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Telluride, just
a short scenic drive from many popular attractions in the
southwest, serves as an ideal base camp to explore the grandeur
and the treasures of the region.
Making day trips
from Telluride to various cultural and historic sites like Mesa
Verde, the Durango-Silverton Train, or the Black Canyon allows
guests to view beautiful landscapes and experience the rich
history of the area. "Once guests have experienced our
outdoor adventure, festivals, and cultural events, they can make
Telluride their home base from which to tour the region,"
said Marie Law, Director of Marketing for Telluride Visitor
Services (TVS).
Here is a
sampling of popular sites and attractions to check out during a
Telluride vacation. (Drive times from Telluride).
Northwest to
Utah
The
contrast in geology from Telluride's tundra to the high deserts
of Moab (2 hours) is truly amazing. Home to the breathtaking
Arches National Park and Canyonlands, the Moab area is famous
for its petrified dunes, petroglyphs, natural rock arches, and
towering spires. The region is a wonderland for hikers, bikers
and jeepers. Rafters and kayakers can explore the amazing
canyons of the Colorado River.
San Juan Skyway
Named as one of six All American Roads for its unique
combination of scenic, geologic, and historical sites, the San
Juan Skyway winds over high mountain passes, through five
million acres of pristine National Forest lands, and wilderness
areas. Travel back in time as this 260-mile loop meanders
through Telluride, Durango, Silverton, and Ouray_s National
Historic Districts that capture the spirit of the old west. Some
favorite stops along the San Juan Skyway are as follows:
Home to spectacular cliff dwellings, ancient mesa top villages,
and artifacts of the Anasazi Indians, Mesa Verde National Park
(1.5 hours) was recently named the Number One Historical
Monument in the World by Conde Nast Traveler. More than 650,000
people travel to Mesa Verde each year to learn about an ancient
culture that flourished for 1,200 years.
Instead of
carrying gold and sliver ore, the Durango & Silverton Narrow
Gauge Railroad now carries visitors from Durango (2 hours)
through the spectacular Animas River Valley, over the
breathtaking Molas Pass to the historic mining town of
Silverton. The track winds through some of the most dramatic
landscapes in the west.
Deep in the
heart of the San Juan Mountains, Silverton (1.5 hours) truly has
the feel of a budding mining town at the turn-of-the-century.
Authentically restored Victorian homes and western-styled
storefronts add to its historic flavor.
Often called
"Little Switzerland of America," Ouray (1 hour) is
surrounded by towering peaks and natural wonders like Box Canyon
Falls, natural hot springs pools and vapor caves. Four-wheel
drive vehicles can return to Telluride over Imogene Pass.
Northeast
Carved
by the Gunnison River two million years ago, the Black Canyon of
the Gunnison (1.5 hours) is one of the most spectacular rivers
in Colorado. This 12-mile long canyon offers some of the best
fly fishing and whitewater rafting in the area.
Telluride
Visitor Services sells tickets to many of the area attractions
and assists guests with planning a tour of the region. For more
information, call 1-888-783-0257.
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