Telluride in the Summer No matter the season, adventures abound at this Colorado hot spot
The mountains of Telluride are the perfect backdrop for a summer getaway. There is something to do for the most discriminating traveler in your family. Whether you like group activities or exploring solo, the magic of Telluride transcends every season. Life in Telluride is lived outdoors. Mild summer temperatures and low humidity provide an incredible environment for outdoor adventures. Just be aware of the change in elevation. The town of Telluride sits about 8,700 feet above sea level. There is less oxygen in the air here, so a little time in the gym or on the jogging trail prior to your vacation will alleviate fatigue.
We started our adventure at the Inn at Lost Creek, located in the center of Mountain Village. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the summer concert series each Wednesday. Locals and tourists bring coolers, blankets and chairs to enjoy the cool mountain air and live music. We experienced an exquisite meal at 9545 while we listened. The rustic interior of the rooms with a private steam bath and individual fireplace make this a cozy, tucked-away place. This small hotel pays top attention to its guests to ensure your stay is memorable. They sent us on hikes, biking excursions, rafting, fishing – and even booked our tee time.
“I’m scared as my mountain bike skids down the rocky road. No matter how gently I tug on my hand break, I can’t get any traction. I’m basically skidding down Telluride Trail (a blue ski slope in the winter time) on a mountain bike. It’s bumpy, it’s steep, and (Did I mention?) I’m scared. I’m going to kill the guy who rented me this bike. What was he thinking? I feel a little better when my 14-year-old companion, and seasoned mountain biker, topples right over his handle bars, well maybe I don’t feel better. At least it’s not just me.”
From the town, you can see a beautiful waterfall. Although it seems very far away, we’d like to see it up close. The hike, called Bear Creek, took most of the morning. Friendly people smile at you while going up and down, and a fantastic waterfall is your reward for spending the morning hiking. The mountain biking didn’t go so well, as they sent us down a blue ski slope (read: “steep”). And since I hadn’t been on a bike in 15 years, this probably wasn’t the best time to hop back on. In search of extreme thrills, we rafted the Lower Dolores River. It was a lot of fun, unless you are looking forward to falling out of your raft – no one seems to.
For those who prefer less dangerous activities, the free-flowing rivers around Telluride hold plenty of rainbow and big brown trout, waiting for the perfectly flown fly to land near them. Lessons are fun and educational.
There is only one golf course here, and it’s at The Peaks Resort. The environmentalists in this town are very protective; and getting approval for one golf course is probably all that will ever happen. (This is great if you’re looking to ensure the value of your golf-course home.) The 18-hole, par-72 golf course winds through the mountains and provides spectacular views of terrain and wildlife. The only drawback is you have to cross the main road many times, stopping along the way to allow traffic to pass.
All this together time might make you run for the spa. And when it’s the Golden Door at The Peaks Resort, the jog is well worth it. The latest offering here is a cellulite treatment. They claim it can reduce the appearance of cellulite. (Closer inspection reveals the only way to reduce cellulite is to eat right, eat less and exercise more. Darn.)
The entrance to the spa was interesting. For the first time in my spa career, no one greeted me, I just picked up my own slippers and robe. The Roman bath and steam room, complete with mountain views, make this spa stellar. After the mountain-biking fiasco, I definitely needed a massage. ? LMV H
Essentials:
Telluride, 1 (888) 605-2578, www.visittelluride.com Inn at Lost Creek, 1 (888) 601-5678, www.innatlostcreek.com The Peaks Resort, 1 (866) 282-4557, www.thepeaksresort.com
My Four Days in Telluride, Colo.
By Greg Flynn, age 14
Day One
When I got to Colorado, the first thing I noticed was all the views: snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear streams, all kinds of wildlife and more. Our drive to the hotel was nice. It was all curvy with mountain views, trees and creeks. We arrived at the Inn at Lost Creek to great service. Barb, the hotel manager, took us right to our room. We went out to eat, and everyone was so nice. We went to Skiers Union, where I ordered a burger, and it was great; the best I’ve ever had. After we ate, we took the free gondola from the village to the town of Telluride. Everyone there was saying how hot it was. It was only in the 80s, so I was thinking they obviously have never been to Houston. We shopped around the downtown area and found a mosquito repellent shirt. I think we need those in Houston.
Day two
I woke up at 8:00, and about 30 minutes later, we were in the gondola headed to town to go on a hike up a mountain to see an awesome waterfall. Two and a half miles later, I was at the first waterfall I had ever been to. I got down close to it to take a picture, and the mist from the waterfall crashing into the water below was freezing cold. We went to the hotel, changed and then went to a golf course (the only golf course in town) to play some golf. It was a really nice golf course, surrounded by mountains, forests and nice houses. On the ninth hole, you could order food, so I ordered a chicken sandwich and a coke. Then, I picked it up between the 9th and 10th holes and ate it right there.
Day three
I woke up and went downstairs to the lobby; our guide was already there to pick us up to go white-water rafting. The rafting was a really fun hour and a half paddling on a river, looking at forests and mountains and going over tons of rapids. I got soaking wet, and all that water was melted snow, so it was really cold. After that, we ate some lunch; then, we went mountain biking, which would have been fun if the trail we picked wasn’t going down a blue ski slope the whole way. It was scary with loose gravel and rocks. We were walking our bikes a lot of the way when a group of 9-year-old kids passed us, on unicycles. We laughed after that.
Day four
My dad and I got picked up by the same company that took us rafting to go fly fishing. We got to the river, and the guide showed us how to cast. My dad and I are already fishermen, so we picked it up pretty quickly. Then, we tied on some flies, put our waders on and went off down the river. It was fun, even though I got out-fished by my dad. He caught two rainbow trout, and I didn’t catch a thing, but I learned how to fly fish.
