Entry No. 77 — the Durango file — filed under: after-dark
Full Moon Howler Snowshoe Hike (Durango Nordic Center)
On full-moon winter nights, San Juan Mountains Association staff lead a 60-90 minute interpretive snowshoe walk from the Durango Nordic Center as the moon rises over the Twilight Peaks and alpenglow fades. Afterward everyone gathers at a bonfire with hot cocoa and mulled wine. Hikes leave just after 6 p.m., and it's free for Durango Nordic season pass holders (a day pass or rental is required otherwise).
The story
Twenty-five miles north of downtown Durango on Highway 550, directly across from the bright lights of Purgatory Resort, sits the Durango Nordic Center. The nonprofit manages nearly 16 miles of groomed trails across the valley floor, but on select full-moon winter nights, artificial illumination gives way to sheer moonlight.
Led by staff from the San Juan Mountains Association, the Full Moon Howler takes you on a 60-to-90-minute interpretive snowshoe trek into the silent alpine forest. You depart just after 6:00 p.m. as the last pink alpenglow drains off the Twilight Peaks, leaving the moonlight reflecting off the hard-packed powder to light your path.
When the loop finishes, everyone retreats from the backcountry freeze to an open bonfire at the staging area. The reward is straightforward: steaming mugs of hot cocoa and warm mulled wine, paired with the quiet solitude of an alpine night far away from the commercial ski crowds.
What it's like
Show up dressed for extreme cold—the moment the sun drops behind the San Juans, temperatures plummet fast across the Nordic Center's open flats. The vibe is unpretentious and local; you'll clip into snowshoes (bring your own or rent them at the lodge) and line up with a small crowd around 6:00 p.m. Work up a sweat on the trail, keep your eyes on the moonlit ridges, and head straight for the fire pit before your fingers go numb.
The move: Strap on snowshoes for the after-6 p.m. moonlit trek through the silent alpine forest, then share mulled wine by the bonfire under the full moon.
📍 Before you go Winter/full-moon dates only; about 25 miles north of Durango toward Purgatory. Bring or rent snowshoes; dress for cold night temps.
- 📍 Purgatory / Durango
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Durango Nordic Center, across from Purgatory Resort, US-550, Durango, CO
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Pinkerton Hot Springs — Stop by this strange, red-stained thermal mound on Highway 550 during your drive back down the Animas Valley after the hike.
- Honey House Distillery at Honeyville — Pick up a bottle of locally distilled honey spirits along Highway 550 on your way north toward Purgatory.
- James Ranch Artisan Cheese & Farm Tour — Grab a heavy pasture-raised meal in the Animas Valley before heading into the frigid night air at the Nordic Center.
Good to know
When does the hike take place?
It runs on winter nights aligned with the full moon, departing just after 6:00 p.m. Dates depend on snow conditions and lunar timing, so check the Durango Nordic Center or San Juan Mountains Association schedules before heading out.
Do I need to pay or register in advance?
The hike is free if you hold a Durango Nordic Center season pass. Otherwise, you must purchase a trail day pass or rent snowshoes on site.
Where is the Nordic Center located?
It is located about 25 miles north of Durango along US Highway 550, right across the road from Purgatory Resort.
What equipment do I need?
You will need snowshoes and winter clothing designed for sub-freezing night temperatures. Snowshoes can be rented at the Nordic Center lodge if you don't own a pair.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · sjma.org
last checked: 2026-06-23