Hike and Bike Trail: Telluride, Colorado

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Nicki

We started at the edge of town on the paved valley floor bike path, with mountains towering over our heads and lodges tucked carefully into them.

Hike and Bike Trail Photo by Nicki Hurd

The rocks looked as if they had all been meticulously placed to enhance the flow of the water. It was so quiet that it was as if we could hear the mountains creaking.

Hike and Bike Trail Photo by Nicki Hurd

Mallard ducks were prancing, claiming their part of the path.

Hike and Bike Trail Photo by Nicki Hurd

Gazing into the water was like watching the scene as an impressionist painting.

Hike and Bike Trail Photo by Nicki Hurd

After covering the boundaries of the town we followed the river out to see what we might discover.

Hike and Bike Trail Photo by Nicki Hurd

The weather was perfect as we pedaled out of town on the river trail. I was determined to find evidence of bears, and was almost convinced I could smell them.

Hike and Bike Trail Photo by Andrew Leggett

Located some bear prints..or perhaps dogs.

Parking in Telluride Photo by Nicki Hurd

Returned to our Kia left at the public parking on Black Bear Road and Mahoney Drive, at the south end and near the west entrance to town. The vehicles slumbering in the lot had that special Telluride uniqueness. August, 2009

Telluride, Colorado

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Nicki

Located in the San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains, in the southwest corner of Colorado. It was a stop for us along the San Juan Skyway.

Telluride Colorado Photo by Andrew Leggett

Several friends of mine try visit Telluride annually and it is easy to understand why.

Telluride Colorado Hike and Bike Trail Photo by Andrew Leggett

It is surrounded by the twelve and thirteen thousand foot peaks of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Loved by skiers in the winter for the variety of skiing options, hikers in summer because it is in the midst of nature, and it is about 100 miles northeast from the Four Corners, which is the intersection of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah; making it easily driveable from four states, and Denver is easily accessible by air.

View from Bear Creek Lodge Photo by Nicki Hurd

The prices were reasonable, and it has a relaxed and accessible feeling that I imagine is unique for a ski town. We stayed at Bear Creek Lodge in Mountain Village, which is a pleasant gondola ride away.

Telluride Colorado Mushroom Festival Photo by Andrew Leggett

Our visit was during the Mushroom Festival. Growers compete, artisans sell their creations, and a parade marches down the high street. It was lovely to see folks of all ages in costumes enjoying themselves.

Telluride Colorado Photo by Andrew Leggett

My favorite part was looking for bears; cycling on the Hike and Bike Trails that follows the river through town and continues out to a variety of trails that lead to water falls and other adventures. We passed a beaver dam, some ducks, and followed some paw prints, but did not see any bears.