Colorado Trail to Gudy’s Rest is a beautiful woodland hike not far from downtown Durango, CO. Lovely laid-back hike with a bench awaiting you at the top filled with sweeping views of the valley below.
The hike begins at the Colorado Trail Head, or you can drive another mile up Junction Creek Road and catch the trail to Gudy’s Rest from there.
We choose to drive the extra mile after finding the parking area for the Colorado Trail full at 7:30 am. This area is pretty popular with the locals of Durango!
It’s August, and it is humid with monsoon moisture. It is pretty warm early in the morning, which was a surprise. I’m not fond of humidity! However, the trail is green and lush with a few sprinkles of wildflowers from all the rains this year.
>>> CLICK HERE for practical gear that we love at Crazy About Colorado and have in our backpacks on every hike.
We’ve been hiking on a gentle up-and-down trail through the forest until crossing Junction Creek then everything changed.
A steady incline from here on numerous switchbacks into the sunlight as we progressed higher up. Nothing too strenuous, so still a trail anyone can do with a little extra effort.
GUDY’S REST
Gudy’s Rest, a bench with a view! Welcome breezes fill the air as we sit a bit at the end of our hike.
Several backpackers stopped, and it was a thrill to hear their stories. They are anxious and excited, as they only have 4 miles left of their Colorado Trail thru-hike.
>>> Colorado Trail is also known as the CT. (Denver to Durango 486 miles)
This is the perfect trail if you are looking for a short hike to get outside. Trail runners, hikers, kids, it’s for anyone.
Enjoy! Thumbs up for hiking to Gudy’s Rest.
TIDBITS
8 miles out and back
Moderate (easy grade) for all hiking levels
Start at Colorado Trail on Junction Creek Road
San Juan Wilderness
Open year-round
Dogs ok
Restroom
5 miles from downtown Durango, CO
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