•13 min read
Skiing Purgatory by Month: The Complete Seasonal Guide
A local owner's month-by-month breakdown of Purgatory Resort ski season — January through April. Conditions, crowds, weather, what to pack, and when to book.
Read more →Your Durango, Colorado Travel Guide
Durango is one of Colorado's most lovable mountain towns — historic, outdoorsy, and full of character. From the Narrow Gauge Railroad to craft breweries to world-class skiing, here's everything worth knowing.
91 articles
•15 min read
Durango Spring Day Trips: The Complete April-May Guide
Animas River rafting, the Million Dollar Highway, last-chance ice climbing at Ouray, and the events that make April in Durango feel alive. A local owner's day-trip guide.
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•12 min read
Hot Springs Near Durango: The Complete Guide (2026)
Every hot spring within driving distance of Durango — Durango Hot Springs, Pinkerton, Ouray, and the three big Pagosa Springs resorts. Plus why the private hot tub back at your rental matters more than people think.
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•9 min read
Best Time to Visit Purgatory Resort: A Season-by-Season Guide | Purgatory Rentals
Find the best time to visit Purgatory Resort in Durango, Colorado — from powder days to summer alpine slides, with tips for every season.
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•5 min read
Durango Fourth of July 2026: Events, Fireworks & Where to Stay | Purgatory Rentals
Planning your Fourth of July in Durango, Colorado? Discover the best 2026 events, fireworks shows, parade details, and the perfect place to stay near the action.
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•3 min read
Purgatory Resort Closing Day 2026 | Purgatory Rentals
Find out the scheduled closing day for Purgatory Resort for the 2025-2026 ski season. Get details on end-of-season events, what to expect, and how to make the most of your last runs!
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•8 min read
Valentine's Day 2026 in Durango: Mountain Date Ideas That Actually Work
Valentine's Day 2026 in Durango — ski together, soak together, dine by mountain light, and skip the forced romance.
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•7 min read
Snowshoeing Near Purgatory: Three Trails to Try
Three great snowshoe trails near Purgatory for when you need a break from the slopes.
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•6 min read
Winter Road Trip to Durango: Routes, Traction Laws, and Mountain Driving Tips
Driving to Durango in winter requires preparation — here is how to handle mountain passes and winter conditions safely.
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•7 min read
Snowdown 2026: Durango's Craziest Winter Festival
Snowdown 2026 is coming — Durango's beloved five-day winter festival returns in late January.
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•5 min read
New Year's Eve in Durango 2025-2026: Where to Celebrate & What to Know
Ring in 2026 in Durango — fireworks, live music, mountain-town celebrations, and New Year's Day skiing at Purgatory. Here's where to eat, drink, and celebrate.
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•5 min read
Christmas at Purgatory 2025: Your Holiday Ski Vacation
Christmas 2025 at Purgatory means snow, mountains, skiing, and cozy townhome evenings — the mountain holiday your family actually deserves.
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•4 min read
Holiday Gift Guide: Durango-Made Gifts for Everyone
Skip Amazon — Durango's local shops have unique gifts that actually mean something.
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•4 min read
Skip Black Friday: Go Skiing Instead
Forget the mall chaos — Black Friday at Purgatory means first tracks, thin crowds, and the best kind of shopping on Durango's Main Avenue.
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•6 min read
Thanksgiving in Durango 2025: Where to Eat, What to Do, and Why It's Perfect
Thanksgiving 2025 in Durango means mountain air, cozy vibes, and possibly first turns at Purgatory. Here's your complete guide.
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•6 min read
Planning Your Winter Trip to Durango and Purgatory Resort
Everything you need to know to plan a winter ski trip to Durango and Purgatory Resort — timing, logistics, and tips.
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•6 min read
Halloween 2025 in Durango: Trick-or-Treating, Costumes, and Mountain Town Magic
Halloween in Durango means downtown trick-or-treating, costume creativity, and Victorian-era spookiness at 6,500 feet. Here's how to do Halloween 2025 in the mountains.
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•7 min read
The Perfect Fall Family Weekend in Durango
A fall weekend in Durango with kids is magical — golden aspens, hot springs, cozy dinners, and easy hikes.
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•9 min read
Haunted Durango: Ghost Tours and Spooky History
Durango's Victorian-era buildings and mining history make it one of Colorado's spookiest towns — ghost stories included.
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•6 min read
Durango Independent Film Festival 2025-2026: Indie Cinema in the Mountains
The Durango Independent Film Festival brings world-class indie cinema to Southwest Colorado every March. Here's why it's worth the trip.
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•6 min read
Fall Mountain Biking in Durango: Best Season, Best Trails, and Why Locals Wait All Summer
Fall is the best mountain biking season in Durango — perfect temps, dry trails, golden aspens, and no crowds. Here are the top trails and why September-October riding is peak.
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•6 min read
Fall Foliage 2025: Peak Color Predictions for Durango
When and where to see peak fall colors near Durango in 2025 — timing tips, weekly tracking, and best drives.
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•4 min read
Labor Day Weekend Durango 2025: Summer's Final Bow
Labor Day 2025 in Durango wraps up summer with one last weekend of river fun, mountain adventure, and perfect weather.
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•8 min read
End of Summer in Durango: Squeezing Out Every Last Drop
Late August and early September in Durango offer perfect weather and thinning crowds.
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•5 min read
Altitude Sickness in Durango: How to Adjust Quickly
Coming from sea level? Here's how to handle Durango's 6,500-foot elevation and Purgatory's 10,800-foot summit without ruining your first day.
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•6 min read
The Million Dollar Highway in Summer: Wildflowers, No Snow, and Five Must-Stop Spots
The Million Dollar Highway in summer is peak season — wildflowers carpeting alpine meadows, clear weather, and five stops you shouldn't skip between Durango and Ouray.
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•5 min read
Family-Friendly Bike Trails in Durango
Durango has great paved bike trails for families — flat riverside paths, parks, and easy rides that work for kids and casual cyclists.
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•6 min read
Best Sunset Spots in Durango and Purgatory
Sunsets at altitude hit different. Here are the best spots to watch the sky light up in Durango, Purgatory, and the surrounding mountains.
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•7 min read
Rainy Day in Durango? Here's What to Do When the Afternoon Storms Roll In
Summer thunderstorms are a daily ritual in Durango from July through August. Here's how to work with the weather pattern instead of fighting it.
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•7 min read
Serious Texas BBQ and Animas Brewing: Durango Comfort Food
Serious Texas BBQ and Animas Brewing are two Durango staples for comfort food and craft beer.
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•4 min read
Horseback Riding Near Durango: Trail Ride Guide
Horseback riding through the San Juan Mountains near Durango is a classic Western experience worth doing at least once.
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•4 min read
Music in the Mountains 2025: This Summer's Festival Lineup & What to Know
Music in the Mountains returns for 2025 with weeks of world-class orchestral and chamber performances in Durango — here's what to expect and how to plan your visit.
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•8 min read
Fourth of July in Durango 2025: Your Holiday Weekend Guide
Fourth of July 2025 in Durango — parades, fireworks, and mountain-town patriotism at its best.
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•8 min read
Silverton Jeep Trails: An Off-Road Adventure from Durango
Silverton's jeep trails are legendary — here is how to experience them from Durango.
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•6 min read
Stand-Up Paddleboarding Near Durango: Lake Guide
The lakes near Durango are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding — calm water and mountain views.
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•6 min read
The Alpine Slide at Purgatory: Everything You Need to Know
The alpine slide at Purgatory is a summer highlight — fast, fun, and suitable for all ages.
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•4 min read
Oscar's Cafe vs East by Southwest: Durango Brunch Showdown
Two legendary Durango breakfast spots go head-to-head — classic diner comfort vs creative Asian-fusion brunch.
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•6 min read
Best Playgrounds and Parks in Durango for Kids and Families
Durango has great parks and playgrounds for kids — here are the best ones for families visiting Southwest Colorado.
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•5 min read
What to Pack for a Summer Trip to Durango and Purgatory
Durango summers mean sunshine, thunderstorms, and 40-degree temperature swings. Here's how to pack smart for mountain weather.
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•8 min read
Durango Farmers Market: Saturday Morning Done Right
Every Saturday from May through October, the Durango Farmers Market brings local produce, food vendors, and community to downtown. Here's how to do it like a local.
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•8 min read
White Water Rafting the Animas: Your Complete Guide
The Animas River offers world-class whitewater right through Durango — here is how to ride it.
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•5 min read
Memorial Day Weekend in Durango 2025: Iron Horse, River Rafting & Summer Kickoff
Memorial Day in Durango 2025 means the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, peak rafting on the Animas, trails opening up, and the town shifting into full summer mode.
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•8 min read
Best Coffee Shops in Durango for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
Working remotely from Durango? Here are the best coffee shops with wifi, good vibes, and enough seating to get real work done in the mountains.
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•6 min read
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown 2025: Complete Weekend Guide
Three days of live bluegrass, barn dances, and jam sessions hit downtown Durango April 11-13. Here's how to plan your music weekend.
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•4 min read
Hiking Animas Mountain: Durango's Backyard Trail
Animas Mountain is Durango's go-to local hike with panoramic valley views, accessible trails, and a solid workout under two hours.
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•6 min read
Mud Season in Durango: What Locals Actually Do (And Why We Love It)
Mud season in Durango is the quiet shoulder period between ski and summer — here's why locals love it, what's open, and what to do when the trails are muddy.
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•5 min read
Lemon Reservoir in Winter: Ice Fishing and Snowshoeing
Lemon Reservoir is a quiet winter escape near Durango for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and mountain solitude.
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•6 min read
How to Score a Powder Day at Purgatory: Tactics and Strategy
Powder days at Purgatory are pure magic — here's how to track the storm, get first chair, and find untracked stashes all day.
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•5 min read
EV Road Trip to Purgatory: Charging Stations and Route Tips
Driving an EV to Purgatory Resort? Here's the complete charging infrastructure guide, route planning tips, and what you need to know.
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•6 min read
Valentine's Day in Durango: Mountain Romance Done Right
Valentine's Day in Durango means skiing together, soaking under the stars, and dining by candlelight — without the crowded chain restaurants.
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•8 min read
Skiing with Kids at Purgatory: Everything You Need to Know
Purgatory is one of the best family ski resorts in Colorado — here is how to plan a trip with kids.
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•7 min read
Cozy Winter Dining in Durango: Our Top Picks
Cold nights call for warm restaurants — here are Durango's coziest spots for winter dining.
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•5 min read
Does Purgatory Have Night Skiing? Evening Options After the Lifts Close
Purgatory doesn't offer night skiing — lifts close at 4pm — but there's plenty to do after the slopes shut down: hot tubs, Durango dining, hot springs, and more.
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•6 min read
Snowdown Is Coming: Durango's Wackiest Week
Snowdown is back — Durango's beloved winter festival brings costumes, competitions, and controlled chaos.
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•5 min read
Best Beginner Runs at Purgatory Resort
New to skiing? Purgatory was rated #1 for beginners with dedicated learning terrain, patient instructors, and green runs designed to build confidence fast.
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•5 min read
New Year's Eve in Durango: Ring It In Mountain Style (No Cover Charge Required)
New Year's Eve in Durango is low-key, fun, and genuinely memorable — mountain-style celebrations, live music, and midnight under the stars at 6,500 feet.
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•6 min read
Christmas Week at Purgatory: A Magical Time to Visit
Christmas week at Purgatory combines great skiing with genuine mountain-town holiday magic — lights, snow, and the kind of reset your family needs.
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•6 min read
Complete Winter Packing List for Purgatory Ski Trip
Everything you need to pack for a winter ski trip to Purgatory Resort — and what to leave at home.
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•7 min read
Thanksgiving in Durango: Where to Eat and What to Do
Spending Thanksgiving in Durango? Here's where to eat, what to do, and why a mountain Thanksgiving beats the traditional version.
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•6 min read
Telluride Day Trip from Durango: Fall Edition
Telluride is a stunning 2.5-hour drive from Durango, and fall makes it even better. Here's how to plan the perfect day trip.
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•8 min read
Elk Season in Durango: Where to Watch the Rut
Fall elk season near Durango is spectacular — here is where and how to watch the rut safely.
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•8 min read
Halloween in Durango: Trick-or-Treating and Trunk-or-Treat
Halloween in Durango is family-friendly and festive — here's what to do with kids in this mountain town.
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•6 min read
What to Pack for Fall in Durango: The Ultimate Layering Guide
Fall in Durango means 40-degree temperature swings — here's how to pack smart for October weather in the San Juan Mountains.
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•4 min read
Chimney Rock National Monument: A Durango Day Trip
Chimney Rock National Monument is a fascinating Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site 45 minutes from Durango with guided tours, dramatic views, and thousand-year-old ruins.
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•5 min read
Durango Independent Film Festival: Indie Cinema Meets Mountain Town Magic
Every March, the Durango Independent Film Festival brings filmmakers and film lovers to Southwest Colorado for a weekend of independent cinema, Q&As, and mountain town hospitality.
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•5 min read
Kennebec Pass: The Fall Drive Nobody Talks About
Kennebec Pass is a stunning fall drive near Durango with golden aspens, alpine views, and almost no crowds.
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•8 min read
Hiking Engineer Mountain: Durango's Iconic Peak
Engineer Mountain is one of the most recognizable peaks near Durango — here is how to hike it.
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•6 min read
Fall Colors in Durango: When, Where, and How to See Them
Durango's fall colors are spectacular — here's when and where to catch peak foliage in the San Juan Mountains.
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•5 min read
Labor Day Weekend in Durango: Last Blast of Summer
Labor Day weekend in Durango is summer's last hurrah — here's how to make it count.
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•4 min read
Steamworks vs. Eolus: The Durango Dinner Debate
Steamworks or Eolus? Two of Durango's best restaurants go head-to-head. Here's how to choose where to eat tonight.
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•6 min read
Vallecito Lake: Durango's Hidden Summer Escape
Vallecito Lake is a gorgeous mountain reservoir 30 minutes from Durango — perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and escaping the summer crowds.
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•8 min read
Durango with Toddlers: Yes, It's Totally Doable
Bringing toddlers to Durango? It is easier than you think — here are the best activities for little ones.
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•8 min read
Fly Fishing the Animas River: A Beginner's Guide
The Animas River is a gold-medal trout fishery running right through Durango — here's how to fish it.
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•7 min read
Purgatory Flats Trail: The Easiest Epic Hike Near the Resort
Purgatory Flats Trail is an easy creekside hike right across from the resort — perfect for families and summer exploration.
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•5 min read
Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a bucket-list ride through the San Juan Mountains.
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•5 min read
Mesa Verde Day Trip from Durango: Complete Guide to the Cliff Dwellings
Mesa Verde National Park is just an hour from Durango. Here's how to make the most of a day trip to the ancient cliff dwellings, including tour tips and what to see.
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•5 min read
Day Hiking the Colorado Trail from Molas Pass
The Colorado Trail segment from Molas Pass is one of the best day hikes in Colorado — wildflowers, alpine lakes, and mountain views that justify the 486-mile trail's existence.
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•5 min read
Music in the Mountains: Durango's Summer Classical Music Festival
Music in the Mountains brings world-class orchestral and chamber performances to Durango all summer — concerts with 13,000-foot peaks as your backdrop.
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•8 min read
Fourth of July in Durango: Fireworks, Parades, and Mountains
Durango goes all out for the Fourth of July — fireworks over the mountains are worth the trip alone.
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•8 min read
The Durango Brewery Trail: Your Pint-by-Pint Walking Guide
Durango has more breweries per capita than most Colorado towns. Here's how to hit the best ones on foot — no designated driver required.
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•7 min read
Mountain Biking at Purgatory and Durango: Trails for Every Level
Purgatory's bike park and Durango's legendary trail network offer mountain biking for beginners to experts. Here's the guide.
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•7 min read
The Durango Summer Bucket List: 15 Things You Can't Miss
Fifteen must-do summer experiences in Durango from river floats to alpine sunsets.
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•5 min read
Summer at Purgatory Resort: What Opens When the Snow Melts
Purgatory Resort isn't just for winter. Here's what opens when the snow melts — alpine coaster, scenic chairlift, mountain biking, and more.
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•6 min read
Zia Taqueria and Ska Brewing: A Durango Power Combo
Two Durango staples that pair perfectly together — affordable, authentic, and exactly what you want after a day on the mountain.
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•5 min read
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic: Durango's Legendary Race
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is Durango's legendary Memorial Day race — bikes vs. train, nearly 50 years of tradition.
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•7 min read
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown: Tunes, Trails, and Mountain Town Magic
Every April, the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown brings world-class bluegrass musicians to Southwest Colorado for three days of music, jam sessions, and spring energy.
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•5 min read
How the Free Purgatory Shuttle Actually Works
The free Purgatory shuttle takes the stress out of parking — here is exactly how to use it.
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•5 min read
The Ultimate Durango Après-Ski Food Crawl
The best places to eat in Durango after a day on Purgatory's slopes — from classic breweries to steakhouses, tacos, and everything in between.
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•4 min read
Snowshoeing Hermosa Creek Trail: A Winter Wonderland Near Durango
Hermosa Creek is one of the best snowshoe trails near Durango — peaceful, scenic, uncrowded, and just 20 minutes from town.
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•5 min read
Snowdown Festival: Durango's Wildest Winter Party
Snowdown is Durango's wildest winter festival — five days of costumes, competitions, and chaos.
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•7 min read
Welcome to Purgatory Resort: Your Durango Mountain Getaway
Purgatory Resort offers 1,600+ acres of terrain, 260 inches of annual snowfall, and the authentic Colorado experience you won't find on I-70.
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