Haviland Lake loop from Haviland Lake SWA
Haviland Lake loop from Haviland Lake SWA
3.2
(9)
89
riders
Haviland Lake loop from Haviland Lake SWA
01:09
17.9km
240m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Tips
The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 8.92 km for 65 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4 m
Haviland Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
8.95 km
Elbert Creek & Castle Rock Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
17.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.4 km
3.32 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
17.7 km
133 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,690 m)
Lowest point (2,480 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 26 June
18°C
7°C
68 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're eyeing the Haviland Lake loop from Haviland Lake SWA for a touring cycling adventure, you might want to hit the brakes. While Komoot lists it as a moderate 11.1-mile (17.9 km) route with 799 feet (243 metres) of elevation gain, estimated to take around 1 hour and 9 minutes, this trail is actually better suited for mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding due to its rugged terrain. It's a route that promises beautiful alpine scenery, but not on a traditional touring bike.
What to expect on Haviland Lake loop from Haviland Lake SWA
Don't let the "loop" in the name fool you; this isn't a smooth ride for traditional touring bikes. You'll encounter primarily unpaved singletrack trails winding through an alpine environment within the San Juan National Forest. Expect sections that can be rocky or feature steep climbs, and even the easier Haviland Lake Shoreline Trail can become marshy on the far side. The scenery is beautiful, with ponderosa pine forests and views of the lake and the Hermosa Cliffs, but the terrain demands a bike with wider tires and suspension. At over 8,000 feet, you'll also need to be acclimated to the altitude.
Planning your visit
Given the trail conditions, traditional touring cyclists should consider alternatives like the paved Animas River Trail in the broader Durango area. For those on mountain bikes or on foot, the Haviland Lake area offers diverse recreation. The trails are generally open year-round, but always check local conditions, especially for snow or mud, before heading out. Parking is available at the Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area, which is a popular outdoor destination.
Trail details
- Distance: 11.1 miles (17.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 799 feet (243 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 9 minutes
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