We know it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out just what to do or how to really get the most out of your summer adventure, so we thought we’d answer a few questions and share a few pointers here.
First, what is the Summer Day Ticket?
Our Day Ticket is essentially a 1/2-day pass to Purgatory’s summer offerings. You can plan to enjoy any of the following activities during your 3.5-hour session*. It would be tight to experience them all in a single morning or afternoon, so we’ve suggested a few itineraries further down the page.
*Sessions do end at 1:30pm and 5:00pm. Your ticket is not valid after the end of your selected session.
- Unlimited scenic chairlift rides
- 1 ride on the alpine slide
- 1 ride on the mountain coaster
- 1 treasure panning experience
- 1 kids’ go-kart track experience
- 1 board and boat excursion on Twilight Lake
*Mountain biking is NOT included in our summer day ticket offerings. Check out our mountain biking page to start planning your biking adventure!
How do I choose my ticket?
- Start by choosing your date(s)!
- We’re open daily from Saturday, June 17 – Sunday, August 13.
- Then, Fridays – Sundays, August 18 – October 1 (plus Labor Day on Monday, September 4).
- Consider a “Double-the-Fun” Day (indicated in green on our ticket calendar).
On these designated dates, you pay the same price as a regular Day Ticket, but you get the opportunity to enjoy the alpine slide and mountain coaster twice (subject to availability)! - Are you a morning or afternoon person?
- Morning Session: 10:00am – 1:30pm
- Afternoon Session: 1:30pm – 5:00pm
Great, you’ve got a ticket! Now what?
Now, it’s time to start really getting excited. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing change of scenery or you’re on the hunt for some faster-paced fun, we’ve got you covered!
Some possible itineraries
I got a morning ticket and want a slow, relaxing visit.
Lovely!
To make the most of your morning visit, we’d recommend getting here at about 9:30 so you can grab your wristband at the ticket window, then stock up on snacks and maybe an extra cup of coffee while you soak up the views. Your session starts at 10:00am .
Since you’re here for more scenery than gravity, we’d suggest you prioritize the chairlift, a visit to Twilight Lake, and some treasure panning with the kiddos.
- Chairlift: Start with a scenic cruise up the chairlift to soak in the full glory of the mountains. This ride takes about 10 minutes to the top (20 minutes round-trip). Take a little while to hike around on the mountain.
- Treasure Panning: Or continue back down to spend another 20-30 minutes learning all about treasure panning with the littles.
- Twilight Lake: Be sure to save time to catch a shuttle across the highway to twilight lake. Borrow a boat or paddleboard and relax on the cool water as the day warms up.
Your session ends at 1:30pm. You’ll be ready for a hearty lunch at Purgy’s or Paradise Pizza and then maybe a nap and a leisurely afternoon in the heat of the day.
We got a morning ticket and we’re an active bunch looking for fast-paced fun.
Wahoo! Let’s do this!
To make the most of your morning, we’d recommend getting here at about 9:30 so you can grab your wristband at the ticket window, then stock up on snacks! You’ll want some fuel for all that fun you’re about to have. Your session starts at 10:00am.
Since you’re here for more GO and less slow, we’d suggest you prioritize the alpine slide, mountain coaster and go-karts!
If you happen to be visiting on a Double-the-Fun day, you can even get 2 rides each on the coaster and the slide! (subject to availability).
- Slide and Coaster: Head to those first since they’re the most popular!
- Go-Karts: Then, if you’ve got kiddos, get them behind the wheel of a go-kart and watch them GO!
- Twilight Lake: You could also head over to Twilight Lake to paddleboard and boat as the day warms up.
Your session sends at 1:30pm. You’ll be ready for a hearty lunch at Purgy’s or Paradise Pizza and then maybe check in with Colorado Outback Adventures and see about a UTV/RZR/ATV rental for the afternoon!
I got an afternoon ticket and want a slow, relaxing visit
Great idea!
To get the most out of your afternoon, get here around 1 to find your way around before your session starts at 1:30. Don’t start your leisurely visit in a hurry.
Since you’re here for looking up and around rather than barrelling down, we’d recommend you prioritize Twilight Lake, the chairlift, and maybe some treasure panning with the kids.
- Twilight Lake: Start over at the lake. It should be pretty warm by 1:30pm. Enjoy a relaxing paddle around beneath that wide-open, Colorado sky.
- Treasure Panning: After a couple of serene hours on the water, make your way back across the highway and maybe take a little stop by the treasure panning station.
- Scenic Chairlift: If you haven’t already stocked up, swing into the Village Market Deli for picnic supplies, then head over to lift 1 for a scenic chairlift ride to finish your idyllic afternoon with a picnic at the top.
*Your session ends at 5:00pm. Lifts stop running after 5:00pm so please plan to catch a ride back down before then or hike down the World Champs XC trail. WATCH OUT FOR BIKES!
We got an afternoon ticket and we’re an active bunch looking for fast-paced fun.
Rock on!
To get the most out of your afternoon, get here around 1:00pm to get your wristband and get oriented. You’ll want to find your way directly to the coaster and/or the alpine slide at 1:30pm.
Since you’re here for the thrill more than the chill, we’d recommend you prioritize the alpine slide, mountain coaster and go-karts!
If you happen to be visiting on a Double-the-Fun day, you can even get 2 rides each on the coaster and the slide! (subject to availability).
- Slide and Coaster: Head to those first since they’re the most popular!
- Go-Karts: Then, if you’ve got kiddos, get them behind the wheel of a go-kart and watch them GO!
- Twilight Lake: You could also head over to Twilight Lake to finish your day with a splash!
Your session ends at 5:00pm. You’ll be ready for a hearty dinner a Purgy’s and a good night’s sleep before hitting the bike trails tomorrow!
Wondering what to do with the other half of your day, or the rest of your stay?
- There are tons of hiking and biking trails in the area. This site is a great resource for bike trails, and you can find lots of favorite hikes here. Ranging from all lengths and ability levels, you can find the perfect trail(s) to fit your itinerary.
- Colorado Outback Adventures offers UTV/ATV/RZR and Jeep tours and rentals as well as rafting! Check them out and keep the adventure going for a full or half day.
- Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa is just 20 minutes south of us on Highway 550. Reserve your visit in advance and lean into full relaxation. This makes for a lovely half a day of relaxation.
- Visit downtown Durango! With tons of cute shops, great restaurants and micro-breweries, a lovely river trail and more, this makes a great full or half-day side trip.
- Take a ride on the Durango Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad! This will be a full-day excursion.
- Take a trip to Mesa Verde and steep yourself in the history of this remarkable place. Plan to take a full day for this outing.
