From the wilderness boundary, hike north along the east side of Lima Mesa past Silver Lake and up to the summit of Mountain View Crest. This easy day hike or overnight camp is great for children, offering fishing and picnic spots and plenty of places to camp. Beaver ponds exist along this journey and children have the chance to feel the toothmarks in Aspen stumps. When reaching the trout-filled lake, the trail may be followed in either direction. Children may explore the banks and find strawberries and raspberries.
Local campsites are available and no camping permits are required.
For a good half-day, advanced hike through deep woods, Haflin Canyon takes you up from the Animas Valley through nearly 3,000 feet of ascent, almost always through trees. The hike also illustrates different climatic zones and associated forestation, staring among the pinion, junipers and oak brush, reaching a level of Ponderosa Pine, and traveling through the quaking Aspen before reaching spruce and fir forests. This trail rises above the creek, crosses and reached to top of the ridge above the stream source for a good view of the river valley below. From Durango, head east on 32nd Street and travel to the end, turning left on County Road 250. This hike offers an excellent chance to explore part of the 469-mile Colorado Trail.