To complete our two week stint in Durango, we rode a few loops at Twin Buttes, did a giant gravel loop called Strada de la Plata, and rode again out in Horse Gulch.
Strada de la Plata
This gravel route clocked in at 56.9 miles with 5,021′ of climbing. The ride took us through several beautiful back country roads, most of them gravel, in what felt like a true tour of the countryside. We crossed over through Bayfield at one point and then climbed climbed climbed. My only complaint was the last section of paved road down Florida. I wasn’t a fan of the small shoulder and high speeds of the cars. If we did this again, I’d find a way to stay off that road.
Twin Buttes and Horse Gulch
Twin Buttes is nice because you get plenty of climbing and great views in such a short loop. The descents are fun with quite a few little features to check out, and the singletrack is truly single. Tight and twisty downhills keep your reflexes sharp! One big loop is too short, so we did two loops.
As for Horse Gulch, these town trails are some of the best. We did a repeat of climbing Powerline and Skyline, and descending Sugar and Cuchillo trails but then we added on some new to us trails to that loop. Rocky Road trail and Wilke’s Way were both fun sections as well.
I’m going to miss our quiet, secluded camp spot here, it has been a perfect gem. We’re saying goodbye to our friends here and moving on to Moab, UT for awhile. We have ridden and camped in Moab a lot, but are adding at least one new this time. The Whole Enchilada should be fun!!!!
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