Jesse & Ellie's Ultimate San Juan Guidebook
City/town information
In Town (Durango) Hikes
Overend Mountain Park (locals call it Test Tracks cause Yeti tests their bikes here) - mostly for mountain bikers but open to hikers. Hike up Hogsback Peak for a short, treacherous, and great view. Access via Leyden St. in Durango.
There’s a paved trail called Animas River Trail that takes you all over town. Fun to ride a bike on.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Durango
In Town (Durango) Hikes
Overend Mountain Park (locals call it Test Tracks cause Yeti tests their bikes here) - mostly for mountain bikers but open to hikers. Hike up Hogsback Peak for a short, treacherous, and great view. Access via Leyden St. in Durango.
There’s a paved trail called Animas River Trail that takes you all over town. Fun to ride a bike on.
Eating in Silverton:
Avalanche is my favorite, good pizza and beer. Golden Block Brewing is also awesome.
Rent a Jeep or 4x4 vehicle in Silverton and take the Alpine Loop to Lake City, CO and back
(day trip, pack a lunch and snacks)
We also love driving a portion of the “Alpine Loop” behind Silverton, CO (just keep taking the road into the mountains) as it does not require 4x4 until you run into the sign where it becomes very obvious you need 4x4 and plenty of acres to turn around, lots of cool abandoned mines and gorgeous views. Sometimes we just park and walk around.
Winter:
Skiing at Silverton Mountain (One lift big mountain expert skiing) or Guided backcountry skiing in Silverton
Scenic Drive Through Silverton to Ouray. Stunning mountain views and can get lunch at Maggie's in Ouray, Soak at Orvis Hot Springs or Wiesbaden Hot Spring and Vapor Cave.
77 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Silverton
Eating in Silverton:
Avalanche is my favorite, good pizza and beer. Golden Block Brewing is also awesome.
Rent a Jeep or 4x4 vehicle in Silverton and take the Alpine Loop to Lake City, CO and back
(day trip, pack a lunch and snacks)
We also love driving a portion of the “Alpine Loop” behind Silverton, CO (just keep taking the road into the mountains) as it does not require 4x4 until you run into the sign where it becomes very obvious you need 4x4 and plenty of acres to turn around, lots of cool abandoned mines and gorgeous views. Sometimes we just park and walk around.
Winter:
Skiing at Silverton Mountain (One lift big mountain expert skiing) or Guided backcountry skiing in Silverton
Scenic Drive Through Silverton to Ouray. Stunning mountain views and can get lunch at Maggie's in Ouray, Soak at Orvis Hot Springs or Wiesbaden Hot Spring and Vapor Cave.
Food scene
Indoor/Outdoor seating with mountain views.
Try the Filet Mignon slider.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Nugget Mountain Bar
48721 North Highway 550Indoor/Outdoor seating with mountain views.
Try the Filet Mignon slider.
Within walking distance of Hillside Hideaway condo. Upscale, American food. Expensive.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sow's Ear
48475 US-550Within walking distance of Hillside Hideaway condo. Upscale, American food. Expensive.
Farm-to-table beef, barn animals on property.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
James Ranch Grill
33846 US Hwy 550Farm-to-table beef, barn animals on property.
No tourists, local hangout. Great for grabbing a cup of coffee and hitting some keys on the piano.
Smiley Cafe
1309 E 3rd AveNo tourists, local hangout. Great for grabbing a cup of coffee and hitting some keys on the piano.
Consejos para la ciudad
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Overnight Backpacking Trips
• Chicago Basin: https://sjma.org/chicago-basin-trip-planning/
• Highland Mary: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7030068/highland-mary-lakes-loop
Frases útiles
Purgatory
is just called "Purg" here :)
Frases útiles
North of Durango
Where you are staying during your trip, is called "North County". The gas station is called "Needles" (after the Needles Mountain Range).
Formas de ahorrar
Buy groceries in town
Buy your groceries in Durango (City Market or Albertsons) before heading north.
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
No public transportation
Please reserve a rental car for your vacation.
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Day Hiking
• Columbine Lake (located just north of Silverton, and the road gets a little sketchy for the last . 2 miles)
• Engineer Mountain (gets busy on weekends, and if you can summit it, props from us)
Half-Day Trips
• Castle Rock (just by the Needles gas station 2 miles south of condo)
• Purgatory Flats (just across the highway from Purgatory by Twilight Lake) - you’re hiking DOWN into this trail, then back up.
In Town (Durango) Hikes
Overend Mountain Park (locals call it Test Tracks cause Yeti tests their bikes here) - mostly for mountain bikers but open to hikers.
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Scenic Drive/Day Trip Idea
Drive to Ouray (2.5 hours one way if taking time)
Coffee Bear in Silverton is a fun place to stop with a great balcony to view mountains. Red Mountain has spectacular views. You’ll know it when you see it :). Fall colors are spectacular on this drive, so worth it.
Hike Box Canyon Falls
If you want to check out Telluride, let me know and I’ll make some recommendations. It’s sort of a long drive there, so you may consider overnighting (3.5 hours there or so)
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Other Trip Ideas
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison
• Honeyville: a bit touristy, but fun to visit and pick up some honey.
• Rent bikes from 2nd Ave and do some trail riding or easy riding on the Animas River Trail
• We love driving “behind” Purgatory. There’s a little hut on the northeast end, just past the main parking lot, and a road that takes you back behind Purgatory. It’s fun to drive and explore as the road doesn’t require 4X4 for at least 10 miles. Mushroom hunting is a must after a good rain.
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Quick Nearby Hikes
• Cascade Falls
• Spud Lake Hike (required 4x4 or really great and lifted 2WD vehicle to access) • Lime Creek Waterfall
• Hike up any trails or catwalks at Purgatory Ski Resort