Explore Pagosa Springs with Pagosa Mountain Sports

In this podcast, we talk to Amanda Godamnski from Pagosa Mountain Sports in Pagosa Springs.

Note: This is a blog summary of our chat with Amanda from Pagosa Mountain Sports. Some of the flow of the podcast has been edited and information has been added to provide context/links and to create a written format of our chat. I hope that you find this to be a helpful resource. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments. Enjoy!

Things to Do in Pagosa Springs, Colorado – Summer & Winter Adventures

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a small mountain town with a big backyard. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and Colorado’s largest wilderness area, the Weminuche Wilderness, this place is built for anyone craving adventure, fresh air, and wide-open spaces. Whether you’re visiting in the warm summer months or when the snow starts stacking up, there’s no shortage of epic things to do in Pagosa Springs.

We sat down with Amanda Godamnski from Pagosa Mountain Sports — a local shop that outfits and guides visitors for biking, hiking, skiing, and more — to get the inside scoop on the best ways to explore Pagosa year-round.

Things to Do in Pagosa Springs in Summer

Hike and Backpack the Weminuche Wilderness

Just 30 minutes north of Pagosa Springs, the Weminuche Wilderness offers 500,000+ acres of untouched backcountry. The Continental Divide Trail runs through this rugged landscape, giving hikers and backpackers endless options for day hikes or multi-day treks.

• No permits are required (for now), but plan ahead for summer storms, especially in July.
• Pack the essentials, as services are limited, and practice Leave No Trace to help protect this wild landscape.

Go Mountain Biking – Treasure Mountain & Local Trails

Thanks to local non-profit Dust2, Pagosa’s trail system is growing fast. The must-ride? Treasure Mountain:

• Start on the Continental Divide Trail, climb a set of challenging switchbacks, and earn a jaw-dropping descent past aspen groves and mountain views.
• Shuttle logistics make it easy to link the full route, which spits you out at East Fork Road.
• Best ridden late summer through fall, once the high-elevation snow has melted.

For beginners or casual riders, Pagosa Mountain Sports rents bikes and can point you to local trails suited for all levels.

Play on the Water – Raft, SUP, or Tube the San Juan River

Pagosa Springs isn’t just about mountains — the San Juan River runs right through town, offering everything from early-season rafting to laid-back tubing.

• May–June: Snowmelt-fed flows are ideal for whitewater rafting and river SUPing.
• July–August: The water drops, shifting to mellow floats and tubing season.
• For more consistent flows, Amanda recommends nearby dam-fed rivers for paddlers who want to extend their season.

Soak in Pagosa Hot Springs

No trip is complete without a soak. Downtown Pagosa offers several ways to relax after a day outside:

• The Springs Resort & Spa – riverside soaking with 20+ mineral pools.
• The Overlook Hot Springs – rooftop pools with views of downtown.
• Healing Waters – the classic, laid-back hot springs with a big soaking pool.

Things to Do in Pagosa Springs in Winter

Ski and Snowboard at Wolf Creek Ski Area

Just 30 minutes from town, Wolf Creek Ski Area is known for getting the most snowfall in Colorado — often topping 400 inches a season. It’s a laid-back, powder-filled mountain perfect for skiers and snowboarders who want big snow without big crowds.

Try Cross-Country Skiing or Backcountry Touring

Pagosa Mountain Sports offers beginner-friendly cross-country skis with metal edges for stability, plus wider backcountry setups for those exploring ungroomed routes and forest roads.

• Pagosa Nordic Club grooms several local trails and offers clinics to help first-timers learn the basics.
• Most backcountry routes near Pagosa are low-angle and avalanche-free, but always know your terrain.

Warm Up in the Hot Springs

After a day on the snow, hit the Pagosa hot springs downtown — they’re open year-round. While the natural hot springs like Rainbow Hot Springs require long winter treks, the resorts make it easy to warm up without a mission.

How to Recreate Responsibly in Pagosa Springs

Pagosa’s trails and public lands are shared by hikers, bikers, horseback riders, dirt bikers, and ATVers. Amanda’s top tips for keeping this playground pristine:

• Be courteous to other trail users.
• Pitch in on local trail work through groups like Dust2.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles — pack out your trash, plan your trip, and avoid unnecessary rescues.

Road Trip Ideas from Pagosa Springs

If you’re planning a Colorado road trip, Amanda suggests looping Pagosa Springs into a week-long route:

• Durango – just an hour west, with legendary mountain biking and a lively historic district.
• Phil’s World (Cortez) – a desert singletrack network with fast, flowy trails.
• Creede & Lake City – two small mountain towns with jaw-dropping drives and quiet alpine vibes.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – an underrated stop with sheer cliffs and stunning views.
• For winter travelers, head south to Chama and Cumbres Pass, New Mexico, where you can ski to cozy huts.

Why Visit Pagosa Springs?

With its steaming hot springs, high-country trails, the snowiest ski area in Colorado, and access to endless public lands, Pagosa Springs is the perfect four-season basecamp for human-powered adventures.

If you need gear, local knowledge, or just a friendly place to start your trip, stop by Pagosa Mountain Sports. They’ll get you dialed with rentals, maps, and tips to make the most of your time in this San Juan gem.