Recommendations
Bridal Veil Falls Hike. Located just outside of town the trailhead sits next to a glowing turquoise lake (likely from rock dust and glacial flour). The trailhead sign tells eager hikers it is 1.2 miles to the base of the falls. I found the hike to feel a bit longer, but who am I to argue with the trail gods.
Bridal Veil is a gorgeous waterfall that lives up to the name. Hikers pass a lower falls on there way up where one can catch a cold plunge before scaling the rest of the trail. The base of the falls are the moneymaker. Make it there! If you’re bold, you can continue along to the top of the waterfall for a panoramic view of the town and surrounding ecosystems.
Ophir. A locals recommendation from folks who’ve been in the area over 30 years. They previously lived in this town of roughly 30 homes. No stores. Houses located in a breathtaking valley ft. rivers, hikes, and access to Ice Lake Basin (mentioned last week). A beautiful Oasis tucked away for those with knowledge of its existence.
In their words, “We miss Ophir a little at times. Quiet life out there, sometimes too quiet.”
Telluride has given them the balance many of us constantly strive to find. A sense of community with the people AND nature around us.
Before or after you head to Ophir, visit Trout Lake. 360 degree views and a large body of water for a lake in CO. You can pull up and park next to this lake and get set up on the beach. Bring some chairs, a good read, snacks, and your watercraft of choice. Trout species in the lake include rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat. The fish are there, go catch 'em.
Visit Stronghouse Brew Pub ($$) and ride the FREE gondola up to the mountain village. The brewery opened in 2020. It weathered the pandemic and is run by/filled with locals. Outstanding ambience. Enjoy a local brew, have a chat, and take a 5 minute walk over to the gondola. The first and only free transportation system of its kind in the USA. Riders are treated to a 12 minute ride up to the village for exploration before returning to the valley.
Lodging and Food Recs:
- Counter Culture ($$): Located a short drive from downtown Telluride. This place is awesome. High quality ingredients, tremendous flavor, reasonable prices, engaging staff. Visit this joint at least 1-2X during your stay.
- Telluride Coffee Roasters ($): The only retail shop they offer is in Telluride. Their business runs online so go place an order. Best coffee I’ve had in the past 60 days.
- Blue Grouse Bread ($): The pullman sourdough. You can’t order it - visit their website and go find it. Gotta be good if I’m recommending bread, aye?
Dissuasions:
Time: Yes, we all become victims to time eventually. But not you, on your next visit to Telluride. Ensure you can spend at least 3 days in this wonderful place. Explore, eat, engage, leave worries behind and go play.
Estimated cost key
- $ ($0-20 pp)
- $$ ($20-40 pp)
- $$$ ($40+ pp)
Song Rec:
Diarabi - Vieux Farka Touré et Khruangbin
This song will set the mood for mindfulness as you make the journey by car or plane to Telluride. Double down on Khruangbin in prep.
Book Rec:
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey - Candice Millard
“After his humiliating election defeat in 1912, Roosevelt set his sights on the most punishing physical challenge he could find, the first descent of an unmapped, rapids-choked tributary of the Amazon.”