Snowshoeing Near Purgatory: Three Trails to Try
Snowshoeing is the perfect counterpoint to skiing — slower, quieter, and a completely different way to experience the winter landscape around Purgatory.
Trail 1: Hermosa Creek
About 20 minutes south of Purgatory on US-550. The trail follows the creek through a pine and aspen valley with gentle terrain. It's peaceful, scenic, and rarely crowded. Two to four miles round trip, depending on your ambition.
Trail 2: Purgatory Flats
Starts near the resort base area. In winter, the flat creekside trail is covered in snow and makes for easy, beautiful snowshoeing. The dense forest provides shelter from wind, and the creek — partially frozen, partially flowing — is gorgeous.
Trail 3: Lime Creek Road
The Forest Service road between Purgatory and Coal Bank Pass is a local favorite for snowshoeing. In winter, the road is unplowed and becomes a wide, gentle trail through dense aspen and spruce forest. The views of the surrounding peaks are excellent.
Gear
Rent snowshoes in Durango if you don't own them. Trekking poles help with balance. Dress in layers — you'll warm up quickly. Bring sunglasses (snow glare is intense) and water.
The Appeal
Snowshoeing gives you the quiet winter mountain experience that skiing's speed and adrenaline can't provide. The crunch of snow underfoot, the silence of the forest, the occasional track of a deer or coyote — it's winter at its most elemental.
Both of our Purgatory townhomes — Basecamp and Timberline — are right across from the resort with hot tubs, EV chargers, and free shuttle access.
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability at purgatory.pretzinger.com
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.