado loop from Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The region features varied terrain, from flat riverside paths along the Animas River to open mesa landscapes with rolling hills and gradual ascents. Some routes also extend towards higher elevations and reservoir-adjacent areas, offering a mix of challenges and scenic backdrops.
Parking availability varies by route. Many routes, especially those starting near Durango, offer access to public parking areas. For specific routes, such as the Animas River Trail loop from The Home Depot, you can often find parking at or near the designated starting points.
Yes, many routes offer scenic views. The Animas River Trail routes provide continuous river views, while the Florida Mesa routes offer expansive vistas of the open terrain. Routes extending towards Lake Nighthorse or Vallecito Reservoir also feature picturesque water views.
Given the natural park setting and riverside corridors, it's possible to spot various wildlife, especially on routes that venture away from urban areas. Keep an eye out for birds, deer, and other local fauna, particularly during quieter times of the day.
Routes that pass through or near Durango, such as the Animas River Trail – Durango, Colorado loop, offer numerous opportunities to stop for refreshments, cafes, and restaurants in the historic downtown area. For routes in more rural settings, it's advisable to carry your own supplies.
The road cycling routes in Bor - Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the beautiful scenery, varied terrain, and the well-maintained paths, especially along the Animas River.
Route lengths vary significantly, from shorter rides like the 9.9-mile Animas River Trail – Historic Downtown Durango loop to much longer, challenging routes such as the 138-mile Vallecito Reservoir – Animas River Trail loop.
Yes, the Animas River Trail is a prominent feature of the region's road cycling. Routes like the Animas River Trail – Historic Downtown Durango loop and the Animas River Trail – Durango, Colorado loop offer scenic rides along the river, often through natural park settings and urban edges.


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