With an abundance of breathtaking scenery, thrilling outdoor activities, and unique locations to explore, Durango is memorable and inspiring when Winter comes to town. If you've come for a fun, family-friendly adventure, Durango is truly the right town.
With hundreds of miles of trails, over 400 inches of annual snowfall, and more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, Durango has something for everyone in the family.
For an exciting Winter adventure for the whole family, we've created a four-day itinerary full of inspiring outdoor activities:
Day 1
Start the day off with breakfast at a local favorite: CJ's Diner, a traditional American diner serving up some of the best breakfast in town. With a friendly and cozy environment, you'll definitely leave with a full stomach and a warm heart.
After breakfast, head out on highway 550 towards Purgatory Mountain Resort, making sure to enjoy the views along the way. Stop at the Nordic Skiing Center just north of the Purgatory entrance where you can explore 20 kilometers of scenic forest trails, groomed for classic cross-country, and snow tubing. Day passes and rentals are available there.
Head back into town, grab a bite to eat at Switchback, another local favorite that serves traditional Mexican street food and fresh cocktails. Switchback also has an extensive and just as delicious vegan menu for those that are plant-based.
Afterward, take a walk around Main Avenue and over to Second Avenue and explore some of the local stores like 2nd Ave Sports, a local bike and ski shop, with a very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
After a hard day of outdoor activity the perfect way to end it is with a hardy meal. Animas Brewing Company, a microbrewery serving great beer and Irish influenced food with lots of gluten-friendly options.
Day 2
Another day of adventure is ahead today! Start the morning off with a quick bite and coffee from Bread, a local bakery and eatery that's become a fixture in the outdoor community in Durango.
After breakfast head out again on highway 550 for a day of skiing at Purgatory Mountain Resort. Gear rentals and lift tickets can be found at the base area. Purgatory boasts over 1,600 skiable acres and amazing views of the San Juans. Once everyone's had their fill of powder turns, head down to the base to Purgy's and grab some post-shred lunch.
Head back down to Main Street to Animas Chocolate Company for a hot chocolate and a treat because a long day of skiing deserves something special. Afterward, explore Main Avenue, head to Maria's Bookshop, and check out some guidebooks and trail maps.
For dinner, head down a couple of blocks to 11th Street Station for a fun night of live music and food trucks with options for everyone.
Day 3
Another big day of romping outside is ahead and starts with a hearty breakfast from another local favorite at College Drive Cafe.
Head to 2nd Avenue Sports after breakfast for some fat bike rentals and head out to shred some local trails. Horse Gulch is perfect for Winter fat biking and can be accessed from the shop.
Ride back into town and stop at RGP's for a lunch worthy of post Winter fat biking hunger. It's a great cycling-oriented cafe perfect to end a bike ride.
Drop the bikes back off and explore Main Avenue after lunch, be sure to check out the local artwork, gear shops, and bookstores.
Head over to Chapman Hill for some ice skating or an easy day skiing.
Finish a long day of playing outside with dinner at Nayarit, a local restaurant serving traditional-style Mexican food.
Day 4
Start your last day off right with donuts from Durango Doughworks.
Head north on Main Avenue to the Ski Barn for snowshoe rentals and a fun Winter hike. Head out on highway 550 towards Molas Pass Summit. Snowshoeing on segment 25 of the Colorado Trail (across the road from the summit lookout) is a safe hike with beautiful views.
Head back to town and drop off your gear at Ski Barn and grab lunch at Serious Texas BBQ, just a couple blocks north of the gear shop.
After lunch, pony up for an evening old-fashioned sleigh ride!
Top off your Winter adventure with dinner at El Moro Tavern, a former saloon during Durango's mining era and now a new-American eatery.
