Telluride Colorado

Telluride Colorado has to be a destination, because you are not going to pass it by accident. Telluride is situated in the San Juan Mountains down in a box canyon. Sitting at 8,750 feet, it is surrounded by 14,000-foot mountain peaks. It's a dramatic site in summer or winter.

There are many hotel choices in Telluride or if you prefer and book in advance condominiums are available. On our last stays we chose to stay at the Camel's Garden Hotel. It 1 block from downtown and next to the gondola that goes to the top of the mountain. The top of the mountain is another whole experience with dining, shopping and skiing.

The main town area of Telluride is definitely upscale. They have tried to maintain that 1800's ming town feel and it still does have that presence, but it is definitely high end. Everyone is friendly and you may find a few who act like they are working on Rodeo Drive in LA, but the locals are very friendly. If you're looking for a food experience, you can find it here too. We had our first prickly pear margarita in Telluride.

The top of the mountain is Mountain Village and the gondola ride to the top from Telluride is Free. Do it! The view from the gondola going up is great. Mountain Village is the center of activity for condominium living and skiing.

If you are a skier like I used to be, Telluride is a world class destination that you will use as a benchmark to compare to other venues. The trails are many and the difficulty levels are whatever you are looking for including back country. What makes Telluride different are the amenities available.

Telluride has an airport and flights are available from hubs including Denver and Phoenix. Driving is another story. There are only a couple of ways into Telluride. I-70 from Denver and then follow the state routes through the mountains. And from the South via the state routes from Durango. Since we usually come in from New Mexico, we use the route through Durango, sometimes taking a side detour to Silverton and reflect on what life was like in that mining town in the 1800's. Silverton is what Telluride was. Telluride became a Meca, Silverton became stuck in the past, but it's still a peek into the past.

Unless you are a skier, a couple of days in Telluride is probably enough. Coming from the south we find Durango a little more interesting, and we usually return there to eat and shop. For us, it's on the way home to New Mexico.

However, you decide to get into Telluride, driving through the Rockies is an awesome drive, especially if you have never been in the Rockies. It is beautiful in summer, but the winter is incredible. But, be sure your vehicle is ready for any winter event.

And dress warm. Even in the summer at those altitudes, it can get cold at night.

Speaking of altitudes. When you are going into higher elevations, always allow time for acclimation to avoid altitude sickness. Especially if you coming from sea level. Altitude sickness is almost like the flu and can last a couple of days. It can happen to anyone. It has happened to me. How long should you allow? A day or two should be good. That's enough time to enjoy the ride into the mountains. Take it slow and enjoy.

Remember, have fun.

Jack Wilson