City of Durango

CHAPMAN HILL ACCESS: In Durango, follow E. Third Ave. northeast to merge with Florida Rd. (CR #240). Continue .4 mi. and turn right into the north end of Chapman Hill Ski Area parking lot. The trail is located between two green buildings past the fence's north end. Take the single track just south of the larger green building.

FORT LEWIS COLLEGE ACCESS: In Durango, follow E. Third Ave. northeast to merge with Florida Rd. (CR 240). Continue 1.7 mi., turning right onto College Drive. Follow uphill for 1 mi. and take 2nd right west onto Rim Dr. Follow for .5 mi. to edge of mesa. Turn left into the first dirt parking area to your right. Or turn right and follow Rim Dr. north to Lion's Den where off-road parking is available on left.

DIRECTIONS: From Chapman, the trail heads north uphill, crossing 3 water bars. Stay to left at the fork and go along power line to 1st switchback. Then climb up switchbacks to Lion's Den, a long and stone structure built in the 30s, which offers great views. City playgrounds and barrier-free restrooms are located .5 mi. south. Trail then heads south on west side of Rim Dr. beside Hillcrest Golf Course to top of Chapman Ski Hill. Then it drops steeply north back to the parking lot.