Is it worth taking the family? Can you fish? To much snow? Hiking still open?

You will be dealing with snow in the back country. You can hike in it just fine with the proper gear. It might be an interesting change of pace. I'm sure there might be some accessible fishing remaining. I've skied in that area a couple of times and the San Juan doesn't really freeze over so it theoretically could be fished.

It's a nice little town with some decent restaurants and shops. I enjoy the hot springs every time. Once you get used to the sulfur smell, it's very relaxing, great atmosphere at night, as it looks down over the river with downtown across.

I have lived in Pagosa for over 6 years now. There is lots to do here year 'round.

Fishing- are you wanting to just drift a fly in the San Juan down town, or are you thinking of backcountry streams?
November is not going to be your best month, for sure. But it really depends on if you are talking about the beginning of the month or end. We typically have our first big snow around Halloween. Sometimes it sticks, sometimes it melts. Temps will be plummeting in Nov, but things won't be frozen over. Ice fishing won't start until late Dec or Jan. The San Juan downtown by the hot springs will still have open water and fish, but has also seen a whole season of fishermen. Anywhere else is likely going to be too snowy, too muddy, too slow, or too frozen. However- that is a great time of year (depending on water flows) to head down to the Quality Waters below Navajo and tangle with some big trout. There are some guided private waters worth checking out too (Ski & Bow Rack).

Hiking- again, it really depends on what you mean. Casual day hikes? Sure, you can find some accessible spots. Backcountry, CDT, or overnighters are most likely not going to be pleasant experiences in Nov. However, people aren't coming to Pagosa in Nov to hike.

What is there to do? The Hot Springs are fabulous that time of year. Sleigh rides with Buckaroos will be kicking off (skies or wheels). Of course, skiing at Wolf Creek will be loads of fun. There are some beautiful drives and shorter trials you could keep busy with. If we have snow already, renting snow shoes is always fun- or sledding tubes.

November can be full on winter, or still a bit of a tweener season here.

We are thinking November 13ish to the the 19ish. We wouldn't be able to do any back country hikes, and I've got a 6 year old who just wants to catch anything that swims, so we're not necessarily trophy fishing. We just wanted to make sure we don't head up there, and have to stay in the rental for the majority of the time (which, I know is unpredictable to we get there lol)
Had a two week period pop up where we have nothing to do, so we figured we need to get back to the mountains ASAP.

cupofjoe04-

check your email.

First week of October is beautiful. November can be muddy and snowing and the color change has already passed.

jmm said:

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cupofjoe04-

check your email.

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I got nothing, sorry. Try sending again. Username at g m a i l

You most likely won't be stuck inside. Even if it's snowing, you can get out in it no problem.

If you are wanting to just get away and have fun in the mountains, come on- there will be lots of fun stuff to do. You will need to be flexible, because the weather can be so variable in Nov that it will be hard to promise anything specific. But there will be things to d.

But for hiking and fishing specifically- it's certainly no guarantee. If we haven't had a lot of snow, and the roads are passable- a drive up to Williams Creek Reservoir or Big Meadows Reservoir is worth it wether the fish bite or not. Will be simple bank fishing, but it sounds like that's OK with you. You can catch a few in the San Juan downtown as well- depending on flows. But it easily could be way too much of a muddy mess to get out fishing, so be careful what you promise the little guy.

You guys could also rent some fat tire bikes and have a day of fun on a trail- snow, dry, or mud…