For its close proximity to town, the Hafflin Creek trail is a solid dose of big-mountain riding. Highlighted by five miles of downhill with a variety of scenery and conditions, it’s a stellar ride often overlooked by the other great options around Durango.

But what comes down, first goes up. From Forest Service Road 071, atop the Durango Hill subdivision, you must climb about two miles before you reach the trail head, with a few key turns to get you there.

Once at the trail sign, you get an idea at where you are, high on a mountain ridge overlooking the Animas River valley, staring at the eastern face of the La Plata Mountains.

This entire area burned in 2002 – during the 70,000 plus acre Missionary Ridge fires – leaving behind a scorched landscape that is now rejuvenating, but the charred skeletons of dead trees still stand their lonely guard over the majestic, steep creek drainage. Part eerie, part beautiful, drop in and the trail blazes down mountain sides, swerves through bedrock arroyos, dashes in and out of side draws and cuts the undergrowth like a machete.

Adding to the excitement are the widow makers – those trees come down, so be prepared for fallen timber.

As the trail comes closer to the valley floor the grade remains and some exposure gets intense, where a fall would be costly. Negotiating red rock dusty cliffs, it rips wildly. Local enduro pros test their skills around bends with shocking speed. By the time you’re down, the stillness is almost awkward.

This ride can be done from town, or some may opt to be dropped off up top for the ride and then pedal the five miles back home on a scenic country road, many just shuttle. Shaking out their hands and getting in another lap.

bmathis@bcimedia.com