Junction Creek Trail in Durango! Easy & Beautiful San Juans 4x4 Overlanding or Camping Trip

This video is a little out of character as it is a straight up trail review... no camping, no real overlanding and unfortunately no cocktails. I know that's going to be a disappointment for most of you. I wasn't planning on hitting a trail this day, but the fishing plans went out the window, so I had to improvise. Thankfully when you are in Durango there are plenty of options and I would certainly suggest taking your 4x4 up Junction Creek trail if you get the chance. As you will see it is not a technical trail, but what it lacks in difficulty it makes up for in spectacular views. This gives you the ability to get out of town for a few hours to cool off while letting your tires play in the dirt or showing your family the best side of the outdoors without the risk of difficult obstacles.
It spans about 20 miles one way and it is an out and back. You literally take a road out of town until it changes to dirt, becoming Junction Creek trail. It doesn't take time for the forest to surround you as you gain elevation. About 7 miles in there is a pull-off for an overlook where there are bathrooms and picnic tables that you can enjoy snacks and a drink while looking down on the town of Durango. After this point you can tell the trail gets used a little less and primitive campsites start to pop up. If you see a spur it is likely worth your time to explore it as it is probably a campsite if you are looking to spend the night.
On this day it rained about 80% of the time which unfortunately obscured a lot of the views for me on the way up but the weather cleared for me on the way back down. There are parts where it turns into a shelf road and it gives you the ability to look out over the San Juan mountains. I imagine given the close proximity to town this trail is busy on the weekends, but on this summer weekday I did not see a single other vehicle, which is promising. All the campsites that I came across were available.
There is also plenty of hiking in the area, including the Colorado Trail. It would seem people bring their horses to this trail as well, but I forgot mine at home. Basically what I'm trying to say is that this is a beautiful area and with all the trails you could easily spend a couple days up here on an overland trip or just an after afternoon with the family. If you are looking to do a little exploring, without needing lockers, Junction Creek would be a fantastic way to see the area. And remember, What’s Your GOL?
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[@DougieBStlmo]

Several times over the years, we drove to the end of the road, parked, and turned left and traversed a talus slope to reach Kennebeck Pass. There is a mining ruins after a short climb from a parking area (it is accessible by high-clearance vehicles from hwy 160, via La Plata Canyon Road).
The northward views from the parking area are some of my favorites of the SanJuan range. Also,the 4WD road continues up a shelf road to “The Notch” with incomparable views of N. Durango.

[@grandeoverland6787]

Thank you for the extra info about the area. Just wish I was back over there so I could put it to use. Knowledge is key and it sounds like you have plenty of it.

[@BrianVonClick]

Is there parking for trailered vehicles at the trail head? I’ll be in the area this June.

[@grandeoverland6787]

If I remember correctly there are 2 gravel lots that should work well for a trailer at the beginning of the trail.

[@stevesmith3556]

Where's Dewie!!!

[@grandeoverland6787]

Funny you say that. When I went to edit the video I started to wonder where he was. Dewey was on the trip, so I'm also a little confused.