Mud Season in Durango–But Make It Dry

You know the drill: Melting snow, sloppy trails, and that in-between season that can make a mess of your boots, your bike, and your Subaru.

But this year? It’s a little different. A drier-than-usual winter and spring means mud season isn’t quite living up to its name this year, and that opens a new set of opportunities to get outside earlier than expected.

Here’s how to make the most of it with help from Durango Outdoor Exchange.

Mud Season–Now With Less Mud

While higher elevations still hold some snow, lower elevations are dry. That means:

• More early access to trails

• Less downtime waiting for conditions to improve

• A quick transition to biking, hiking, and trail running.

That said, conditions can still change fast, and no matter how little snow there is, spring shady areas will remain shady, so expect north-facing terrain to remain soft.

The Upside to a Dry Spring

• Earlier trail access: Local riders and runners are getting a head start on the season. Trails that typically stay muddy well into April may now be good to go. Examples include parts of Phil’s World and Boggy Draw.

• More flexible adventure days: You can still ski in the morning and hit dry trails in the afternoon. Classic two-sport days are alive and well.

• Fewer crowds: With ski area numbers down, there are even fewer crowds about. You get more space for yourself.

What to Wear for Unpredictable Spring Weather

Dry doesn’t mean consistent, and there are plenty of opportunities for wild weather swings, including sun, wind, and storms.

Here’s how to plan:

• Light layers: Think breathable base layers and a packable shell

• Sun protection: April has as much daylight as August, so don’t skip hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Versatile footwear: Look for tread that can handle both dust and mud–and always bring something clean to change into so your car doesn't become a mud bath

Best Ways to Get Outside Right Now

• Low-elevation riding: Desert trails are a definite go right now–just keep in mind that spring wind season has arrived earlier than normal, too

• Hiking and trail running: Routes with good sun exposure are ready to go as well

• Backcountry skiing: Recent intel is particularly hard to get right now–don’t be afraid to scout one day, ski the next

Trail Etiquette Still Matters

• Avoid soft or rutted trails

• Don’t ride around puddles

• Respect normal land closures (even if the elk are long gone)

Now Is the Time to Refresh Your Gear

Transitions happen fast–esepcialy in a year like this. Right now is a great time to:

• Sell clothing and gear you’re ready to part with

• Upgrade into new biking, hiking, and camping setups

• Look for deals before peak summer hits

This makes spring one of the best times to buy and sell gear locally. If your closet is full of stuff you no longer like, fit into, or use, now’s the time to trade up and start over.

Final Thoughts: Be Ready to Pivot

Spring is all about flexibility. Start early, chase the sun, and have a backup plan. Maybe your ride turns into a hike, or your ski tour turns into a trail run. That’s what can make this time of year so fun!