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. When your legs are toasted from skiing or you just need a break from the adrenaline, strapping on snowshoes and walking into the silent winter forest is the move. Here are three excellent snowshoe trails within 30 minutes of Purgatory, ranging from easy creek-side strolls to higher-elevation forest loops.
Trail 1: Hermosa Creek Trail
Location: About 10 miles north of Durango on US-550 (roughly 20 minutes south of Purgatory)
Distance: 2-8 miles round trip (you choose how far you go)
Elevation: 8,400 feet at trailhead
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Hermosa Creek Trail is a local favorite for winter snowshoeing. The trail follows Hermosa Creek through a pine and aspen valley with gentle, rolling terrain. In summer, this trail extends 20+ miles deep into the San Juan Mountains, but in winter, most snowshoers turn around after 2-4 miles and head back to the trailhead.
The appeal is the scenery and the solitude. The creek is partially frozen in winter, with open stretches of flowing water creating beautiful ice formations along the banks. The forest is dense enough to provide shelter from wind, and the valley views open up in spots to reveal the surrounding peaks.
Wildlife sightings are common — elk, deer, and snowshoe hares leave tracks in the fresh snow, and if you're lucky (and quiet), you might spot them on the trail.
The trailhead has parking and signage, making it easy to find. The elevation is moderate (8,400 feet), so altitude isn't a major concern. This is a great option for families, first-time snowshoers, or anyone looking for a peaceful winter walk without steep climbs or technical challenges.
Trail 2: Purgatory Flats (Cascade Creek Trail)
Location: Near Purgatory Resort base area
Distance: 1-3 miles round trip
Elevation: 8,800 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Purgatory Flats is the most accessible winter snowshoe trail near the resort. The trail follows Cascade Creek through a flat, forested area just below the base of the ski mountain. In winter, the creek is partially frozen, and the trail is covered in snow, creating a beautiful, easy snowshoeing route.
The terrain is flat and forgiving, making this a perfect option for beginners, families with kids, or anyone who wants a short, mellow outing without driving far. The dense forest provides shelter from wind, and the creek — partially frozen, partially flowing — is gorgeous in winter light.
The downside is that this trail is more popular than some of the more remote options, so you might encounter other snowshoers, cross-country skiers, or hikers. But the proximity to the resort makes it incredibly convenient if you're staying at Basecamp or Timberline and want a quick morning or evening snowshoe without commuting.
Trail 3: Lime Creek Road
Location: Between Purgatory and Coal Bank Pass on US-550
Distance: 2-6 miles round trip
Elevation: 9,500-10,200 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Lime Creek Road is a Forest Service road that runs between Purgatory and Coal Bank Pass. In winter, the road is unplowed and becomes a wide, gentle trail perfect for snowshoeing. The route follows a gradual uphill grade through dense aspen and spruce forest, with occasional clearings that offer views of the surrounding peaks.
This is a local favorite because it's scenic, quiet, and well-marked (you're following a road, so navigation is straightforward). The elevation is higher than Hermosa Creek or Purgatory Flats, which means deeper snow and more of a true high-alpine winter feel.
The road/trail can be snowshoed for as long as you want — 1 mile, 3 miles, 5 miles — and then you just turn around and head back. The uphill grade is gentle enough that it's not exhausting, but you'll feel a workout by the time you return to your car.
The trailhead is easy to find on US-550 between Purgatory and Coal Bank Pass. Parking is informal (pull-off on the side of the highway), so arrive early on busy weekends to claim a spot.
Gear and Logistics
Renting Snowshoes
If you don't own snowshoes, you can rent them in Durango at several outdoor shops:
- Purgatory Sports (in downtown Durango) — full rental shop with snowshoes, poles, winter gear
- Backcountry Experience — outdoor gear shop with rentals and knowledgeable staff
- Hassle Free Sports — another solid rental option in town
Rental prices are typically $15-25 per day for snowshoes, plus $5-10 for trekking poles. Some shops offer multi-day discounts if you're renting for a full week.
What to Bring
- Trekking poles — help with balance and stability on uneven snow
- Layers — you'll warm up quickly once you start moving, so dress in removable layers (base layer, fleece, puffy jacket)
- Sunglasses or goggles — snow glare is intense, especially on sunny days
- Sunscreen — UV exposure at altitude is no joke, even in winter
- Water — stay hydrated (altitude dehydration is real)
- Snacks — energy bars, trail mix, something with quick calories
- Headlamp — if you're snowshoeing late afternoon or early evening, daylight fades fast in winter
Safety Considerations
Avalanche risk is generally low on these three trails because they're in forested, low-angle terrain. However, if you're venturing into steeper, more exposed areas (off-trail or in the backcountry), check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for current conditions and carry proper safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe).
Weather changes fast in the San Juans. A clear morning can turn into a snowstorm by afternoon. Check the forecast, and if conditions deteriorate, turn around and head back.
Cell service is spotty or nonexistent on these trails. Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to be back. Bring a physical map or download offline maps on your phone before you leave.
The Appeal of Snowshoeing
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. The way light filters through snow-covered pines. It's winter at its most elemental.
It's also way less exhausting than skiing. You're moving at your own pace, stopping whenever you want to take photos or just breathe in the cold air. There's no lift line, no crowded base area, no pressure to keep up with anyone. It's meditative in a way that skiing rarely is.
And after a morning or afternoon of snowshoeing, coming back to the hot tub at Basecamp or Timberline hits different. Your legs are tired but not destroyed. You're calm, clear-headed, and ready to make dinner, soak, and call it a perfect winter day.
Combine Snowshoeing with Skiing
Here's a great strategy for a winter week at Purgatory: ski for 3-4 days, then take a snowshoe day to let your legs recover. You're still outside, still in the mountains, still getting exercise, but you're giving your quads and knees a break from the pounding of skiing.
Or snowshoe in the morning, then ski Purgatory in the afternoon. Or vice versa. The flexibility is one of the benefits of staying near the resort — you can structure your days however you want.
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