As we move into the full swing of Spring, you may find yourself wanting to pack a bag and get away for a while. Telluride, Colorado is an excellent choice of vacation spot for travelers seeking adventure and stunning scenery. If you don’t want to spend all your time in Telluride, there are more beautiful places to explore that are only a short drive away. Telluride is one of Colorado’s most scenic cities, and the surrounding area is full of exciting things to do. Whether you are looking for a couple’s hiking excursion or an educational family trip, this former Victorian mining town and its surrounding area have a combination of charm and culture to delight any traveler.
Get Lost on the Million-Dollar Highway
Highway 550 spans from Southern Colorado into Northern New Mexico. There is a small portion of this road between Silverton, Durango, and Ouray that has been named the Million-Dollar Highway. Rumored to be named after the high cost to build it, this stretch of road that clings to the sides of canyons and ascends into mountains has some of the country’s most outstanding views. If you enjoy a beautiful drive, this trip is bound to be unforgettable.
Raft and Fly Fish Colorado’s Best Rivers
With the San Miguel River hugging the southern border of Telluride, the Dolores River to the south, and the Animas and Gunnison Rivers a day trip away, it is no surprise that water adventures are a popular activity. Between Telluride and nearby Mountain Village, there are a number of options for a river rafting adventure during the spring and early to mid-summer, when snowmelt off the high peaks offers both the excitement of white water rafting and stunning vistas of the area. Guided tours can be booked at a number of companies and often include transportation from Telluride to the drop-off site. When the water levels drop too low for rafting, the Telluride and Mountain Village areas become a prime spot for fly fishing pristine waters for native cutthroat, brown and rainbow trout. Guided options abound for novice to expert fly fishing with ½ day to multi-day options.
Soak in Sulfur-Free Springs
While many of North America’s hot springs contain sulfur, and therefore a pungent smell, the Ouray Hot Springs are uniquely sulfur-free. Kids can learn about this unique geological region while the whole family enjoys a soak in the mineral-rich waters. The springs were first discovered by the Ute tribe, who called the spring “Miracle Waters.” The modern-day spa has been divided into five separate pools where guests can enjoy shallow waters, a lap pool, high temperatures, and more. While you are there, be sure to stop by the town of Ouray as well – it is called the “Switzerland of America” and filled with charming shops and restaurants.
Trek the Uncompahgre National Forest
This expansive 3 million acre forest spans across nine counties and is less than two hours from Telluride by car. The area has no shortage of outdoor activities, and there’s something to thrill everyone in your family. Downhill skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, three thousand miles of hiking trails, cross-country skiing, fishing, backcountry camping, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle routes can all be found in this gorgeous forest.
Discover Durango
The city of Durango is just two hours from Telluride and home to the Powerhouse Science Center, the ancient cliffside dwellings of Mesa Verde, and Purgatory Resort – a seasonal haven for outdoor activities of all kinds. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum is another kid-friendly favorite, offering a unique sight-seeing experience aboard a classic coal-powered train.
Telluride is an amazing place to stay and makes the perfect “home base” if you wish to explore what Southwest Colorado has to offer. Get in touch with SilverStar Properties to arrange the best accommodations for your adventures in our beautiful region.