Top 5 Natural Attractions in Telluride
Take a much-needed break to a locale full of four-seasons fun, fresh mountain air, and small-town charm. Point your compass to Colorado and Telluride and enjoy it all. The town is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It’s a mecca for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and more, as well as summer activities like whitewater rafting and hiking or mountain biking. Other activities that take you outdoors include the many summer festivals, as well as breathtaking Colorado nature attractions you won’t want to miss.
Keep in mind many of these attractions require a hike to get there, and for visitors not used to thinner mountain air, you may want to save the activity for a couple of days into your trip – to get used to the air.
Bridal Veil Falls
There are several ways to get to Bridal Veil Falls that offer a beautiful hike on the way to this breathtaking natural attraction. The majestic and picturesque falls are the highest in Colorado, measuring 365 feet! The most popular trail is a 4.8-mile out-and-back with an elevation gain of nearly 1,400 feet. It’s easily accessible from Telluride. Park at the end of the town’s main street and follow the trail to the falls. If you’re up for an even bigger challenge, carry on to the historic home at the top of the falls for a dazzling view and to explore the home and the area around it.
Bear Creek Falls
Arrive at the falls from a moderate, out-and-back trail from Telluride. The trail is a total of 4.6 miles and has an elevation change of 1,050 feet with a breathtaking payoff. The area includes Upper and Lower falls. From Telluride, it can take up to 1.5 hours to reach the upper falls. Two miles in on trail #635, you’ll reach the lower waterfall, but you’ll have to keep on going to reach the upper waterfall. The trail is multi-use, so lace up your hiking boots, rent a mountain bike, or make it part of a horseback trail ride. The trail also connects to Wasatch Trail, which continues up the canyon for more breathtaking natural views.
Blue Lakes
Follow the trail that’s made for hikers with a little more experience. The moderate-to-hard hike is what you make of it. The adventure to get there is anywhere from 7-11 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,600-3,650 feet, depending on the path you take. There are three lakes, and the trail stops when you want it to – at the first, second, or third lake.
Lower Blue Lake features aspen forests, Telluride waterfalls, and more to explore. The perfect turquoise color comes from buoyant particles of sediment called rock flour, which distorts light and reflects back the blue-green shade you see. Middle Blue Lake is only a short distance and elevation gain away: at the junction to the lower and upper lakes, bear left and cross a small creek and head northeast up the slope to arrive for a view of the lower lake from above. About a quarter mile ahead is the final lake, Upper Blue Lake. If you make the whole journey, you’ll be rewarded with a view of its glass-clear water.
If you’re on a hike for more than just the sights of the lakes, continue on to Blue Lakes Pass through strenuous switchbacks, rocky paths, and more difficult terrain. Reach the end and look back on the entire Blue Lake Trail below!
San Miguel River
The river cuts right through Telluride! The river is a tributary of the Dolores River, rising in the San Juan Mountains just southeast of Telluride on its way northwest. The river runs past Placerville and Nucla, joining the Dolores in western Montrose County near the Utah border. The upper section is steep, shallow, rocky, and mostly unnavigable, while the lower sections – like those near Telluride – offer perfect conditions for various water sports. The slower current that runs through town is perfect for floating on an inner tube, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.
San Juan Mountains
Telluride is nestled in the Telluride Valley of the San Juan Mountain range. The range covered the southern part of the Colorado Rockies stretches 12,000 square miles, including surrounding Telluride. Hike the mountains to find volcanic peaks, stunning aquamarine-colored alpine lakes, mineralized rocks, waterfalls, and more. The iconic box canyon of Telluride was formed when glaciers took over after volcanic activity. They’re also dotted with old mining camps, and other sights to add to your Telluride outdoor vacation. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes you through the mountains and past many of these landmarks.
Your Home Base for Colorado Nature Attraction Exploration
You came to the area on an adventure with the hopes of seeing the area’s many Colorado nature attractions. Start your adventure by booking a vacation rental with Lodging In Telluride. After your day’s adventures, make a meal in your unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Snuggle in for a favorite movie or stretch out and warm up next to the fire in an open living space. Choose a cozy efficiency-style unit for a solo or sweetheart escape, all the way up to a sprawling six-bedroom home for an adventure with all your loved ones.
