Many times you may be the only person around. There also is a 20-mile cross-country ski touring concession adjacent to the PA 653 parking area. Industry Trade Show: June 8th & Gear of the Week: Heres the Lowdown on the new Cham Kit from Strafe Outerwear (2020), Bluebird Backcountry Responds to COVID-19 Exposure, Transforming Memories: Renting a GoPro for Unforgettable Adventures, Best Tips for the Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. No walking on the groomed trails. While it might seem silly to cross country ski on a county road, the road is narrow and closed off to traffic during the Winter months. Whether you decide on cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or skiing, theres no better place to play this Winter than around Durango, Colorado! You may even be able to find their tracks in the snow. You can rap into the canyon or hike down on the trail to the base. Just 16 miles northeast of Durango, this beautiful reservoir offers a wealth of incredible outdoor activities to enjoy while vacationing. Molas Pass - Colorado Trail Segment 25 Skiing the Grand Canyon's North Rim - Outside Online Just south on Highway 143, in the winter the road into Cedar Breaks National Monument closes and the area offers 7 miles of groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the . Wolfcreek Snowmobile Tours (Pagosa Springs) - All You - Tripadvisor Besides, Durango is a great town (or is it a little city?) Help support our work so you can continue to connect to the outdoors by giving to Durango Trails! Use our comprehensive trail guides with descriptions, photos, and reviews to plan your next cross country skiing trail adventure. You'll have to bring your equipment with you, but there is parking nearby so you won't have to go too far on foot. Due to its distance this trail is rated as moderate but the terrain is relatively flat. There are trails scattered around the area surrounding Durango that are maintained for the use of cross-country skiing which is ideal for beginners and expert skiers. Ski trails are groomed for only nordic skiing and a separate snowshoe trail starts just below Old Timers campground (our trailhead). La Plata Mountains - near Durango, CO - Uncover Colorado The Cross Country Ski Areas Association also provides helpful resources, including information about how to dress for your trip, a list of retail outlets for the equipment you'll need, as well as a podcast and video tutorials for new skiers. La Plata Canyon is a popular multi-use Winter recreation area, from alpine skiers, snowmobiles, XC skiers, and snowshoers, there's something for everyone here. Find Adventures Near You, Track Your Progress, Share Perins Peak closed by CPW through July 15. La Plata Canyon Gem This property is located in the historic and beautiful La Plata Canyon between Boren Creek on the south and Tirbircio Creek on the north. Trails are the cornerstone of our community and the gateway to the outdoors. La Plata Canyon Trail: 58 Reviews, Map - Colorado | AllTrails Visitors are asked to not hike or snowshoe . The trail includes a stop at the historic Chapin Mesa amphitheater before it exits at the Spruce Canyon Trail and returns to the museum. The golf course grooms a track for skate and class cross-country skiing when there is enough snow. All-in-all theres no better place to cross country ski in Durango than in La Plata Canyon. A buyer could add a home on the property as well if they desire more living space. For high alpine trails and maps click here. In the winter La Plata Canyon Road is often groomed for a few miles, providing an in-town area for out-and-back fat biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The 5 Things You Need to Do in Durango this Winter Elevation Outdoors connects readers to local Rocky Mountain outdoor sports, active lifestyles and adventure travelskiing, biking, paddling, hiking, climbing, camping and moreplus top outdoor gear, trails, festivals, races, local tips and news. Watch out though! Then he said, I think you should get out and ski. It's a tributary of the San Juan River, and its name translates from the Navajo language, meaning "flowing over projecting rock." La Plata River Route Aerial view of the river crossing into New Mexico from Colorado. Before you head out, it's also best to check the recent snowfall and cross-country trail conditions with the trail's managing entity; links to these agencies are typically listed in the Related Links box for each trail on TrailLink.com. Ever thought about spring skiing in the La Platas, west of Durango, CO? Here you'll find long-distance trails in both remote regions of the West and in populated parts of the East and Midwest. Comedian Steven Wright once said, "Cross-country skiing is great.if you live in a small country," but we beg to differ and are envious of those that can take advantage of this rewarding sport. Will, once again in the lead. Snowshoers and walkers should stay to the right of the groomed track. With some of the most unique terrain in the lower 48, the San Juan Mountains offer one of the most exciting high alpine experiences for skiers and snowboarders alike. Old railroad grades. With the recent storms in southwest Colorado, Durango should be near the top of your list of places to explore this Winter. Missing Hiker of Hesperus Mountain - Saturday June 24, 2023. They give you the ability to lap certain trails while having your car and some amenities nearby. 06.29.23 DT sawyers have cleared downed trees and additional overgrowth of aspen saplings. Offered by Frank Konsella, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Today Realty & Associates: Click the image below to give it a listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android! You could lose the ball in the snow, and it's rather hard to find the hole under all the snow. Stay on marked trails so you do not get lost. For reference, the La Plata Mountains are the peaks that are visible from downtown Durango if youre looking west. With nearly three quarters of a mile of riverfront to enjoy, this stretch of La Plata River has excellent fishing with small brook trout and some cutthroat trout as well. The road is open and clear up to Kennebec Pass. This is not a weather report, but based on our best information from Trail Reporters. Snowshoers must travel on designated snowshoe trails, or fresh snow (ungroomed surface). The area is located on Highway 550 about a mile from Molas Pass, look for a small parking lot on the east side of the highway. With around 40 years of experience and a notable reputation in the Durango skiing community, Ski Barn will make sure you have the proper gear you need to have a successful and memorable cross country skiing experience. Free snowshoe rentals are available at the visitor center. Located just across the road from Purgatory Resort, this Nordic Center boasts huge views of the San Juan Mountains along with 20 kilometers of groomed nordic trails. As the temperatures fall and the ground becomes covered in snow, the trail can be used to ski cross-country. While this 6-8 hour long day is a sufferfest, it offers some of the best views of the mountains around Durango without a doubt. Taylor Lake found along the Kennebec Pass. 06.29.23 Roaring Fork Forest Service Road now open and in good condition up to Divide Road. This includes La Plata (Durango), Archuleta (Pagosa Springs) and Montezuma (Dolores/Cortez). Boggy Draw has 14 miles of groomed fat bike trails starting at FS Road 527 (Boggy Draw Road). Brothers Caleb and Morgan Weinberg talk about ROMP skis, their company that hand builds skis in Crested Butte, CO. Really, the best time to ski the Skillet is early to mid-May. He is very passionate about skiing, mountain biking, and most importantly coffee! 06.29.23 La Plata Canyon Road 124 cleared of avy debris and good up to top of Kennebec Pass. Nordic/Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing - Mesa Verde National Park A trail fee is required. The trail follows the road up to the fire lookout. Where downhill skiing is going up a mountain just to come back down, cross-country skiing uses specially designed skis paired with poles to navigate a series of more minor ups and downs through the backcountry. The staff at Pine Needle offers decades of expertise and advice about gear and awesome areas to explore. Due to the fact that it is a golf course, travel across the course and off the track is not permitted. There is also a full service snack bar, ski . Available for both RF and RM licensing. 336. Although one of the most unique places to ski, the San Juan Mountains around Durango are the most avalanche prone mountains in the state, so make sure you have the proper training and equipment, or that youre skiing with a guide before you go. Bolam pass can be taken all the way to Rico (near Telluride) if you have the time and energy. From 9th Street and Main Avenue in Durango, head west on 9th Street toward Camino Del Rio (Highway 550). If you go skiing in the backcountry, make sure to be careful of avalanches and other snow hazards. Frozen lakes. Mesa Verde National Park, Fat bikes should not be used on trails at Priest or Trout Lake but there are designate multi-use trails on the Valley Floor where mountain bikes may be used. It is often groomed for a few miles before becoming unmaintained. Will: The basin held some of the best corn Ive skied this year. Winter activities such as cross-country (nordic) skiing and snowshoeing at Mesa Verde can be a very peaceful experience. Spruce Canyon Trail (map): Once there is snow, the gate to the trailhead is closed. With no entrance fees (donations are appreciated as it is maintained by volunteers) and located in the middle of Durango, Hillcrest is a great spot to get some laps in when you don't have all day, or just want to make sure a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate is always nearby. 06.29.23 Effective 12/1 seasonal wildlife closures take effect with Smelter Mountain open from 10am to 2pm (no dogs allowed). Guide to Cross Country Skiing in Durango My friend Will lives in the area and was happy to show me around for a couple of days. The 9 Best Cross-Country Skiing Trails in New Mexico! If you like us, please consider contributing a small donation to us through paypal, using the button below. CO Expect varying conditions based on time of day (ice and hardpack in the morning, and softer once the sun hits the trail). Durango has a handful of friendly, local gear shops known for legendary service and a strong passion for the outdoors and the Durango community. In addition, southwest Colorado is also home to the highest concentrations of 14ers than anywhere else making it a perfect spot for ski mountaineering. Snowshoeing in the high-country is one of the best ways to explore the area. dches@azstarnet.com. La Plata Canyon - Durango Trails Located in the La Plata Range, the pass falls along the Colorado Trail and can be accessed on foot, bike or horseback. Rail-trails in particular make great cross-country skiing trails since most railroads were built fairly straight with gentle (often less than 3%) grades. Skiing in the La Platas 5.21-5.22.16 - 14erskiers.com This meandering trail is rated easy. Thanks! I think it will help you mentally. Yep, this doc knows me, or at least knows my type. The trail is maintained for about half its length before being left to natural conditions. They offer nordic and skate skis along with a pass for around $35. But the gently rolling hills are perfect for use in cross-country skiing. Backcountry skiing, biking, hiking in Crested Butte, Colorado & beyond Created by Brittany Konsella & Frank Konsella. Just make sure you reward yourself with a soak in the hot springs before wrapping up your adrenaline-packed visit! No fat bikes or aggressive dogs allowed. Do no Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! Hillcrest Golf Course is without a doubt the most accessible place to ski on this list. Unfortunately due to ice and snow dangers the petroglyph panel cannot be accessed. Check out these trip reports from a unique subrange of the San Juans. Folllow this 3 miles until you reach the National Forest. Take Hwy 160 east from Durango to CR 124 (Hesperus) turn north at Kennebec Cafe (CR 124). Bryce Canyon National Park and vicinity, cross-country skiing is allowed in the national park. Cross Country Skiing | Visit Durango, CO | Official Tourism Site Because most of the trees are bare, wildlife is more visible in the winter. With over 16 spring-fed pools and eight Japanese wood, soaking tubs, soak your worries away and plan your next move while taking in the views of the snow-covered mesas of Animas Valley. Follow Brittany's account of her trauma on July 6th and her recovery since! Snowshoers and walkers should stay to the right, off the track, and dogs are not allowed in all locations. Camping. Some trails have track set. Reservations are required! He asked, Do you even want to ski this year? I nodded my head in silent response, but inside I was screaming, Oh hell yeah! Then he asked, Do you have a seasons pass? I nodded my head again and mumbled something about buying it before the accident and just keeping it because I thought Id be skiing in spring for sure. The 16+ mile round-trip day features over 4,000 feet of elevation gain as you climb into the clouds. The High-Country, just north of Durango, features miles of trails that snake the San Juan Mountains and the largest wilderness area in Colorado: the Weminuche Wilderness. The summer recreation on the property and on the vast forest service lands in the area include excellent hiking, climbing, biking, motorcycle and ATV riding, jeep touring, fishing and of course, hunting. Winter activities such as cross-country (nordic) skiing and snowshoeing at Mesa Verde can be a very peaceful experience. But what often gets overlooked when it comes to skiing is the more sedate and yet just as enjoyable cross-country skiing. Durango and its surrounding areas are a paradise for nordic skiers and Winter enthusiasts, but the number of trails and places to go for nordic skiing can be a little overwhelming. When I'm not skiing or biking, I love helping people with their Crested Butte and Gunnison real estate needs. . La Plata Warriors - Official Athletic Website - La Plata, MD Beyond the 2 miles there is snow (solid snow above 11,000 feet). Morefield Trails (map): Park at the Morefield Campground Store for access to the following trails. Be aware that cell coverage is very spotty throughout the park. In order to help you navigate and plan an adrenaline-packed retreat, here are five things you should do in Durango this Winter season: Before you go bananas in the fresh powder, find a little zen and relaxation by soaking in the hot springs. Just on the border of San Juan National Forest lies Missionary Ridge, a trail that during the winter becomes nearly perfect for winter recreation. Total round trip distance is 3 miles. Please help 14erskiers by using the links below to visit our affiliates. The Winter Trail Conditions page is intended to provide you updates on area Winter Trails available for cross country ski trails (groomed or ungroomed), hiking, trail running or fat biking. The top of this road reaches the Colorado Trail (at high country) on the top of Kennebec Pass and runs about 10 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It is an out and back road and does not go through. Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (map): Park at the north end of the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum parking lot. Located in the heart of Durangos downtown, Pine Needle offers gear and rentals for all types of sports, as well as Nordic and skate skis for a whole day. He hadnt known anyone who had done it. La Plata Canyon Multi Trail - Durango, CO | Trailforks While not groomed and maintained as much as the designated skiing trails, the trail is occasionally groomed for use during the winter. 06.29.23 Junction Creek Road USFS 171 blocked by landslide by Neglected Mine Road. It felt so nice to just go fast, whichh is exactly what good corn allows you to do. The Trail runs right alongside the Vallecito Reservoir shoreline and allows seeing an amazing visage of the snow and ice-covered lake through the winter months. Total distance, round trip is about 5 miles. The property has a small cabin which is heated by propane. La Plata County, Colorado . With the recent addition of the Scout Wave, river surfing is now a year-round pursuit. Winter is in full-effect in southwestern Colorado! While snowmobiling and cross country skiing are also popular activities in the area, they dont allow you the freedom to explore as well. La plata canyon hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy Start just past the lower gate. Find Cross Country Skiing Trails by StateHelpful information about Cross Country Skiing Trails. So, this spring I finally made my way south to do some skiing in the La Platas. Great place to snowshoe and cross country ski in winter! Connecting to a few other trails near its peak is the La Plata Canyon Trail, a nearly 10-mile-long trail that makes for great hiking, biking, and running during the warmer seasons. Parking can be found at the scenic overlook at the summit, the trail starts just across the road. 1018 ft . The Durango Nordic Center at Purgatory offers miles of groomed trails and all the gear you need available to rent for a whole day and includes a pass to access the trails. Snowmobiles are allowed on the road but typically it is to access cabins or backcountry terrain. Whether you just need some wax for your skis or a whole rental setup, any one of these options will serve you well. Cross-country skiing is a winter sport and, pretty much by definition, will be cold. Molas Pass is a section of the Colorado Trail that, during the winter opens the possibility to explore the trail in a winter world. Please check avalanche reports if heading out to higher elevation trails. Due to elevation gain and distance this trail is rated as difficult. This path leaves from the museum and goes along the canyon rim with views of Spruce Canyon. For current snow conditions on this trail, call 724-455-7303, or view the Pennsylvania Cross-Country Skier's Association webcam. In the winter La Plata Canyon Road is often "groomed" for a few miles, providing an in-town area for out-and-back fat biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Continue on CR 124 for 4.6 miles to where the road turns to dirt, there is a dirt parking area here. Enjoy a picnic along the trails, or on the deck of our beautiful new Community Center building. the back country skiing is epic back there. This would be a long one, but Ive done longer, harder, steeper routes with greater vertical before. And we wouldnt exist without your support! La Plata River - near Durango, CO | San Juan National Forest Near the top of La Plata Canyon Road, the road intersects Columbus Basin Road/trail to the right. The Nordic Center offers lessons on skiing cross-country and rentals for needed equipment. Morefield Trails (map): Park at the Morefield Campground Store for access to the following trails. More experienced skiers can keep going to the rougher parts of the trail for more of a wild experience. This allows people to adjust the difficulty level for a better challenge. Additionally, there are six nordic skiing areas in the immediate vicinity: Telluride Town Park, the Valley Floor, the golf course in Mountain Village, the top of Chair Ten (TopAten) on the ski area, Trout Lake and Priest Lake. Lower Lightner Creek trail crossing closed due to collapsed bridge. Parking is limited. As you float over the powdery snow, you get the chance to experience a world rarely seen, with iced-over alpine lakes and untouched natural wonders scattered around you. Follow the groomed trail to the Mesa Top Road and Cliff Palace Road intersection. Connecting to a few other trails near its peak is the La Plata Canyon Trail, a nearly 10-mile-long trail that makes for great hiking, biking, and running during the warmer seasons. District of Columbia, Maryland - 184.5 miles, Asphalt, Ballast, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Will: The next day, it was just Will and I, and we headed to the basin just South of the one we were in the day before. 4.8 mi . Take a right into the. dIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD La Plata Canyon Road Its clear that were all a little stir-crazy right now. It also features one rope tow and one double chair lift. The groomed trail begins between the store and the laundry mat, look for the trailhead register. 529. . Enjoy plenty of non-motorized winter adventures on trails groomed for cross-country skiing (skate, classic, touring), fat biking and snowshoeing. Pedestrian traffic is not allowed on the groomed trails; see below for places to enjoy a nice walk. If nothing else, Im itching to get back to Zia Taqueria, that was one of the best burritos I can remember. We enjoy it, and we hope you do too! It has 13 runs, of which 30% are beginner difficulty, 20% are intermediate and 50% are of expert difficulty. 06.29.23 Upper trail blocked by dozens and dozens of tree, lower clear to Dutch. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Kennebec Pass - near Durango, CO | San Juan National Forest You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. Trail user Will reports that trail from Champion Venture to High Point in poor condition with 12 downed trees (several large), large boulder on trail and overgrowth up to High Point. They regularly hold races and clinics there. The trail follows the road to and around the various mesa top archaeological sites. There was a strong breeze that kept things cold so we hung out for a while. Help protect natural areas and habitats by staying on established trails. CROSS COUNTRY Varsity GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY . La Plata Canyon (#11) - San Juan National Forest Open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from early December to mid-March. 06.29.23 There is some standing water on Dutch Creek Trail but downed trees have been cleared. 06.29.23 Missionary Ridge Road (lower) 682 now open. But its probably just that I like exploring new places to ski. Please follow best practices and understand that the groomed trails are put in for forms of winter recreation that requires it for access, such as skate skiing, classic tracks and fat biking. Cross-Country Skiing: The 16 Top Resorts in the U.S. With nearly three quarters of a mile of riverfront to enjoy, this stretch of La Plata River has excellent fishing with small brook trout and some cutthroat trout as well. Discover this 3.0-mile out-and-back trail near Hesperus, Colorado. Recommended. Cliff Palace Loop Trail (map): Park at the north end of the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum parking lot. Races include several nordic events, as well as snowshoe 5 and 10Ks. Numerous cliff dwelling viewpoints are available along the way. Find Cross Country Skiing Trails by State, Helpful information about Cross Country Skiing Trails, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD), Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park, Check or FAQs for more common login questions. For winter trails updates, visit the Winter Trails Condition Report page. 06.29.23 Forest service roads are now open to snow line (approx 11,000 ft). In the winter you will enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing all while having a warm, cozy cabin to come back to. At Vallecito Nordic you will find approximately 15km of nordic trails groomed for classic and skate skiing along the beautiful shores of Vallecito Reservoir. Moran Skillet Ski My Bucket List (5 May 2019), How to use CalTopo & the Gaia GPS App to Plan your Backcountry Skiing Routes Updated, Mount Rainier Skiing the Fuhrer Finger (14 May 2018), 14er TBT: Pyramid Peak, Landry Line Ski (5 May 2011), Interviews with 11 of Colorados Fourteener-Skiing Finishers, Unlucky Lucky Part 3 The most painful surgery, Unlucky Lucky Part 2 A story of trauma recovery, Horseshoe Ski (14 May 2020) The mountain whose journey nearly killed me, TBT: North and Middle Sisters Ski (17 May 2018), TBT: Silvretta Tour Part 3- Weisbadener Hutte & Ochsentaier Glacier (28 Feb 2019). Pajarito Mountain, Los Alamos, NM The Nordic ski area is located on the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains. We hope our guide will help narrow down your plan on what to see and where to go during your Winter visit to Durango. Cross Country Skiing In Utah [Maps, Trails, Info] | Visit Utah Retailers and Media Only Due to the distance this trail is rated as moderate. There are some local classes available to help you be prepared for such hazards. Backcountry Skiing in Crested Butte Resource Guide, Crested Butte Mountain Bike Guide: Alphabatized, Gear Review: LEKI Tour Stick Vario Carbon Ski Poles, Smugglers' Notch | Half-Day Lift Tickets (AM or PM) - 2019-04-10, Smugglers' Notch | Half-Day Lift Tickets (AM or PM) - 2019-04-11, Mt. Ungroomed Soda Canyon Overlook Trail from groomed trail to overlook is .75 mile. Save up to 70% off with image packs The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad also departs from town year round. As you trek along, youll be greeted by towering peaks and thick aspen groves in all directions- without the crowds! The stunning La Plata Mountains can be found nestled into the southwestern corner of Colorado, just northwest of Durango. Photo. Lavender Peak . Adrenaline & Extreme Tours Ski & Snow Tours. During Winter, the area develops a well-established trail system, sporting miles of cross country skiing trails throughout the valley floor via County Road 124. A young girl cross country skiing near La Plata Canyon, Mayday - Alamy With nearly three quarters of a mile of riverfront to enjoy, this stretch of La Plata River has excellent fishing with small brook trout and some cutthroat trout as well. 171. In winter the rugged North Rim is an. Cross-Country Skiing in PA State Parks and Forests - DCNR Located about halfway between Durango and Silverton, Andrews Lake has diverse terrain for nordic skiers to explore. Sorry. Download this stock image: A young girl cross country skiing near La Plata Canyon, Mayday, Colorado. The Wells Group of Durango, Inc., (970) 259-6680, 8580 County Road 124 , Hesperus, CO 81326. The trail system is operated by the Chelan Ranger District with the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club; Sno-Park permits and NW Forest Passes are not honored here. Little Molas Lake opening delayed. Most of the . 06.29.23 Road to Ice Lakes now open but with limited parking and camping. Covering almost 2 million acres of land, the San Juan National Forest is one of the most beautiful and scenic places to ski free XC skiing, if adventure and wandering is more your style. View . Located above Cascade Canyon, just after Purgatory Resort, this mellow out-and-back road offers views of the San Juans and the canyon below. The Hillcrest parking lot is located at 2300 Rim Drive on the Mesa near Fort Lewis College and overlooking the town. Dogs are not allowed. This segment located off the summit of Molas Pass passes by beautiful high alpine lakes and meadows of snow in the middle of the towering San Juan Mountains. 2023. It is not groomed but good for touring skiing and snowshoeing. Have fun and please share your experiences on TrailLink.com by posting photos and a review of your favorite cross-country skiing trail. During the fall and summer, the Golf course is used for its intended purpose as a golf course, but during the winter, you can't exactly play a round or two of golf. 6 Reasons Your Family Will Love Spring Break at Purgatory Resort, 5 Things To Do On Your Day Off From Skiing. The end of the trail is marked with a sign; travel past that point is not permitted.