Montrose, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride / COME TO LIFE WINTER FUN T 4 Telluride Ski Resort boasts mountains of fun, while downtown’s shops and cafes buzz with après skiers, shoppers and a festive atmo-sphere. The region’s San Juan Mountains lure folks out of town for world-class snowmobil-ing and snowshoeing. 3 a drop-in climbing gym with programs for all ages. Afterward, enjoy a truly restorative experience in the enormous Ouray Hot Springs Pool , which holds more than a million gallons of naturally heated, crystal-clear mineral water. Ouray is also a stop along the Colorado Spirits Trail and SW Colorado Crafted Beverages Tour , so keep an eye out for locally distilled spirits and brews. Stop at True Grit Cafe (5) 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 and a stop along the Colorado Creative Corridor , home to artisans, fests, photo studios, fiber-arts makers, galleries, concerts in the park and the Sherbino Theater . The town is a jumping-off point to splendid views of Mount Sneffels and the Dallas Divide — one of our most photographed alpine scenes. Detour to Orvis Hot Springs ’ pools and take in views of the dramatic San Juans. here. By 1896, the town had 10,000 residents and its very own hospital — now the beautifully renovated Telluride Historical Museum . 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. 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! 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 festivals. From here, take the easy 2.5-mile path to the base of Bridal Veil Falls — Colorado’s highest free-falling waterfall. For a hidden gem, seek out Little Hawaii , a semi-secret hike off Bear Creek Falls trail. This spot along the river is formed by a giant rock wall with water cascading 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 5 downtown on a 13-minute journey to Mountain Village ’s shops, restaurants and activities, including a new bike park with freeride, technical and cross-country trails. Back downtown, see why Telluride is one of the top creative districts at the Sheridan Opera House with a concert or ski film. During the Gold Rush, the ornate theater was designed to be a colorful and airy venue for men who spent their days underground. Pop into the visitor center across the street for tips on exploring the area. You’ll also find plenty of excellent places for a meal — one of the reasons Bravo’s “Top Chef Colorado” re-cently filmed 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 . Still have steam left? Go gallery to gallery on the Telluride Art Walk (4) . Local art shops stay open late and offer free refreshments on the first Thursday of most months, or you can pick up a self-guided map at most galleries. SUMMER AT SKI RESORTS R 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, Kids Summer Camps and a mining sluice for modern-day goldpanners. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: OURAY ICE PARK, KENNAN HARVEY; TELLURIDE ARTS DISTRICT; TRUE GRIT CAFE; TELLURIDE SKI RESORT/TONY DEMIN; TELLURIDE SKI RESORT/BRETT SCHRECKENGOST DAY 3 It’s easy to fall head over heels for Telluride ’s Victorian-era homes and beautiful box canyon. But jaw-dropping views are just the start of what this outdoors and culture hot spot has to offer. Millennia after the Ute Indians settled in the craggy San Juans, prospectors struck gold and silver STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Cedaredge , Crawford , Delta (page 195), Hotchkiss (page 201), Montrose (page 202), Orchard City , Ouray (page 202), Paonia , Ridgway , Somer-set , Telluride (page 204) COLORADO.COM / 145
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2020: Page 145
