Durango, Colorado, is home to some of the best summer hiking in the Rockies, with rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and crisp mountain air that pulls you in the second you lace up your boots. Whether you’re a seasoned trail hiker or just looking for fresh mountain views, the trails here are designed to impress. Engineer Mountain stands out as one of the most scenic hikes near Durango, drawing outdoor lovers with its panoramic views and high-alpine challenge.
The Engineer Mountain Trail is especially rewarding in summer when wildflowers bloom along the switchbacks and the summit offers views that stretch for miles. It’s a must if you’re looking to make the most of your Colorado summer getaway. Of course, there are plenty more Durango trails to discover, too, with each one giving you a different perspective on this scenic part of the country. While hiking trails like this might be the main reason for your trip, you’ll find so many more incredible things to do in Durango, CO, throughout the summer. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through one of the most scenic gorges in the country, raft the Animas River, race downhill on some of the best mountain biking trails in Colorado, or spend a relaxing afternoon exploring local shops and tasting your way through craft breweries.
Whatever it is that keeps you occupied during the day, there’s no better place to unwind in the evenings than Antlers on the Creek Bed and Breakfast in Durango. This charming hideaway offers a mix of comfort, luxury, and local hospitality that elevates your whole experience. Wake up to gourmet breakfasts, relax in peaceful outdoor spaces, and recharge in cozy rooms designed with every thoughtful detail in mind. It’s located just outside town, so you’ll be close to the adventure while enjoying the kind of restful stay that makes a vacation memorable. Book a room with us today!
Hiking Engineer Mountain: A Classic Durango Trail
The Engineer Mountain Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in southwest Colorado. This is one of the best Durango hiking trails for anyone who’s looking to explore the San Juan Mountains on foot. Located about 35 minutes north of downtown Durango, the trailhead is easily accessed from US Highway 550 near Coal Bank Pass. Whether you’re chasing alpine wildflowers or dramatic summit views, hiking Engineer Mountain delivers a memorable blend of high-country challenge and natural beauty.
The Engineer Mountain Trail spans approximately 13 miles round trip if you go all the way to the summit, with an elevation gain of just over 3,000 feet. That might sound intimidating, but this Durango hike is rewarding at every stage. The first few miles of the trail to Engineer Mountain follow a gradual incline through forested meadows and open clearings dotted with wildflowers during peak summer months. As you climb higher, the trees begin to thin and views of neighboring peaks unfold, with different vantage points to enjoy around every bend. The final stretch to the summit is steep and rocky, but seasoned hikers with sturdy footwear and a bit of determination will find it manageable and exhilarating.
The jagged silhouette of Engineer Mountain is your constant companion as you ascend. Once you reach the summit ridge, you’re greeted with 360-degree views that include the Needle Mountains, Twilight Peaks, and even distant glimpses of the La Plata range. On clear days, the contrast of blue skies, rugged rock, and rolling green valleys is enough to make anyone stop and soak it all in. In the fall, the views from Engineer Mountain become even more breathtaking, with vivid pops of yellow aspens dotting the landscape. With views like this, it’s genuinely no wonder this hike ranks high among the best hikes near Durango.
If you’re not quite up for a summit push, the lower portion of the Engineer Mountain Trail still offers a rewarding out-and-back experience. Many hikers turn around at the alpine saddle, roughly five miles in. From here, you’ll still enjoy expansive views and a satisfying day hike. Regardless of how far you go, the Engineer Mountain Trail offers hikers a full dose of Colorado’s alpine magic, with beauty that will stick with you long after you’ve come back to the Inn for an evening cocktail and a soothing soak in the hot tub.
From Mountain Trails to a Relaxing Stay at Antlers on the Creek
After spending the day exploring Engineer Mountain and pushing through alpine switchbacks, there’s nothing better than returning to a place that makes you feel taken care of. Antlers on the Creek Bed and Breakfast in Durango is exactly that. Tucked just outside Durango, but close enough for easy access to downtown, our Bed and Breakfast offers a quiet, comfortable home base, allowing you to balance outdoor fun with rest and rejuvenation.
The guest rooms at our Durango B&B are thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind, featuring a blend of cozy mountain charm and upscale details. Each room has its own personality, but expect plush bedding, luxurious bathrooms, and even some with private entrances that make your stay feel more like a retreat than a typical hotel experience. Some rooms include jetted tubs or private patios, perfect for a post-hike wind-down. Wake up to the sound of the nearby creek and enjoy a multi-course gourmet breakfast before heading out to tackle another day of Durango hikes.
Guests love the extras that set Antlers apart from other places to stay in Durango, CO. Afternoon treats and beverages, beautifully landscaped grounds, a fire pit for cool evenings, a hot tub to soothe those post-hike feet, and spaces to sit and soak in the mountain air all add to the experience. The hospitality here is warm and genuine, with a team that knows the area well and is happy to help you plan your perfect day in Durango. Whether you’re asking about the best place for tacos in town or how to get to the Engineer Mountain trailhead, you’ll get insider tips that make your trip more memorable.
This summer, give yourself the chance to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy the comforts of a place that feels curated just for you. Book your summer trip to Durango today!
