Durango is a vast, mountainous state in north-central Mexico, spanning the pine forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental down to the arid plains of the Bolsón de Mapimí. Its colonial capital, Victoria de Durango, is renowned for baroque architecture and a Hollywood-era legacy as the backdrop for dozens of classic Westerns, while the surrounding countryside offers dramatic mountain highways, desert curiosities, and small mining towns.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Mexiquillo Waterfall and Pine Forest Trail
A network of forest paths through pine and fir woodland in the Sierra Madre Occidental, winding past sculpted volcanic rock formations, small lakes and the Mexiquillo waterfall, with century-old unfinished railway tunnels along part of the route.
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2
Espinazo del Diablo Highway Overlook Trail
A chain of short roadside walks to miradores along one of Mexico's most dramatic mountain highways, perched between two deep barrancas of the Sierra Madre Occidental with sweeping views over pine-forested peaks.
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3
Canon de Fernandez River Trail (El Mulato)
A Chihuahuan Desert canyon trail beginning at the village of El Mulato that follows the Nazas River, passing rock formations and rolling scrubland with spots to wade in the river.
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4
La Michilia Biosphere Reserve Nature Trail (Piedra Herrada)
A UNESCO biosphere reserve of pine-oak forest and desert scrub between the Sierra Michis and Sierra Urica, reached via the Piedra Herrada research station, with unmarked ejido trails through habitat for deer, coyote and black bear.
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5
Cerro del Mercado Iron Hill Trail
A walking path up the iron-ore hill that rises over downtown Durango city, reaching a viewpoint above the open-pit mine workings that have been worked since 1828.
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6
El Saltito Waterfall Trail
A short walk to a triple-tier waterfall on a tributary of the Mezquital River near Nombre de Dios, with pools to wade in near the base during the wetter months.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.