Pagosa Springs is located in the “Colorado Sunbelt” just 35 miles north of the New Mexico border. Resting at roughly 7,000 feet on the western side of the Continental Divide, the town enjoys a rare mix of mountain and high-desert influences. This geography gives Pagosa Springs an unusually gentle climate for its elevation — plenty of sunshine, crisp mountain air, and four distinct seasons that each show off a different side of the San Juan Mountains. On average, residents and visitors can expect around 300 bright, sunny days every year.
Winter
Pagosa’s winters are known for deep snow in the surrounding mountains, clear blue skies, and invigoratingly cold nights. Nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area, perched high above town, regularly records more than 450 inches of natural snow each season, making it one of Colorado’s snowiest resorts. Down in Pagosa itself, snowfall is lighter — 62 inches on average — and sunshine quickly melts snow from the streets. Typical daytime highs hover in the 40s, while nights often settle into the 20s, creating a comfortable winter playground without the extreme cold found in many mountain towns.
Spring
As the snow recedes, the San Juan River surges with meltwater, and meadows burst back to life. Spring days are warm and luminous, perfect for early hiking or paddling, while the nights remain brisk. The higher slopes keep their snowpack into April, offering excellent late-season skiing before wildflowers begin to color the valleys.
Summer
Pagosa Springs truly shines in summer, with dry, sunny mornings and refreshingly cool evenings. Afternoon thunderstorms bring brief bursts of rain that freshen the air and keep the landscape green. July highs average in the low 80s, and nights typically dip into the 50s — ideal conditions for camping, festivals, and long days outdoors. The short growing season, about three months, stretches well into early fall.
Autumn
Fall arrives with luminous blue skies and a lingering warmth that often lasts through October. Indian summers are a normal event in Pagosa, with summer-like daytime temperatures lasting well into October, accompanied by cool evenings. Aspen and cottonwood groves in the mountains turn dazzling shades of gold and orange, framing clear rivers and mountain ridges. By November, the higher elevations begin collecting the early snow that signals another winter on the way, while Pagosa’s lower valley enjoys a few more weeks of mild weather.
