Overend Mountain Park Trail System

The most intricate and variable trail network in the Durango area, the Overend Mountain Park Trail System has much to offer casual visitors and athletes looking to take their training to the next level. The trail system can be accessed at multiple points at the edges of Durango’s westernmost neighborhood. 

Named after Ned Overend, a world-class cyclist, and Durango legend, the Trail System is a local favorite for mountain bikers. 

Visitors can hike, trail run, mountain bike, and bird watching. 

During the winter, the Overend Mountain Park Trail System becomes the go-to for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. 

Things to Do in the Overend Mountain Park Trail System

Hiking

There are a jaw-dropping 14 trails to choose from in this area, and all have a signature flare that mountain athletes will surely appreciate. With multiple signs posted along trail forks, you don’t have to be a master navigator to get by.

Check out Hogsback, Graben’s loop, and Hidden Valley trails for a vertical challenge. These are the most strenuous trails but offer the most remarkable vistas. 

Check out Brown's Ridge Trail for an easy hike that snakes along a lazy ridgeline. 

Mountain Biking

Overend Mountain Park Trail System is one of the crown jewels of mountain bike culture in Durango. With buttery smooth dirt tracks, sharp turns, and sheer drops, the trail system has much to offer cyclists of any ability. 

For an exciting downhill experience, try the Star Wars Trail in the middle of the trail system. 

Bird Watching

As with all locations in Durango, the Overend Mountain Park Trail System has a lot to offer bird watchers with keen eyes and a good set of binoculars. 

Try Perin’s Gulch Trail or Hogsback Trail for the best vantage points. You might find yourself at eye level with a soaring falcon or hawk if you're lucky. 

Cross-Country Skiing Snowshoeing

A hidden gem in the winter, the Overend Mountain Park Trail System is frequented by cross-country skiers and snowshoers alike. An avid winter athlete could spend an entire day exploring the western woods behind Durango with appropriate gear and knowledge of the trail system (some trail markers may be covered). 

Be aware of avalanche safety and best practices, and remember that mountain slopes are not the only place where avalanches can occur. 

Maps and Site Resources

• An overview of the Overend Mountain Park Trail System via durangotrails.org

• Info on the Perin’s Gulch Trail via durangotrails.org

• Info on the Hogsback Trail via durangotrails.org

• A guide for mountain bikers provided by the Singletracks website.

• Detailed maps of the trail system via alltrails.com

Travel Tips for Overend Mountain Park Trail System

• Always bring plenty of water and food with you on your trip. 

• The sun is much stronger at higher altitudes, so apply and reapply sunscreen liberally every two hours.

• Be aware that predators are known to stalk the area at dusk. 

Care for Durango

• Please pack out all trash and waste, including your pet's waste.

• If you’re biking, be mindful of foot traffic. 

• Follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.

• Dogs must be leashed or otherwise physically restrained. Do not leave pets unattended.

• Do not pick the wildflowers. 

• Do not engage with or feed the wildlife. 

• When walking next to ridgeline-adjacent neighborhoods, please be quiet for the nearby homeowners.