It’s snowy and cold, but you want to get out. Downhill skiing is too expensive and backcountry skiing is too difficult. What’s a happy medium? Snowshoeing.
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 buy buyingused gear in Durango from Durango Outdoor Exchange.
Where to snowshoe in Durango
La Plata Canyon Just 30 minutes from Durango, La Plata Canyon is a scenic and often less-traveled area to explore. The area offers numerous snowshoeing routes, with the main option being the 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 terrain of the San Juan Mountains. Located along Highway 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. The scenery, however, is unmatched, with wide-open spaces and incredible mountain vistas. One word of warning: 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 a summer campground and beyond. Upper elevation areas in this zone have avalanche exposure.
Gear for snowshoeing in Durango
Snowshoeing is an exciting way to explore Durango’s winter landscape, 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 buy getting used boots.
Clothing Dressing in layers is essential. You will need moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and weatherproof outer jackets. 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 your head, hands, and neck 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.
Public lands need your help now. Durango Outdoor Exchange has compiled this handy list of regional organizations that you can support while federal budgets are slashed and land stewards are laid off.
We’ve all read the disappointing headlines and shocking Facebook posts, and we maybe have even encountered problems of our own–national parks and other public lands in the U.S. are being impacted by severe federal budget cuts. These cuts have resulted in locked gates, reduced services, and loss of support for these lands that mean so much to us.
This means more than longer lines at entry stations. In some cases, there is legitimate concern that budget cuts will lead to impacts on historic sites and natural landscapes. This is a scary time to be someone who dearly loves our public lands, but there are ways that everyone, including you, can make a difference.
It happens to all of us–we accumulate a few too many pairs of skis, a bike saddle we took off an old steed but never found another use for, pants we **might**have, um, outgrown, and shoes we loved but just never fit right.
It’s nice to accumulate old gear in closets and sheds, but it’s nicer to sell it. Much nicer.
Selling your used gear to Durango Outdoor Exchange is a great way to pass on the good vibes and build store credit that you can use for upgrading your quiver(s). Best of all, selling your used outdoor gear is a super chill and easy experience. Read on to learn how.
