COME TO LIFE / San Juan Splendor T WINTER FUN Telluride Ski Resort boasts mountains of fun, while downtown’s shops and cafes buzz with après skiers, shoppers and a festive atmosphere. The region’s San Juan Mountains lure folks out of town for world-class snowmobiling and snowshoeing. 4 5 R SUMMER AT SKI RESORTS Up the free gondola to Mountain Village, you’ll find the Telluride Adven-ture Center, with activities for kids that include a ropes course, Water Walkers Course, bungee tramp and more. There’s also the Telluride Golf Course, Eco Kids Summer Camps and a mining sluice for modern-day goldpanners. Detour to Orvis Hot Springs ’ pools and take in dramatic views of the San Juans. Or take a peek at the Ridgway Railroad Museum , a historical campus with a new steam-engine railroad and trips on a growing stretch of tracks. It’s easy to fall head over heels for Telluride ’s pristine Victorian homes and stunningly beautiful box canyon. But jaw-dropping views are just the beginning of what this outdoors and culture hot spot has to offer. Millennia after the Ute Indians settled in the craggy San Juan Mountains, prospectors struck gold and silver in what is present-day Telluride. By 1896, the town had 10,000 residents and its very own hospital — now the beautifully renovated Telluride Historical Mu-seum . Start here for an overview of Telluride’s evolution from gritty mining town to 1970s hippie haven to ski mecca. Then mosey the streets to vintage Victorians and brownstones. Twelve blocks along Colorado Avenue comprise a National Historic Landmark District , including the site where notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank in 1889. Pick up the serene River Trail , which turns into the Idarado Legacy Trail at the town park. In the summer, the park bustles with music and cultural festivals. From here, take the easy 2.5-mile path until you reach the base of Bridal Veil Falls — Colorado’s highest free-falling waterfall. For a hidden gem, seek out Little Hawaii , a somewhat secret hike off Bear Creek Falls trail. This spot along the river is formed by a giant rock wall with water cascading down into a tranquil pool. Ask a local for specifics on getting there. Or get a bird’s-eye view of the densely forested San Miguel River Valley during a ride on the gondola, which leaves from downtown on a 13-minute journey to Mountain Village . Back downtown, find out why Telluride is one of the state’s top creative districts at the Sheridan Opera House (4) , the perfect place to take in a rock concert or Still have steam left? Go gallery to gallery on the Telluride Art Walk (5) . Local art shops stay open late and offer free refreshments on the first Thursday of every month except April, May, November and December. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Cedaredge , Crawford , Delta (page 195), Hotchkiss , Montrose (page 202), Orchard City , Ouray (page 202), Paonia , Ridgway (page 203), Somerset , Telluride (page 205) 144 / 1-800-COLORADO CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: TELLURIDE GONDOLA, ELI VEGA; TELLURIDE SKI & GOLF RESORT, KENNAN HARVEY; TELLURIDE ARTS DISTRICT; SHERIDAN OPERA HOUSE; BRIDAL VEIL FALLS, KENNAN HARVEY. DAY 3 Telluride can truly celebrate its uniqueness, where all shops, restaurants and hotels are inde-pendently owned and Colorado minded. And there’s no need for a car in Telluride — between the gondola and Galloping Goose bus in town, getting around is a (free) snap! ski film. Built during the Gold Rush heyday, the ornate theater was designed to be colorful and airy — a welcome change for men who spent their days underground. Pop into the visitors center across the street for guidance on exploring the area. You’ll also find plenty of excellent places for a meal — one of the reasons Bravo’s “Top Chef Colorado” recently filmed several episodes in this foodie-friendly enclave. New favorites The Tunnel and Wood Ear Whiskey Lounge & Noodle Bar join long-time hits Allred’s , La Marmotte , Alpino Vino and 221 South Oak .
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2019: Page 144
