Mud Season in Durango: What Locals Actually Do (And Why We Love It)
Every mountain town has mud season — that awkward stretch between ski season ending and summer beginning when the snow melts, the trails turn to mush, and the tourists disappear. In Durango, that's roughly late March through mid-May. And honestly? Locals kind of love it.
It's the quiet season. The town exhales. Lodging prices drop. Restaurants have no wait. You can actually park on Main Avenue. And there's a neighborly energy that's hard to find in peak season — the town feels like it belongs to the people who live here.
What's Open (Everything)
Unlike some ski towns that practically shut down between seasons, Durango is a year-round town with a functioning economy beyond tourism. Downtown Durango is fully operational year-round.
Restaurants, breweries, coffee shops — all open. Steamworks Brewing doesn't close for mud. Zia Taqueria doesn't care what month it is. Carver Brewing and Ska Brewing are pouring year-round. The Durango Coffee Company is open every day.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad starts its summer season in May, but check for early-season trains in late April. The train doesn't run in early mud season (late March through April), but by mid-May it's back on the tracks.
What to Do When Trails Are Muddy
Lower Elevation Trails Dry Out First
Not all trails are muddy. Lower elevation trails — those below 7,500 feet — dry out first and are often hikeable by April. Animas Mountain (the local favorite right in town) is usually good to go by mid-April. The trails around Horse Gulch dry out faster than higher options like Junction Creek or Hermosa.
The Animas River Trail (paved and gravel sections along the river through downtown) is always available year-round. It's a flat, easy walk or ride and offers access to the river, parks, and downtown.
Drive the Million Dollar Highway
Spring is one of the best times to drive the Million Dollar Highway (US-550 from Durango to Ouray). The high passes are dramatic with lingering snow on the peaks, waterfalls starting to flow from snowmelt, and minimal traffic. The road is typically fully open by mid-April.
You'll see snow walls flanking the road on Red Mountain Pass, cascading waterfalls that don't exist in summer, and views of the San Juan peaks still fully covered in snow. It's a different experience than summer — quieter, wilder, and more dramatic. (See our full guide: Driving the Million Dollar Highway in Spring)
Visit Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde National Park is open year-round, and spring is one of the best times to visit — fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and no summer heat. The cliff dwelling tours (Cliff Palace and Balcony House) typically open in late May, but the Mesa Top Loop and museum are open year-round.
The drive to Mesa Verde is about an hour from Durango, making it a perfect mud-season day trip when higher elevation trails are still too wet to ride or hike. (See our full guide: Mesa Verde Day Trip from Durango)
Hot Springs in Pagosa or Ouray
If it's a cold, rainy mud-season day, head to the hot springs. Pagosa Springs (60 miles east on US-160) has the Springs Resort & Spa with 25 soaking pools ranging from 98°F to 114°F right on the San Juan River. Day passes are around $45 per adult.
Ouray (70 miles north on US-550) has the Ouray Hot Springs Pool — a massive public pool fed by sulfur-free hot springs, with temps from 96°F to 106°F. It's open year-round and is one of the best post-hike or post-drive soaks in Colorado.
Brewery Tours & Tasting Rooms
Durango has a thriving brewery scene, and mud season is a great time to explore it without summer crowds. Hit Ska Brewing (known for their Mosa and Euphoria pale ales), Steamworks Brewing (downtown with a full restaurant), Carver Brewing (historic building, solid beers), and Durango Brewing (small batch, rotating taps).
Most tasting rooms are open year-round with regular hours. Grab a flight, order some food, and settle in. It's what locals do when the trails are too muddy to ride.
Check Out Local Events
Mud season is when locals reclaim the town, and that includes local events. Check the Durango Events Calendar for live music, film screenings at the Animas City Theatre, and community events at the Durango Arts Center.
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic (Memorial Day weekend) marks the unofficial end of mud season and the start of summer. It's one of the biggest cycling events in the state, with races, criteriums, and a weekend-long festival atmosphere.
The Upside: Why Locals Love It
Prices Drop
Lodging prices drop significantly during mud season. You can find deals on hotels, vacation rentals, and even our townhomes at Purgatory. If you're flexible with dates and don't mind cooler weather, mud season is the time to visit.
No Crowds
Restaurants have no wait. You can get a table at Ken & Sue's or Homeslice on a Friday night without a reservation. Main Avenue is walkable without dodging summer tourists. The town feels calm and functional.
Local Energy
There's a neighborly energy during mud season that's hard to describe. The people you see at the coffee shop are locals, not tourists. The vibe is relaxed, authentic, and friendly. It's the version of Durango that residents know year-round.
Where to Stay: Basecamp & Timberline
Both of our Purgatory townhomes — Basecamp (110 Door2Lift) and Timberline (122 Ski Home) — are right across from Purgatory Resort and make excellent bases for mud-season trips. Basecamp sleeps eight with a hot tub, pool table, and EV charger. Timberline sleeps six with a hot tub and fireplace.
Purgatory is about 25 miles north of Durango, so you're close to downtown but in the mountains. The ski resort is closed in mud season, but the surrounding area offers hiking, scenic drives, and quiet mountain solitude. And after a day exploring, the hot tub is the perfect way to unwind.
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability at purgatoryunlocked.com
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.
