Sophia May
Things To Do In Durango Colorado Summer – We were basked in the glory of the San Juan National Forest last week. I’ve probably expressed my love for the San Juan Mountains before: beautiful rock formations, natural hot springs, mountain lakes, and charming mountain villages. You may remember talking about Purgatory Ski Resort and it’s the perfect place to teach your kids to ski. But have you ever visited a ski resort in the summer? Seeing the ski runways covered in bright green grass (and mountain bike trails) and being driven down to the top (or reaching the top of the alpine slide) is a unique experience. We tested these 10 summer activities in Purgatory, and every family agreed that Ski Town is just as (or more) fun after the snow melts! There are fun activities for all ages, from paddleboarding to alpine rollercoasters.
Purgatory is located in the San Juan National Forest, about 30 minutes north of Durango in southwestern Colorado. At an elevation of about 8,800 feet at the base, you’ll be on one of Colorado’s best highways from Durango to Silverton and through the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray.
Things To Do In Durango Colorado Summer
Purgatory’s alpine slides are fun for all ages. To get to the start of the slide you have to ride a small ski lift which is an adventure in itself. The slide has a brake so you can shoot as fast or as slow as you like. The two tracks are side by side, so you can run with your friends, which adds to the excitement. Walker and I got off to a slow start on the first trip (and got caught by Bryce and Emerson) to get the hang of it, but we flew by Tuesday. Beware of crossing marmots!
Summer Activities In Durango
The Inferno Rollercoaster is the main attraction. The speed can be adjusted as a slider, so even the youngest riders can have fun. Both of you who like to find children want to go fast, but if you have a shy rider, you can be sure that the coaster is fun and not scary. The views from 300 feet above the San Juan Mountains are unmatched.
Nothing says summer like getting out on the water, especially when it’s hot. We’ve found a way to incorporate stand-up paddleboarding into most of our summer vacations this year. Access to Twilight Lake, kayak and SUP rentals are included in the summer activity pass so don’t bring your own. It’s also an opportunity to try something new, so I went for a change. Walker was the first to paddle solo in a child-sized kayak and he was proud of himself! To get to the lake, Purgatory offers a free shuttle service as it is across the highway from all the activities in town.
Mining is a big part of the history of the San Juan Mountains, so it’s only fitting that Purgatory has a sluice in town to operate in the summer. You are given a bag of stones that will “magically” turn into beautiful stones and treasures in the water. The kids were crazy about this activity and have been enjoying picking out gems ever since.
These mountains get more impressive the higher you go, so a good ride is a must! Ride a high speed ski to the top of Purgatory Ski Resort for views of the San Juans. This is like a mountain bike lift to the top, so you can choose to descend, descend, or take a nice lift (our choice).
Summer & Fall Activities
We highly recommend taking a dip in the pool if you are a guest at Purgatory Lodge or staying in the lower level condo with access to the amenities! The heated pool has slides and a hot tub big enough for a variety of families. Drinks can be enjoyed at the poolside bar with views of the blue “slopes” in front and the mountains behind.
We’re not usually big gardeners at home, but we love to have a nice garden while on vacation. See the beautiful Engineer Mountain in the background? The park is behind the Durango Nordic Center, right next to Twilight Lake, so you can take the shuttle to play. The park is free and open to the public, so you don’t need a summer job pass to enjoy this activity.
The atmosphere of a ski village in the summer itself is fun. Have lunch at Purgy or Pizza Paradise downtown, or enjoy a delicious meal at the Waffle Cabin. There are often events such as live music or events in the village. You can view upcoming events here. Besides, playing cornhole, making your own music, or watching mountain bikers speed up the mountain is great fun. The village is open to the public, so you don’t need to go past summer work to soak up the mountain vibes from the base.
Talk about walking! Purgatory has hiking trails along the mountain and Route 550, as well as several nearby trails. On our trip last week, we hiked the kid-friendly section of the Colorado Trail that is accessible at Little Molas Lake. 2.6 miles round trip with 390 elevation gain. More details on this shortcut can be found here. If you’re looking for a more challenging option, one of our favorite trails in the area is Ice Lakes Basin, which is easily accessible when staying at Purgatory Resort. (Check to see if the Ice Lakes Basin has reopened for the 2021 hiking season after closing the 2021 hiking season due to the 2020 Ice Fire. More details can be found here.) This trail is free and open to the public, so there are no passes. summer. You will need it to enjoy this activity.
Summer Activities At Purgatory Resort
, but they seem to be very happy and I am happy to participate in this activity sometime this summer.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,000 sqm East Rim condo (top floor of Building A) is steps from Purgatory Lodge in an ideal location for year-round convenience.
The location of this condo can’t be beat! The East Rim complex is located in the middle of the ski plaza and just a short walk from the Purgatory Express, the fastest and highest speed lift on the mountain. Just steps from the hustle and bustle of Purgatory Resort’s base village, restaurants, shops and ski equipment, this hotel offers a central location with hillside privacy. With unparalleled views and cozy interiors, our condos are the perfect escape after a beautiful day in the mountains. This newly installed and remodeled home will not disappoint!
We hope you get a chance to experience the summer activities at Purgatory Resort, and when you do, let us know your favorite pastime!
Best Things To Do In Durango, Colorado — Durango Like A Local
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Join the hiking family! Sign up to receive the latest parenting tips, trail reports, tool tips and insider tips! We won’t spam you and you can unsubscribe at any time! Last week we talked about what to do in Durango for the holidays, and we’re still talking about it! I can’t stop talking because there is so much to do. So, without further ado, here are a few things to do in Durango!
Durango has a population of only 17,000, but the city has five breweries. That equates to one brewery per 3,400 people. Thinking like that doesn’t seem like enough. But in a small but wonderful mountain town like Durango
A dizzying (okay?!) big bonus drinking spot. Each brewery offers tastings, flights, and food, and some offer tours, live music, quizzes, and other activities (yoga and beer, anyone?). Rent a bike (or request a “pedal and play bike package” to use one of the hotel’s shuttles) and make a day of it! Check out Brew Pub & Kitchen, Carver Brewing, Durango Brewing, Ska Brewing, and Steamworks Brewing.
Durango Offers An Array Of Activities For Families
Even if you don’t fancy taking the train from Durango to Silverton, it’s an hour’s drive to a small town in the San Juan Mountains. Walking into Silverton, Colorado is like going back in time.
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