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accepting gear drop offs Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. No Consignment acceptance on Sundays.
accepting gear drop offs Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. No Consignment acceptance on Sundays.
Itching to get outside this winter but don’t want the expense of downhill skiing or the risk of backcountry skiing. Snowshoeing could be your new happy place.
Think of snowshoeing as hiking in the snow, but you can traipse across deep snow and go where there are no trails. You only need basic equipment to get started and it you have ever skied then you probably have most of it already. Here’s a primer on where to go and what to bring. Oh, and when it comes to gear, save money buyingused gear in Durango from Durango Outdoor Exchange.
La Plata Canyon
Just minutes from Durango, La Plata Canyon is a scenic and often less-traveled area to explore. The main option for snowshoeing is the gated summer road, which you may share with snowmobilers at times. This is an easy, beautiful, quiet spot to go.
Junction Creek
When the snow is deep in town, Junction Creek is a great place to head. Follow the gated summer road into the canyon toward the campground and beyond. You can have a great wilderness experience basically right in town. Keep in mind that the beginning of this trail has southern exposure, so it melts out quickly.
Coal Bank Pass
Coal Bank Pass offers some of the most stunning views in the area, with trails that go up into the high alpine of the San Juan. Located along U.S. 550, this area offers routes for experienced snowshoers looking for a more challenging outing. The terrain can be steeper and more rugged, so be prepared for more technical conditions. Note: The beginning of the trail has avalanche exposure and has a short section of narrow, steep trail to negotiate. Further up there is additional avalanche exposure.
Molas Pass
Another stunning destination for snowshoeing, Molas Pass is located north of Coal Bank Pass. The area offers easy access to some beautiful high-altitude trails that provide views of the rugged mountains. Snowshoeing here is perfect for those who want to explore remote areas of the San Juan Mountains while enjoying panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. From the trailhead past the Molas Pass overlook, follow the summer road into the campground, then beyond. Upper elevation areas in this zone have avalanche exposure.
Silverton
Silverton has groomed trails in and around town that are open to multiple uses.
Snowshoeing is an exciting way to explore winter landscapes, but having the right gear is essential for comfort and safety. Luckily,Durango Outdoor Exchange has everything you need to make the most of your winter adventure. Here’s a list of essential snowshoeing gear:
Snowshoes
Durango Outdoor Exchange offers a range of snowshoes for all types of conditions and terrain. Whether you're hiking along a mellow trail like Junction Creek or tackling more challenging terrain like Coal Bank Pass, the right snowshoes will help you stay efficient and comfortable. Snowshoes come in various sizes, designed for different weights and snow conditions. Let our pros guide you on what to get.
Poles
Poles are a great way to improve stability and make snowshoeing easier, especially on uneven, icy, or steep terrain. At Durango Outdoor Exchange, you can find adjustable poles with snow baskets, which are ideal for preventing the poles from sinking too deep into the snow.
Boots
Insulated, waterproof boots are essential for snowshoeing. Your feet need to stay warm and dry during your adventure, and durable winter boots will help you do that. You can save a ton of money here by getting used boots.
Clothing
Dress in layers. You will need moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and a waterproof jacket. Choose breathable fabrics to keep sweat away from your body, and bring an extra layer in case temperatures drop.
Gloves, hats, and neck gaiters
Keeping your extremities warm is key to staying comfortable while snowshoeing. Durango Outdoor Exchange has a variety of winter accessories such as insulated gloves, cozy hats, and neck gaiters to keep everything warm.
Backpack and hydration
A comfortable backpack is essential for carrying extra layers, snacks, and water. Hydration is just as important in winter, so be sure to bring a bottle or hydration system that won’t freeze during your outing.
It’s winter–make sure you get out there and enjoy it. Stop by Durango’sused gear store for everything you need for a day in the mountains.
Thanksgiving is almost here–and skiing this early is always a gamble. Here are some non-skiing warm(er) weather destination ideas for the long break.
Just a couple hours from Durango, Valles Caldera is a great cross-country skiing destination, with surprisingly good snow and very few visitors.
Valles Caldera National Preserve is a popular hiking destination in the summer and a surprisingly great skiing destination in the winter.
When spending one night (or many) in the backcountry, a warm dinner at night and hot beverage in the morning can make the difference. That invariably involves using a stove of some sort–but which one?
Stove technology has been around for decades, but new tech is making them lighter, more efficient, and more dependable than ever before. Here’s a rundown of the different kinds of backpacking stoves: