Over the course of more than three decades in education, Daniel "Dan" Snowberger has worked as a classroom teacher, principal, and district administrator. Since 2012, he has held his current position as superintendent of schools for Colorado's Durango School District 9-R. Outside of work, Dan Snowberger enjoys spending time boating, camping, and hiking.
While Colorado as a whole is great for outdoor adventuring, the southwestern portion of the state is particularly well-known for its varied landscapes and excellent hiking opportunities. The city of Durango is within an hour's drive of more than 100 miles of hiking trails that cover everything from high-desert and high-mountain terrain to pine and aspen forests.
One of the most popular hiking spots in the Durango area is the Animas Mountain Trail. Locals and visitors alike visit the trail throughout the year for a moderately difficult day hike that loops around six miles east of the Animas River. The trail gains an elevation of just over 1,500 feet and offers beautiful views of mountains and the nearby city of Durango.
For something a little more strenuous, hikers can head to Engineer Mountain, a 13,000-foot peak in the San Juan Mountains. The trail to the summit covers just under 13 miles and gains over 3,100 feet in elevation. With its high elevation, Engineer Mountain is best for hiking in the summer months, when warmer weather arrives and the wildflowers are in bloom throughout the area.
Some of the other top Durango hiking trails include the short Spud Lake Trail and the long but easily accessible Hermosa Creek Trail. The Falls Creek Loop offers another great trek, particularly for those interested in a short, scenic hike suitable for most ages and ability levels.
While Colorado as a whole is great for outdoor adventuring, the southwestern portion of the state is particularly well-known for its varied landscapes and excellent hiking opportunities. The city of Durango is within an hour's drive of more than 100 miles of hiking trails that cover everything from high-desert and high-mountain terrain to pine and aspen forests.
One of the most popular hiking spots in the Durango area is the Animas Mountain Trail. Locals and visitors alike visit the trail throughout the year for a moderately difficult day hike that loops around six miles east of the Animas River. The trail gains an elevation of just over 1,500 feet and offers beautiful views of mountains and the nearby city of Durango.
For something a little more strenuous, hikers can head to Engineer Mountain, a 13,000-foot peak in the San Juan Mountains. The trail to the summit covers just under 13 miles and gains over 3,100 feet in elevation. With its high elevation, Engineer Mountain is best for hiking in the summer months, when warmer weather arrives and the wildflowers are in bloom throughout the area.
Some of the other top Durango hiking trails include the short Spud Lake Trail and the long but easily accessible Hermosa Creek Trail. The Falls Creek Loop offers another great trek, particularly for those interested in a short, scenic hike suitable for most ages and ability levels.
