San Juan Splendor / COME TO LIFE 3 90-year-old, recently renovated Ouray Hot Springs Pool , which holds more than a million gallons of naturally heated, crystal-clear mineral water. Its warmth makes a perfect end to a day of skiing or ice climbing in the winter, or a day of shopping, hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Stop at True Grit Cafe in Ridgway , built to honor the original “True Grit” movie starring John Wayne, which was filmed here in 1969. Ridgway is also a Certified Colorado Creative District , home to artisans, art fests, galleries and the newly restored Sherbino Theate r. Ridgway is a jumping-off point to splendid views of Mount Sneffels (7) and the Dallas Divide — one of our most photo-graphed alpine scenes. Detour to Orvis Hot Springs’ swimsuit-optional pools and take in dramatic views of the San Juans. WINTER FUN 7 Telluride Ski Resort boasts mountains of fun, while downtown’s shops and cafes buzz with après skiers, shoppers and a festive atmosphere. Telluride’s airport recently resumed service to Denver, making it easier than ever to get there. The region’s San Juan Mountains lure folks out of town for world-class snowmobiling and snowshoeing. @lovelivingincolorado Check out nearby Ridgway Area Trails’ 40 miles of mountain-bike and hiking trails. Or for something more intense, the epic Old Twin Peaks Trail takes you to a 360-degree overlook. Ouray’s Western Slope Rides has a handy new adventure shuttle that will get you to a hiking trailhead, backcountry mountain biking, winter ice-climbing expeditions and more. Afterward, enjoy a truly restorative experience in the enormous, DAY 3 It’s easy to fall head over heels for Telluride ’s pristine Victorian homes and stunningly beautiful box canyon. But jaw-dropping COLORADO.COM/TRIPIDEAS COLORADO.COM / 149
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2018: Page 149
