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Winter Trails and Conditions

Winter Trails and Conditions

Enjoy plenty of non-motorized winter adventures on trails groomed for cross-country skiing (skate, classic, touring), fat biking and snowshoeing.

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. Snowshoers and walkers should stay to the right, off the track, and dogs are not allowed in all locations. 

Photo credit: Brett Davis

Recent images from our trail reporters:

La Plata Canyon 03/26/23 Photo Credit JD
Engineer Mountain (view from Purgatory) 03.16.23
Vallecito Nordic 03.13.23

More photos and information can also be found on the Durango Trails Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
We appreciate your help in keeping this report accurate.

Know Before You Go

Before heading out on your winter adventure, please review all trail etiquette and make sure to follow these guidelines to ensure all trail users have a great experience!
 
1) Skate-skiers need a groomed track. If you are classic skiing, please stay to the right in the cross country track. Snowshoers should stay to the right of the groomed skate and class track. 
 
2) Dogs are allowed off leash in certain locations but you must have control of your dog. Allowing your dog to poop in the snow and not picking it up is not good trail manners. If your dog runs away from you and you can’t see it, that is not having control of your dog. If you have to say “Come, Fido” more than once, that is not having control of your dog. If a skier needs to stop or slow down so your dog does not take them out, that is not having control of your dog. You get the idea.
 
3) Be in control. Uphill traffic still has the right of way in skiing, too. 
 
4) Fat Bikes: Make sure to have wide tires — deep snow coverage may require tires wider than 3.5 inches. Tire pressure will often be less than 10 PSI. 4-6 is typical. You’ll need enough floatation that you can travel over snow without leaving a rut deeper than one inch and sufficient traction that you are able to safely control your bike and ride in a straight line. 

Get Outside

Current Winter Trail Conditions

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. This is not a weather report, but based on our best information from Trail Reporters. If you encounter something different, please message us so we can update the information.

Expect varying conditions based on time of day (ice and hardpack in the morning, and softer once the sun hits the trail). Please check avalanche reports if heading out to higher elevation trails.

More photos and information can be found on the Durango Trails Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

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In Town
Animas Mountain Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Animas Mountain Lower LoopGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Animas Mountain Upper LoopClosedupdated May 30, 2023Peregrine falcon closure in effect through July 31.
Birket TrailGoodupdated May 15, 2023
Merv TrailGoodupdated May 15, 2023
Sick Bird TrailGoodupdated May 15, 2023
Swerve TrailGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
X-Rock Climbing AreaGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Animas River TrailGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Church Camp Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Church Camp LoopGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Ridge Hike TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Dalla Mountain Park Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Bouldering TrailGoodupdated May 15, 2023
Jacob’s Cliff TrailGoodupdated May 15, 2023
Junction TrailGoodupdated May 15, 2023
Ponderosa TrailGoodupdated May 15, 2023
Sailing Hawks TrailGoodupdated May 15, 2023
Fort Lewis Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Ball LaneGoodupdated Apr 27, 2023
Bread Express TrailGoodupdated Apr 27, 2023
Chapman Hill TrailGoodupdated Apr 27, 2023
Lamppost TrailGoodupdated Apr 27, 2023
Lion’s Den TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Nature TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Powerline TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Rim TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Sky StepsGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Skyline TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Squawker, Talker and Shocker TrailsGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Grandview Ridge Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Big Canyon TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Carbon Junction TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Cowboy TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Crites Connect TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Grandview Ridge RoadGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Old Car LoopGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Sale Barn TrailGoodupdated May 3, 2023
Sidewinder TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Skull Rock TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
South Rim TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Yellow Brick Road TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Horse Gulch Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Ben’s Down N Out TrailGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Cap’s TrailGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Charmed (Formerly Snakecharmer)Goodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Cuchillo TrailGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Drop Over TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
EZ TrailGoodupdated Apr 9, 2023
Flame Out TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Half Ridge TrailGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Horse Gulch RoadGoodupdated Apr 11, 2023
Meadow LoopGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Medicine TrailGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Mike’s TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Milky Way TrailGoodupdated Apr 9, 2023
Pautsky PointGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Raider Ridge TrailsGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
RidgeView (formerly SkyRaider)Goodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Rocky Road TrailGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Send It (formerly Anasazi) DescentGoodupdated Apr 26, 2023
Stacy’s LoopGoodupdated Apr 16, 2023
Sugar TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Telegraph TrailGoodupdated May 1, 2023
Zip Line TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Overend Mountain Park Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
8 Bells TrailGoodupdated May 8, 2023
Brown’s Ridge TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Crestview TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Ella Vita TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Englehart’s TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Falcon TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Grabens LoopGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Hidden Valley TrailGoodupdated May 8, 2023
Hogsback TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Hogsfoot TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Ned’s Hill TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Perin’s Gulch TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Spirit TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Star Wars DescentGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Perins Peak TrailClosedupdated May 7, 2023Perins Peak closed by CPW through July 15
Smelter Mountain TrailGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Effective 12/1 seasonal wildlife closures take effect with Smelter Mountain open from 10am to 2pm (no dogs allowed).
Three Springs Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Rail Spike LoopGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Spur Line TrailsGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Switcher LoopGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Three Springs Connect LoopGoodupdated Apr 14, 2023
Water Tank RoadGoodupdated Apr 14, 2023
Twin Buttes Trail SystemGoodupdated May 1, 2023Lower Lightner Creek trail crossing closed due to collapsed bridge.
Cliffrock LoopGoodupdated May 24, 2023
Lightner Creek TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Lower BC & F TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Lower Ed & Flo TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Mid Traverse TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
The Buttes TrailGoodupdated Apr 24, 2023
Twin Buttes TrailGoodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Upper BC & F TrailGoodupdated May 24, 2023
Upper Ed & Flo TrailGoodupdated May 24, 2023
Mid Country
Colorado Trail System (Lower)Fairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 NOTE: Junction Creek Trail will be closed on 6/1 and 6/2 for crews to safely remove a tree from across the trail (approx 1.5 mi up the trail from JC trailhead). Junction Creek Road 171 (Mi 3.5 – 10.9) opening has been delayed.
Colorado Trail at Junction CreekFairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 NOTE: Junction Creek Trail will be closed on 6/1 and 6/2 for crews to safely remove a tree from across the trail (approx 1.5 mi up the trail from JC trailhead).
Dry Fork TrailFairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Dry Fork is still in fair condition.
High PointPoorupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Poor conditions with downed trees and snow.
Hoffheins TrailGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Haviland Lake TrailsFairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Haviland Lake/Chris Park FS Roads 671/791 closure extended due to snow/mud.
Hermosa Area Trail SystemFairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Hermosa Park Road 578 opening has been delayed due to snow. Lower Hermosa Road opened 5/1. Trail user reports that downed trees have been cleared on Hermosa and Jones Creek up to Mitchell Lakes. One tree snag 1/2 mile from trailhead. Upper Hermosa Trail still covered with snow.
Hermosa Creek TrailFairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Trail user reports that lower Hermosa Creek Trail is clear of downed trees (with the exception of a snag 1/2 from trailhead). Upper Hermosa still covered in snow.
Hotel Draw RoadClosedupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Opening TBD due to snow.
Jones Creek TrailGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Trail user reports that Jones Creek is clear of downed trees and snow up to Mitchell Lakes Trail.
Junction Creek Road (USFS 171)Goodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Lower Junction Creek Road is in good condition up to the Overlook. Junction Creek Road 171 (Mi 3.5 – 10.9) opening has been delayed. Snow bank 3.5 mi past the gate.
La Plata Canyon Trail SystemFairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Gate at La Plata Canyon is now open. 4WD w/high clearance able to drive to Lewis. There are 3 avy slides (up to 30′) at Lewis so no vehicles beyond that point.
Log Chutes Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Log Chutes 1, 2 and 3 are good. Trail user TB reports that Westview has several muddy spots and creek crossings.
Animas Overlook TrailGoodupdated May 21, 2023
Log Chutes 1Goodupdated Apr 29, 2023
Log Chutes 2Goodupdated May 24, 2023
Log Chutes 3Goodupdated May 29, 2023
Westview LoopGoodupdated Jun 1, 2023Trail user TB reports that there are several muddy spots on Westview with a few creek crossings.
Missionary Ridge Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Missionary Ridge Road (lower) 682 now open.
Haflin Creek TrailGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Haflin is good to go.
Missionary Ridge TrailGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Red Creek TrailFairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Steven’s Creek TrailFairupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Trail user reports Steven’s Creek is dry from bottom to Red junction with long sections of mud for the next mile (2 trees down).
Vallecito Lake Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 East Vallecito Road at Mile 1.5 603 opened on 05.02.23.
High Country
Andrews LakeSeasonalupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
High Country TrailsSeasonalupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Will be a while before the high country trails are ready for summer trail use. Be sure to check CAIC for avy conditions.
West Lime CreekGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
USFS RoadsPoorupdated May 16, 2023USFS Roads are delayed to opening with the amount of snow. Roaring Fork is now open to snowline. Echo Basin, Cherry and Chicken Creek now open. La Plata Canyon gate now open but only drivable up to Lewis where there are several slides.
Surrounding Area
Alien Run Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Alien Run TrailGoodupdated Apr 9, 2023
Boggy Draw Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23 Boggy still has some big puddles. Bean is now cleared of downed trees with a few standing puddles. Maverick, Italian, String Bean and McPhee Overlook dry and in great condition. Still waiting to hear update on Shush. Forest Service will be starting prescribed burns on Wednesday 5/31/23.
Bean Canyon TrailGoodupdated Jun 2, 2023
Boggy Draw Loop TrailGoodupdated May 17, 2023
Italian Canyon TrailGoodupdated May 17, 2023
Mavericks Loop TrailGoodupdated May 17, 2023
McPhee Overlook TrailGoodupdated May 7, 2023
Chicken CreekFairupdated May 25, 2023
Phil’s World Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
2 More TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Abajo TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Bob’s LoopGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Coco TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Here for More TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Hippie House TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Ledges LoopGoodupdated Apr 9, 2023
Lemonhead TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Phil’s World Main LoopGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Rib Cage TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Stinky Spring LoopGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Trust LoopGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Road Apple Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23
Anasazi LoopGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Kinsey LoopGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Rigor Mortis TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Road Apple East TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Road Apple Rally CourseGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Road Apple West TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Seven Sisters TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Wild Bill TrailGoodupdated Apr 10, 2023
Sand Canyon Trail SystemGoodupdated Jun 3, 202306.03.23

Find Your Adventure

All Winter Trails

La Plata Canyon

Enjoy fat biking and touring skiing up the groomed County Road. Snowmobiles are allowed on the road but typically it is to access cabins or backcountry terrain. It is an out and back road and does not go through. 

Hillcrest Golf Course

The golf course grooms a track for skate and class cross-country skiing when there is enough snow. This in-town 5k track is a community treasure. Due to the fact that it is a golf course, travel across the course and off the track is not permitted. Dogs are not allowed.

Durango Nordic Center

Durango Nordic Center is groomed for cross country skiing and you must purchase a pass to ski. Dogs are not allowed.

Vallecito Nordic at Vallecito Lake

At Vallecito Nordic you will find approximately 15km of nordic trails groomed for classic and skate skiing along the beautiful shores of Vallecito Reservoir. Ski trails are groomed for only nordic skiing and a separate snowshoe trail starts just below Old Timers campground (our trailhead). No fat bikes or aggressive dogs allowed.

Andrews Lake

Just past Molas Lake, look for a parking lot on the east side of the highway. It is not groomed but good for touring skiing and snowshoeing.

Molas Pass

Typically groomed by the snowmobile club, the area offers great fat biking and nordic skiing options.

Silverton Groomed Trails

Silverton groomed ski trails are fantastic for fat biking and cross country skiing (skate and classic), located at Kendall Mountain and Memorial Park.

Junction Creek Road (USFS 171)

Junction Creek Road is a great area for touring skiing and fat biking (once compacted). Start just past the lower gate.

Boggy Draw

Boggy Draw has 14 miles of groomed fat bike trails starting at FS Road 527 (Boggy Draw Road). Snowshoers and walkers should stay to the right of the groomed track. 

Chicken Creek

Chicken Creek is located outside of Mancos and is groomed for cross country skiing (skate and a class track). No walking on the groomed trails. 
 
To get there, take 184 north from Mancos 3 miles, then turn right on CR 42/Millwood Rd. Folllow this 3 miles until you reach the National Forest. Take a right into the Chicken Creek parking lot.

Priest Lake and Trout Lake

Priest Lake and Trout Lake are located 12.5 miles south of Telluride, on the east side of Hwy 145, just past the Materhorn Campground off of Lizard Head Pass. The trail head is at the Forest Service facility about 500 yards past the campground entrance.

These trails feature a variety of interconnected loops over rolling terrain approximately 10 miles north of the top of Lizard Head Pass and are groomed for cross country skiing.

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. Each offer different terrain, varied lengths of groomed trail and excellent views.

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. Dogs are not allowed on any groomed trail on the Valley Floor. 

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