Durango, Colorado, offers an exceptional cross-country skiing experience with numerous trails and facilities catering to both beginners and experienced skiers. From the scenic Hermosa Creek Trail to the high-altitude adventures of Molas Pass, Durango provides a diverse range of cross-country skiing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
What are the Top-Rated Cross-Country Skiing Trails in Durango?
- Hermosa Creek Trail:
- Rating: 4.3 stars from 90 reviews.
- Difficulty: Difficult.
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Features: Part of the Hermosa Creek Trail system, which includes Bolam Pass, offering scenic views and varied terrain.
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Old Lime Creek Road:
- Location: Above Cascade Canyon, just after Purgatory Resort.
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Features: A mellow out-and-back road suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering views of the San Juan Mountains and the canyon below.
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Molas Pass – Colorado Trail Segment 25:
- Location: Off the summit of Molas Pass.
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Features: Scenic high alpine trails with lakes and meadows, part of the Colorado Trail.
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Andrews Lake:
- Location: Halfway between Durango and Silverton.
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Features: Diverse terrain for nordic skiers, with no groomed trails, allowing skiers to break their own trails.
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La Plata Canyon:
- Location: 5 miles from Durango on CR 124 towards Hesperus.
- Features: A multi-use winter recreation area with groomed trails for a few miles before becoming unmaintained.
Where Can I Rent Cross-Country Skiing Gear in Durango?
- Durango Nordic Center:
- Location: Across Highway 550 from Purgatory Resort.
- Rental Options: Nordic and skate skis, snowshoe equipment.
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Pricing: Day passes and season passes available; visit Durangonordic.org for pricing information.
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Pine Needle Mountaineering:
- Location: Downtown Durango.
- Rental Options: Nordic and skate skis.
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Pricing: Not specified, but known for friendly service and expertise.
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Ski Barn:
- Location: Two locations in Durango, with the 3533 Main Avenue location carrying XC skiing and snowshoe rentals.
- Rental Options: XC skiing and snowshoe rentals.
- Pricing: Not specified, but known for their experience and reputation in the Durango skiing community.
What Other Winter Activities Can I Enjoy in Durango?
- Snowshoeing: Available at various locations, including Old Lime Creek Road and Andrews Lake.
- Fat Biking: Not permitted at the Durango Nordic Center, but available at other locations.
What Should I Know About the Overall Skiing Experience in Durango?
- Rules: No dogs are allowed on trails at the Durango Nordic Center, and fat biking is not permitted.
- Schedules: Trails are groomed daily at the Durango Nordic Center, with hours from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
- Seasonal Considerations: Snow conditions can be monitored via the Cascade #2 Snowtel site.
Reference:
- https://www.alltrails.com/us/colorado/durango/cross-country-skiing
- https://www.durango.org/blog/post/cross-country-skiing-durango/
- https://www.purgatory.ski/activities/nordic-skiing/