How Far Is Purgatory Resort From Durango?

By Anna Duncan

Purgatory Resort is a popular ski destination in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. Many visitors to the area wonder how far it is from Durango, a charming town located in the Animas River Valley. In this article, we will explore the distance between these two destinations and some ways to get there.

Driving Distance

If you prefer to drive to Purgatory Resort from Durango, it’s a short and scenic ride of about 25 miles. You can take US Highway 550 North towards Silverton and turn left onto Purgatory Road.

The resort is just a few miles down this road. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes without traffic and is one of the most picturesque drives in Colorado.

Public Transportation

If you do not have access to a car or prefer public transportation, there are several options available to make your way from Durango to Purgatory Resort.

  • The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: This historic steam train runs year-round and offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. You can take the train from downtown Durango all the way to Purgatory Resort’s doorstep.
  • The Purgatory Express: This shuttle service provides transportation between downtown Durango and Purgatory Resort during ski season (December through March). The shuttle runs twice daily and offers convenient pick-up locations.
  • The La Plata County Transit: This bus service operates year-round and provides transportation between downtown Durango and Purgatory Resort with several stops along the way.

Flying Distance

For those flying into the area, the closest airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO). The airport is located approximately 35 miles southeast of Purgatory Resort and 20 miles southeast of Durango. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Purgatory Resort.

In Conclusion

Whether you prefer to drive, take public transportation, or fly to the area, Purgatory Resort is easily accessible from Durango. With a short distance of just 25 miles, visitors can easily enjoy skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and hiking and mountain biking during the summer months.