SW Colorado

[Rob]

I plan on spending 7 or 8 days in July somewhere between Montrose and Durango, possibly even Telluride. Any suggestions for a cool town to stay in and close to some awesome day hikes?? Difficulty and length of hikes is no problem. Unfortunately there won't be any bag nights as the crowd I'm traveling with is more into day hiking and good food and drink afterwards. Thanks....

 

[gnwatts]

Telluride.
Several long all day hikes, right from town or from the end of the valley. The hike up to Lewis Mill is spectacular. Great restaurants etc. Around Telluride, there is Wilson Peak, a popular fairly easy fourteener. Telluride would make a good base.

We always liked Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway. Cool hippy vibe. Ouray is fun, never stayed or ate there though. There are many hikes from here and on the road from Telluride. Mt. Sneffels would be a good fourteener from Ouray, short and a little hairy with some sketchy scrambling if I remember correctly. I don't know the hiking/climbing abilities in your group though, or what kind of car.

 

[Rob]

Telluride.
Several long all day hikes, right from town or from the end of the valley. The hike up to Lewis Mill is spectacular. Great restaurants etc. Around Telluride, there is Wilson Peak, a popular fairly easy fourteener. Telluride would make a good base.

We always liked Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway. Cool hippy vibe. Ouray is fun, never stayed or ate there though. There are many hikes from here and on the road from Telluride. Mt. Sneffels would be a good fourteener from Ouray, short and a little hairy with some sketchy scrambling if I remember correctly. I don't know the hiking/climbing abilities in your group though, or what kind of car.

Thanks for the info Greg...we'll be traveling in a high clearance 4 WD, and all members of the party are very skilled backpackers/hikers.