Best Sunset Spots in Durango and Purgatory
Sunsets at altitude hit different. The thin air, the mountain silhouettes, and the way the light paints the sky in colors that don't seem real — Durango delivers some of the best sunsets in Colorado. Here's where to watch them.
Animas Mountain
Effort level: Moderate hike
Elevation gain: ~1,300 feet
Time: 1.5-2 hours round trip to the summit ridge
Animas Mountain is the classic Durango sunset hike. The trail climbs through scrub oak, piñon, and juniper to a summit ridge at about 8,160 feet, giving you an unobstructed western view of the La Plata Mountains and the Animas Valley.
The sunset from up here is spectacular. The mountains turn orange, then pink, then deep purple as the sun drops behind the peaks. The town of Durango glows below, and you can see all the way south to Mesa Verde on a clear evening.
Pro tip: Time your hike to reach the summit about 30 minutes before sunset. That gives you time to catch your breath, find a good spot on the rocks, and watch the full show. Bring a headlamp or phone flashlight for the hike down — the trail gets dark fast once the sun is gone.
Trailhead: From North Main Street in Durango, turn left on 32nd Street, then right on West 4th Avenue. Parking is at the trailhead.
Note: The upper loop is closed seasonally from December 1 to April 15 for wildlife protection, but the main trail to the ridge stays open year-round.
Purgatory Resort Area
Effort level: Easy (drive-up)
Elevation: 8,000-10,000 feet
The west-facing slopes around Purgatory catch beautiful evening light. You don't need to hike — just drive up to the resort, park at the base area, and watch the ridgelines glow.
If you're staying at the resort (like at our townhomes Basecamp or Timberline), you can walk outside with a beer or a glass of wine and watch the sunset from your deck or the hot tub. The mountains turn gold, then orange, then deep red as the sun drops. It's one of the best parts of staying at elevation.
In summer, the scenic chairlift at Purgatory runs late enough that you can ride up to 10,000+ feet and watch the sunset from the top. Check the resort website for chairlift hours — sunset rides are usually available in July and August.
Molas Pass
Effort level: Easy (drive-up)
Elevation: 10,910 feet
Distance from Durango: 45 minutes
If you're willing to make the drive, Molas Pass is one of the most stunning sunset spots in the San Juan Mountains. The pass sits at 10,910 feet on US-550 (the Million Dollar Highway) between Durango and Silverton.
Pull into the parking area on the west side of the highway and walk to the viewpoint. You'll have 360-degree views — the Grenadier Range to the east, the Needles to the west, and miles of wilderness in every direction. Sunset up here, with the jagged peaks silhouetted against the sky, is unforgettable.
Warning: Molas Pass is high and exposed. Bring warm layers — it can be 70 degrees in Durango and 45 at Molas Pass at the same time. The wind picks up in the evening, so a windbreaker or jacket is essential.
Drive time: About 45 minutes from Durango, 50 from Purgatory. Plan accordingly — you don't want to be rushing up the Million Dollar Highway right before sunset.
The Riverwalk (Downtown Durango)
Effort level: Easy (flat walk)
Elevation: 6,500 feet
For a zero-effort sunset option, the Animas River Trail through downtown Durango is hard to beat. The river reflects the sunset colors — orange, pink, purple — and the combination of water, bridges, and mountains makes for great photos.
Park anywhere downtown and walk along the river. There are benches and grassy spots where you can sit and watch. It's not as dramatic as a mountaintop sunset, but it's beautiful in its own way and requires no hiking or driving.
Bonus: You're in downtown Durango, so you can grab dinner or a drink afterward. Steamworks Brewing is a five-minute walk from the riverwalk and has outdoor seating with river views.
Perins Peak
Effort level: Hard hike
Elevation gain: ~2,000 feet
Time: 3-4 hours round trip
If you want a more challenging sunset hike with even better views than Animas Mountain, Perins Peak is the move. The trail climbs to 8,500 feet and offers 360-degree views of Durango, the La Plata Mountains, and the Animas Valley.
The summit is exposed rock with plenty of room to spread out. Sunset from up here is incredible — you're higher than most of the surrounding terrain, so the views feel almost aerial.
Warning: This is a longer, steeper hike than Animas Mountain. Start early enough that you're not rushing, and bring plenty of water. The hike down in the dark is doable but requires a headlamp and careful footing.
Trailhead: Junction Creek Road, west of Durango.
Tips for Sunset Watching
Bring layers. Temperatures drop fast after sunset at altitude. A fleece or puffy jacket is essential, even in summer.
Bring a headlamp. If you're on a trail, you'll need a light source for the hike back down. Phone flashlights work but drain your battery fast.
Arrive early. Get to your spot 20-30 minutes before sunset. The best light often happens 10-15 minutes before the sun actually drops below the horizon.
Check sunset time. Google "sunset time Durango" or use a weather app. In summer, sunset is around 8:00-8:30 PM. In fall and spring, it's earlier.
Put the phone down. Take a few photos, then put the phone away and just watch. Some sunsets are better experienced than documented.
Where to Stay
Both of our Purgatory townhomes — Basecamp (110 Door2Lift, sleeps 8, hot tub, pool table) and Timberline (122 Ski Home, sleeps 6, hot tub, fireplace) — offer easy sunset-watching from the deck or the hot tub. At 8,000+ feet, the sunsets from the resort are stunning, and you don't have to drive anywhere.
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.