4th of July in the San Juans

Temperatures are looking hot this weekend. Escape the heat and retreat to the mountains for the 4th of July! Not sure what to do? Here are a few of our favorite activities.

RZR Rentals

Purgatory Resort’s partner Colorado Outback Adventures offers RZR rentals. Also called side-by-sides, these all-terrain vehicles are perfect for off-road terrain and are easy to operate. The friendly team will recommend trails and tips for exploring the surrounding San Juan National Forest. Rentals seat 2-4 people and include maps, a dry bag, rain ponchos and helmets. Book now.

Hiking

The San Juan National Forest has seemingly endless trails leading to picturesque lakes, mountain vistas and beautiful streams. A few of our nearby favorites:

Spud Lake This 2-mile, beginner-friendly trail is great for families. Hike through the forest to a beautiful lake nestled below Spud Mountain where you can enjoy a picnic or go fishing. To make your outing longer, walk around the lake before you head back. Located 6 miles northeast of Purg on Lime Creek Road (Forest Road 591). 

Purgatory Flats Choose your own adventure as you meander through aspen groves and take in alpine viewpoints. The full trail descends 4.5 miles to the Animas River, but for a shorter hike turn around whenever you are ready (the trail is gentle but remember you’ll be going uphill on the way back!). Located just across Highway 550 from Purg on the south side of Twilight Lake.

Castle Rock Take the Elbert Creek trail through aspen groves and alpine meadows to a stunning viewpoint of the San Juan Mountains. At just over 5 miles roundtrip, this trail is rated moderate to advanced so remember to bring water and take breaks as needed. Located 3 miles south of Purg on the west side of the road.

Mountain Biking

The backside cross-country bike trails are opening just in time for 4th of July weekend! Enjoy fantastic panoramic views as you take the Purgatory Village Express chairlift up to over 10,000 feet and descend back down to the base area via the trail of your choosing. Make sure to check out the new Shangri-La beginner trail! Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. Guests who are summer passholders or Power Passholders can proceed straight to Lift 1 with their pass.

Horseback Riding

Take in the views, wildflowers, flora and fauna from horseback. Our neighbors at Buck’s Livery and Rapp Corral offer tours on local trails for all ability levels.

Resort Activities

Zip around the nearly mile-long track on the Inferno Mountain Coaster, race your friends down the alpine slide or soak in the views from a scenic chairlift ride. These are just a few of the activities at Purgatory Resort! Check out our tickets page for more info on our morning (9am-12:30pm) and afternoon (12:30pm-4pm) sessions. Space is limited — purchase your tickets online in advance here.