Fall in Durango and the surrounding Four Corners region, including the San Juan Mountains and lower Utah deserts, is a masterclass in autumn magic. Summer’s dry heat gradually dissolves into crisp, blue-sky days, golden aspens ignite the mountains into a blazing blanket of yellow and orange, and the high-traffic summer crowds vanish from the trails.
Whether you’re trying for a big late-season summit, want to cruise through peak leaf season on a bike or a trail, or looking to pedal hero-dirt singletrack through yellow tunnels of aspen, autumn offers arguably the best outdoor conditions of the year in Southwest Colorado.
However, fall outdoor recreation in Durango is a double-edged sword. The very thing that makes shoulder season adventures so exciting—rapidly changing alpine ecosystems—also makes them logistically complex. A sunny 65-degree morning in downtown Durango can devolve into a snow flurry on Coal Bank Pass by mid-afternoon. Chilly mornings in the desert can give way to scorching afternoons with little to no shade. To play safely and comfortably in these changing environments, you need gear and clothing that are adaptable and dependable.
Gearing up for multi-climate pursuits in Durango in the fall can easily strain your wallet, however, especially if you buy it new. Good gear bought new is not cheap! High-end waterproof hardshells, zero-degree down sleeping bags, insulated pads, jackets with both light and medium insulation, four-season backpacking tents, and more, can easily run into the thousands of dollars, especially when bought from big-box retailers. That’s precisely where Durango Outdoor Exchange comes in clutch. As Durango’s best consignment outfitter, we stock a massive selection of hand-picked new and gently used technical apparel, casual clothing, camping gear, bike accessories, trail footwear, and more—everything you need for fall outdoor pursuits in the mountains and desert. And because we are a consignment store, our selection can change daily.
This comprehensive ultimate field guide provides everything you need to navigate fall recreation in and around Durango. Get to know shoulder-season science, master layering systems, select optimal equipment, and explore local trails safely while looking good, feeling great, and saving tons of money. And if you have specific questions about gear, trails, weather, or anything else, stop by Durango Outdoor Exchange and talk to one of our experts—we live and play in Durango year-round and would be happy to offer advice and help guide you in the right direction.
Fall recreation in Southwest Colorado can take place in a mind-boggling range of landscapes, from sandy red-rock deserts to snow-swept high-alpine tundra. Few places in America offer so much exposure to wild variations in elevation in such a short distance. To understand fall recreation in this area, you must first understand the vertical geometry of the landscape.
Durango sits in the Animas River Valley at approximately 6,500 feet above sea level. Just 30 to 45 minutes north along Highway 550, the San Juan Mountains shoot past 14,000 feet. To the west are the La Plata Mountains, and to the southwest are dry, low red rock deserts. Bluff, Utah, which is well within striking distance of a weekend getaway, is barely above 4,000 feet.
These massive differences in elevation create distinct microclimates that operate simultaneously.
High mountains: Sitting at an elevation between 11,000 feet and 14,000 feet, these are alpine tundra and rocky peaks, featuring cold temperatures, occasional high winds, early freezes and snowfall, longer-lasting rains, and quick-hitting storms.
Mid elevations: Found generally between 8,500 feet and 11,000 feet, these are subalpine areas that are prime for leaf peeping. These regions have bigger elevation swings, mixing lower-elevation warmth with higher-elevation early winter conditions.
Valleys and foothills: From 6,000 feet to 8,500 feet, this milder region has warm daytime sun and cooler nights.
High desert: Most of the desert Four Corners falls into this region, which sits generally between 5,000 feet and 6,000 feet. Early fall may still be warm, but the later you go in the season the more comfortable it gets. Expect dry, warm days and crisp evenings.
Low desert: Below 5,000 feet, this warm desert is perfect during early cold snaps that drive you out of the mountains, and make for perfect late-season trips when it’s too cold to camp elsewhere but not snowy enough to ski yet.
The higher you go in the mountains, the cooler it gets. As a general rule of mountain meteorology, the temperature drops roughly 3.5 degrees F for every 1,000 feet you gain in elevation. This is known as the environmental lapse rate.
As we pass out of summer and into fall, the sun hits the Northern Hemisphere at increasingly lower angles, causing a loss of daylight. In Durango, you can expect a loss of daylight of slightly more than 2 minutes a day. This does not take into account, however, local topography. Shadows will lengthen across deeper canyons hours before the sun officially sets, and keep in mind that deep mountain canyons lose direct thermal radiation quickly, causing temperatures to drop quickly within minutes of the sun dipping behind a ridge, even as adjacent areas may still be in direct, warm sunlight.
A fixture of fall in Colorado is golden forests of aspens. Mountain aspen leaves change due to shorter days and cooler temperatures, which prompts a breakdown in green chlorophyll that reveals underlying yellow pigments.
(While we are most famous for changing aspens here, you will find other trees put on an autumn color show. The best include gambel oaks, alders, willows, chokecherries, and cottonwoods.)
Because aspen leaf color changes due to cooling temperatures, you will find that you can chase foliage from the mountain tops to the valley bottoms over a period of several weeks. In Southwest Colorado, the foliage transformation may typically include (and keep in mind that things change week to week and year to year):
Mid-to-late September: Peak leaf color in high-alpine areas such as Red Mountain Pass, Molas Pass, and Lizard Head Pass.
Late September to Early October: Mid-elevation valleys like Cascade Creek, Vallecito Reservoir, and Hermosa Park.
Mid-October: Lower valleys such as in and around Durango, Dolores, Mancos, Montrose, Bayfield, and Pagosa Springs.
Mid-October into November: Lower-elevation deserts such as areas in and around Bluff, Blanding, Cortez, Moab, Farmington, and Aztec.
Keep in mind that peak color can be ephemeral, especially at higher elevations, and a single windy afternoon can strip trees of their fragile leaves.
Tip: Learn about more great fall hikes here.
Hiking in the fall offers memorable vistas and crisp air that keeps you cool on steep inclines, plus much quieter trails. However, loose and damp leaves on rocks, freezing mud, and early alpine ice may require carefully selected footwear. On top of that, you will want to keep in mind hydration tactics and safety accessories.
Coal Bank Pass
Elevation: 10,600 feet and up
Trail profile: Moderate climb
Fall appeal: Short hike to tundra, aspen forests, long-range views
Key gear suggestions: Windproof outer layers, breathable base layers, sturdy footwear, and trekking poles
Cascade Creek
Elevation: 8,800 feet
Distance: 5 miles or more, depending on turnaround point
Trail profile: Moderate trail that passes waterfalls
Fall appeal: Golden aspens and a crisp burbling creek
Key gear suggestions: Waterproof hiking shoes and a light layer for hiking in the cool, deep forest
Purgatory Flats
Elevation: 8,700 feet, descending to 7,700 feet
Distance: 10 miles round trip
Trail profile: Trail drops immediately to a mixed aspen and ponderosa pine forest, and then to a broad river meadow
Fall appeal: Ideal for family leaf-peeping without requiring high-altitude trekking
Key gear suggestions: Breathable daypack with room for extra warm layers if you make it to the cold river valley floor
Animas Mountain Trail
Elevation: 6,700 feet to 8,200 feet
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Trail profile: Winding singletrack in the Durango city limits with sweeping valley views (expect to share parts with mountain bikers)
Fall appeal: Extended late-season trail thanks to its southern exposure
Key gear suggestion: Lightweight trail runners and a hydration vest
Not everything has to be high adrenaline. If you’ve got young ones, old ones, or just want something that leans toward relaxing and away from adventure, there are plenty of choices.
The Animas River Trail is a paved, stroller-friendly trail that runs along the river and past parks, put-ins, restaurants, and shops. Oxbow Park has sandy beaches and mellow water perfect for sand castles and dipping your toes in the water. Lake Nighthorse has a variety of trails and water access points. And Andrews Lake on Molas Pass has accessible fishing locations and level trails.
For adventuring with kids, focus on fleece layers, comfortable walking shoes, insulated hydration bottles, and lightweight picnic blankets with waterproof backing for damp grass. Buying consignment gear for kids at Durango Outdoor Exchange is a particularly smart move: You will save half or more off retail price for something that may only be used for a season, and then can turn around and consign it back or pass it along to the next little one.
Selecting what to wear on your feet for an autumn hike is much different than in the summer. While summer hiking favors maximum breathability and minimal weight, come fall you will want to look for shoes with moisture protection, some warmth, and more aggressive tread for unpredictable surfaces that may include frost or mud.
High-rise waterproof hiking boots: Best for muddy or snowy trails, cold temperatures, wearing heavy packs; offers maximum ankle stability, warmth, and total moisture protection
Mid-rise waterproof hiking boots: Best for longer day hikes, moderate terrain, cool temperatures, and wet trails; offers degrees of warmth and waterproofness while also being lighter and more flexible to wear
Lightweight waterproof trail running shoes: Best for faster day hikes where you may encounter some muddy sections; these mix protection with light weight and traction
Deep-lugged trail running shoes: Best for lower-elevation trail running and quick hikes on dry, crisp fall days; offer excellent agility, breathability for warm days, and traction on dry dirt and slick rock
Getting into treads and rubber types may sound a bit geeky, but it may be worth paying attention to if you want to get the best shoe possible for your adventures. Look for outsoles from reputable brands that feature sticky rubber compounds and lug depths of 6 mm (or about a quarter of an inch). The wider spacing between the lugs will allow frozen mud and wet leaves to fall out automatically as the shoe flexes naturally.
Cotton socks might work perfectly fine for you as you walk around town or in your home, but when hiking this material should be avoided—especially when it comes to socks. Cotton socks invite cold feet and bad blisters. When cotton gets wet from sweat or creek splashes, it loses all of its thermal insulation properties. Merino wool, or a high-density synthetic blend, will naturally retain warmth even when it's wet, wick moisture away from your skin, and naturally resist odor-causing bacteria.
Pro tip: Durango Outdoor Exchange carries plenty of new wool and synthetic socks in a huge variety of sizes, thicknesses, and lengths. Buy an extra pair and stow it permanently in your day pack—this way you will always have a dry, spare pair on you should you run into unexpectedly cold or wet trail conditions.
Trekking poles: Trekking poles with lever-cam locking systems or folding segments can help in several ways during autumn hikes. They can provide balance on slick leaf-covered rocky descents, help you test the depth of muddy sections or streams you have to cross, and provide joint relief that can make all the difference on long hikes.
Traction accessories: By late September, some shaded sections of north-facing, high-elevation trails will have frost that forms overnight and fails to melt during the day, turning into ice. Carrying a pair of elastomeric traction slip-ons, also known as microspikes, adds little weight to your pack but provides great grip on icy switchbacks. Just remember to take them off when you are in the clear so you don’t accidentally lose them.
Daypacks: A daypack for autumn hiking should range from 22 liters to 32 liters. It should be slightly larger than a summer day pack to accommodate bulkier cold-weather clothing layers.
Here’s how to organize your pack efficiently:
Top lid: Quick-access items, such as headlamp, spare battery, high-calorie snacks, first aid gear, and microspikes
Main compartment: Insulated puffy jacket, waterproof hardshell jacket, warm hat, and gloves
External pockets or hydration pocket: Water bottles, hydration hose, and lashed trekking poles
Trail running in Durango during the fall is pure joy. Cool temperatures reduce the chance of overheating, allowing runners to push longer distances with lower cardio strain. But shorter days and cool mountain winds mean you should carry gear in case you get caught in a storm or become injured and are forced to walk out in the dark.
If you are used to summer running with just a running belt or handheld water bottle, you will want a gear upgrade for fall. Look for an 8 liter to 12 liter trail running vest that fits flush against your torso to prevent bouncing while you carry mandatory autumn trail running gear:
Hydration: Use two soft flasks (500 ml) worn in chest pockets
Wind protection: Pick up an ultra-packable wind-shirt or ultralight rain shell that weighs a half-pound or less
Warmth: Also pick up a packable grid fleece or ultralight synthetic vest
Illumination: Grab a 350-lumen or higher headlamp
Extras: Don’t forget KT tape, athletic tape, and a hat
In cold weather, your body’s thirst mechanism is suppressed even though you still lose significant amounts of water through respiration in high, dry mountain air. Keeping your body warm (also called thermogenesis) requires additional calories, so pack more than normal, including dense, cold-resistant energy foods like nut butters, stroopwafels, and chews; shun energy bars that will harden into jaw-breaking blocks in freezing weather. Don’t forget electrolyte mix for your water.
Overnight backpacking in Southwest Colorado in the fall can range from season-ending alpine treks to much more comfortable low-elevation desert exploration. Choosing between these environments requires wildly different gear strategies, water management protocols, and risk mitigation tactics.
High alpine:
Primary hazard: Freezing precip, snow, hypothermia
Overnight temps: 10 F to 25 F
Water strategy: Abundant streams; must insulate filter from freezing
Tent stakes: Standard stakes in soil
Footwear focus: Waterproof boots with deep lug traction
Deserts:
Primary hazard: Water scarcity
Overnight temps: 25F to 45F
Water strategy: Plan on heavy carries and occasional filtering of silty sources
Tent stakes: Rocks and branches
Footwear focus: Highly breathable lightweight shoes, with optional gaiters for sand defense
Sample routes: Vallecito Creek to Johnson Creek; Chicago Basin via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad; Ute Creek
Essential alpine gear:
0-degree sleeping bags with high R-value pads (R-4.5 or higher)
Sturdy three-season tents, or four-season tents if snow is expected
Water filter and thermal protection—hollow fiber filters commonly carried by ultra-light backpackers will rupture if frozen
Cold-weather clothing, such as thicker socks, gloves, and thermal underwear
Sample routes: Needles District of Canyonlands; White Canyon tributaries; Grand Gulch canyon loops (check on current permitting requirements for hikes in national parks and monuments)
Essential desert gear:
25-degree sleeping bags with closed cell foam pads
Three-season tents, tarp or hammock sleeping systems, no-tent cowboy camping
Cool weather clothing that prioritizes wild temperature swings and protection from the sun
If you’re lucky, fall storms will graze the desert and lay down just enough rain to fill potholes that you can then filter. These may not be dependable, however, and hikers should be prepared to carry all of the water they will need for the duration of their trip, which can range from 4 to 6 liters per person per day. If you do find water in the desert, you may need to take extra action to filter out heavy sand sediment.
Collect muddy canyon pothole water in a container and allow it to settle for several hours
Prefilter water by pouring clear water through a bandanna or coffee filter into your main water reservoir that will then be formally filtered
By mid-summer, many local mountain bike trails that get heavy use have become dust bowls. But with the first few fall rains, the local soil firms up into tacky, high-grip soil that allows you to corner with more confidence. From the high-country singletrack of the Colorado Trail and Molas Pass down to technical urban networks in Twin Buttes and Horse Gulch, fall is the peak season for mountain biking in Durango.
Alpine high country: Favors capable do-it-all bikes, rideable until the first heavy snow
Middle elevations: Last chance for longer rides like those in Hermosa Creek, where you can catch fall foliage while you pedal
In-town and lower elevations: Choose your adventure from mellow bike paths to the new machine-built trails at Durango Mesa Park
Desert riding: World-class trails at Phil’s World, in and around Aztec and Farmington, and further afield in the Moab area
Cooler autumn temperatures will affect your bike’s tire pressure. Cooler temperatures lead to lower tire air pressure, and this is true whether you are tubeless or running tubes.
Check tire pressures before riding, and with the bike outside, not in a warm garage
Consider changing from summer’s hard, fast-rolling rubber compounds to soft, tacky compounds that remain pliable when temperatures drop toward freezing
Keep in mind that tubeless sealant dries out over the hot summer months, so you should consider refreshing your sealant before fall to handle sharp rocks and thorns
The primary challenge when it comes to dressing for mountain biking in the fall is managing heat output during steep slow climbs, then facing cold wind chills during high-speed descents.
Sweat is your worst enemy in cold environments. If that moisture stays trapped against your skin when you reach a windy ridge or stop moving, it cools down rapidly, setting up prime conditions for uncomfortable cold or even hypothermia. Dress for hot ascents and cold descents with sweat in mind:
Base layer: Wicks sweat away from the skin—synthetic or merino wool
Mid layer: Traps radiant core body heat—fleece or light puffy
Outer layer: Blocks wind, rain, and snow—think softshell or hardshell
Key apparel for biking:
Windproof vest: Protect your heart and lung core from freezing wind while leaving armpits open to vent sweat
Full-finger gloves: Cold wind will quickly numb your fingers and reduce brake lever feel and reaction times
Multiple, light layers: Keep a spare layer in your pack and be prepared to remove your base layer if it becomes soaked with sweat
Under-helmet skull caps: Thin thermal skull caps that cover your ears and are made from very thin material will keep your head warm without compromising helmet retention safety
Overnight camping in Southwest Colorado in the falls requires a mindset shift to keep you warm and comfortable.
To build a warm fall sleeping system, you need to address the four main mechanisms of thermal loss:
Conduction: Direct heat loss from your warm body to the cold ground beneath your tent
Convection: Air currents pulling heat away from your tent body or sleeping bag
Radiation: Core body heat radiating out into the cold night air
Evaporation: Body sweat converts into vapor and cools your skin
The secret to staying warm when camping in cool weather is a proper sleeping pad. Your sleeping bag does not create heat—it only retains the energy generated by your body. If you lay directly on a cold sleeping pad, your body weight will compress the insulation below you, leave zero air pockets that trap heat, and allow the cold ground to pull warmth straight out of your body through conduction. This is where the R-value, or thermal resistance rating, of your pad becomes critical. This rating, by the way, is the same basic concept as the rating you will see on home insulation.
R-Value 1.0 to 2.0: Fine on warm summer nights, but not helpful when the air temperature falls below about 55.
R-Value 3.0 to 3.9: Good for 35 degrees to 55 degrees. Insulated air pad with high-density foam.
R-Value 4.0 to 5.9: Good for 15 degrees to 35 degrees. Heavier-duty reflective air pads. Ideal for fall.
R-Value 6-plus: Appropriate to below zero degrees. Employs a dual system including a closed-cell foam pad stacked under an insulated thermal pad.
Down vs. synthetic sleeping bag comparison:
Warmth-to-weight: Exceptional for down, moderate to good for synthetic
Packability: Highly compressible for down, bulkier for synthetic
Moisture resistance: Vulnerable for down, which may clump when wet, retains heat when damp for synthetic (note that some down can be specifically treated to become hydrophobic)
Longevity: A decade or more for down, half that or less for synthetic because the loft degrades
Don’t let sleeping bag ratings be confusing. Sleeping bag temperature ratings indicate the lowest temperature at which the bag is designed to keep a person warm. Most sleeping bags use a standardized testing process to determine these limits, and assume the sleeper is wearing a layer of thermal underwear and using a sleeping pad.
In practice, many factors can complicate this. Some people may be hot sleepers or cold sleepers, humidity can greatly impact comfort level, and older sleeping bags may suffer from compressed insulation, which reduces its ability to keep you warm.
A standard rule of thumb is to choose a sleeping bag rated for 10-15 degrees lower than the lowest predicted nighttime temperature. So, if the weather forecast indicates a low of 30 for Molas Pass, bring a bag rated to 15 to 20.
If you’re buying a sleeping bag with colder autumn camping in mind, look for one that has these features:
Draft collars: An insulated padded baffle that wraps around your neck inside the bag to prevent warm air from escaping
Zipper baffles: Insulated tubes that run under the main zipper to stop cold air from penetrating the zipper teeth
Contoured hoods: The hood will cinch down tight to a small breathing hole to prevent core heat from radiating away from your head
Most modern backcountry water purifiers, like those from Sawyer and Katadyn, rely on internal hollow-fiber membranes. No matter what you do, microscopic water droplets will remain trapped inside these fibers after use. If your filter freezes overnight, the water inside those fibers will turn to ice and expand, which will rupture the internal tubes. This will ruin your filter as now harmful pathogens can pass through.
If freezing temperatures are anticipated, do not leave your water filter outside, attached to a bottle, or in your tent vestibule, and depending on how cold it gets, it may not even be safe inside your car. Sleeping with your water filter inside a plastic bag placed directly at the bottom of your sleeping bag can prevent damage.
Your summer tent may well work fine for fall camping even in freezing temperatures, but there are some factors to consider.
Choose a tent with a rain fly that extends all the way to the ground to seal out drafts and stop wind blowing into where you are sleeping
Avoid a tent with all-mesh inner walls, as these will not retain any warmth
When setting your tent up, open the fly vents to maintain some airflow and reduce internal moisture
Stake out all guy lines in case of unexpected gusts of wind
Do not use a summer tent is snow is anticipated
Pitch the tent so the narrowest point faces into the wind—this reduces noise, flex, and draft penetration
Don’t let changing temperatures or unexpected precip ruin an otherwise great fall outing. Simple clothing choices and layering techniques can keep you warm, safe, and dry no matter what gets thrown at you.
As mentioned in many places in this guide, sweat is your worst enemy in cold environments. When you work hard on steep ascents, your body cools off by releasing sweat. If that moisture remains trapped against your skin when you stop moving, it cools down rapidly, setting up prime conditions for discomfort and even hypothermia.
Base layer: Wicks sweat away from your skin
Choose merino wool or high-quality synthetics
Never wear cotton
Mid layer: Traps radiant core body heat
Choose from active mid layers like grid fleeces or breathable active synthetics
Also consider light down or synthetic down jackets that you can throw on when you stop moving or hang out around camp
Outer layer: blocks wind, rain, and snow
Bring a hardshell waterproof and windproof jacket with full taped seams
Modern softshells are nearly as stormproof as hardshells while being highly breathable and flexible
As summer rolls into fall and toward winter, some sports will naturally wind down while others pick up. Smart outdoor adventurers will take the time to properly put gear away and prep for the upcoming season.
Water gear: Clean, dry fully, deflate, and store away from direct UV light
Bike gear: Deep clean the drivetrain and body, inspect all seals
Tents and footprints: Wash off caked dirt and tree sap with mild soap and water, ensure it is all fully dry before packing away, then stored rolled up loosely; if possible, store poles partly assembled to relieve tension on the shock cords
Sleeping bags: Wash if needed using specialized gear cleaner, then hang over a large clothes hanger or inside a large mesh or cotton storage sack; do not leave compressed in a stuff sack
Sleeping pads: Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove skin oils and bug spray, and store unrolled with all valves open
Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs: Hose off silt and mud; clean and dry inflatables completely and store loosely folded in a cool, dry area; store hard crafts off the ground on padded surfaces or suspended with the weight even distributed along the hull
PFDs: Hand wash with mild soap, air dry, and store out of direct sunlight
Dry bags and neoprene gear: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water; hang wetsuits on thickly padded hangers and leave dry bags unrolled and open
Hydration packs and bladders: Clean reservoirs with warm water and baking soda, scrub hoses with a wire tube brush, and dry completely; empty bladders may be stored in the freezer to prevent mold growth
Trekking poles: Wipe down shafts and unlock flip locks
Camp stoves: Scrub down to remove grease and disconnect fuel canisters
Water filters: Back flush hollow-fiber filters then air dry for several days
Coolers and jugs: Scrub with dish soap, rinse, dry thoroughly, then store with any drain plug open and the lid propped up slightly
Headlamps, lanterns, and handheld GPS units: Remove all AA/AAA batteries to prevent acid leaks and terminal corrosion; recharge lithium-ion battery packs to about half charge then store indoors
Rainwear and hardshells: Wash with a technical fabric cleaner then tumble dry, if allowed according to label instructions, on low heat to reactivate the water repellent coating
Hiking boots and trail shoes: Clean mud out of outsoles and scrub uppers with a brush; apply leather cleaner or conditioner to any leather parts; remove insoles and store in a dry, ventilated area
The calendar may say fall, but skiing is almost always possible by Thanksgiving Day, and sometimes several weeks earlier at places like Purgatory and Sipapu. Backcountry skiing is often possible for people who can carefully evaluate snowpack stability and have a good knowledge of underlying surface conditions to avoid striking stumps and rocks. Durango Outdoor Exchange will often have a wide selection of ski gear in stock by Nov. 1.
Prepare early before the first big storm:
Boot fit checks: Try on ski or snowboard boots with your winter socks on to verify fit, buckle operation, and liner integrity
Base waxing and edge turning: Inspect edges for surface rust and tune if needed
Safety equipment: Verify that avalanche beacon powers up and replace any batteries with fresh batteries; check shovel shafts and probe locks for proper operation
No matter what you are doing outside, you’ll want the right gear for it.
Fall fly fishing: With the Animas River right in town, there’s plenty of spots to cast a fly. Essential gear includes sun hats, sun block, sun shirts with SPF protection, and packs.
Hunting: Millions of acres of public land offer excellent hunting opportunities. For changing fall conditions you’ll want comfortable footwear, safety gear, technical layers, camping equipment, and hydration systems.
4x4 driving: Many mountain passes stay open until the snow piles up, meaning you will want waterproof footwear, thick gloves, waterproof jackets, puffy jackets, coolers, hydration systems, and more.
Family outings: Don’t forget kid layers, lifestyle footwear, picnic gear, and baby carriers.
One outdoor sport in Durango is expensive enough—but why stop at one when there is so much to do here. That’s why buying used is the smart choice when it comes to gear in Durango, and why consigning your old gear can help fund your next adventure.
3-layer hardshell: $300-500 new, $100-150 used
0 degree down sleeping bag: $600 new, $200 used
30 liter day pack: $160-240 new, $45-85 used
Waterproof trail shoes: $170 new, $60 used
Insulated outerwear and puffy jackets: Check for zipper integrity, inspect stitching especially along baffles.
Backpacks: Inspect high-stress weight-bearing points like strap anchors and hip belt buckles; ensure that waterproof internal coatings are not flaking off or sticky.
Footwear: Check outsole lug wear patterns and look for unevenly worn treads that will tilt your stride, and inspect the heel interior for fabric tears that will cause heel-rubbing blisters.
Tents: Durango Outdoor Exchange staff will note any irregularities with the tent on the tag.
Consigning your old or unused gear at Durango Outdoor Exchange gives it a second life in the community while earning you valuable cash or store credit to fund your next adventure. Keep a few simple things in mind before bringing your gear down.
Check store announcements on social media or in the monthly newsletter for gear that is being accepted
Quickly access items you are considering consigning to see if anything needs cleaning or repair
Check store hours and consignment hours and days
Our expert staff will evaluate the condition, functionality, and fair market value of your items
Your gear will be displayed in the store and online to local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts
Get paid—earn payouts or store credit to upgrade your setup for the coming season
Fall in Southwest Colorado is an extraordinary season for outdoor recreation. With golden leaves carpeting the mountain valleys, crisp mountain air, hero-dirt trails, and empty backcountry campsites, autumn offers pure solitude and beauty.
Equipping yourself for changing shoulder-season weather and outdoor activities is all about smart planning, versatile layering, and reliable gear. Stop by Durango Outdoor Exchange on North Main Avenue and check out our daily rotating inventory of fall apparel, camping gear, bikes and bike accessories, technical and casual footwear, hats, SUPs, and much more. Our enthusiastic local staff is always ready to talk trails, share conditions, offer advice, and get you geared up for your next autumn adventure.
For many hikers, summiting one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks is a lifetime achievement. Others make it their entire personality, working for years and even decades to climb all of them. Some make a goal of climbing them all in a single season while others try to ski them all.
Summer is here, and Durango and the rest of Southwest Colorado and the greater Four Corners is your playground. Accessible just a short drive from Durango is everything from low-desert rivers to high-alpine tundra, and there’s just about everything in between. If you’re into outdoor rec, this is the spot for you, and Durango Outdoor Exchange is here to help make it happen.
This is your ultimate field guide to outdoor recreation and the gear you need for a summer in and around Durango. In it you’ll find a rundown of local recreational opportunities and the gear each sport requires, plus recommendations for staying safe and dry.
Overheating in the outdoors can be more than an annoyance—it can be dangerous.
From heat exhaustion to heatstroke, overheating can damage organs, leave you hobbled, cause disorientation, and worse. With summer here, it’s time to learn which gear can help you stay cool.
We see firsthand how proper gear helps people stay cool, comfortable, and safe in the outdoors. If you’re planning to hike, bike, paddle, camp, or explore this summer, here are some of the best types of gear to help keep things comfy.