Telluride vacation homes make the ideal starting point for dozens of dazzling day trips while visiting the Four Corners and southwest Colorado regions. Check out our suggestions for must-do excursions. Take a nostalgic train ride on the line that's been running continuously since 1881, dip into one of several natural hot springs to rejuvenate or travel to National Parks and Monuments that are close to your Telluride vacation home.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Chug along being towed by a coal-fed iron horse that, in its heyday, transported more than $300 million in silver and gold from mines near Silverton to smelters in Durango. As the steam engine ambles into the station, the whistle blast echoes throughout the valley beckoning passengers to climb aboard. From Durango the train rumbles alongside the Animas River for 90 miles round-trip during summer and 52 miles round-trip to Cascade Station during winter. On the journey to Silverton cars cross the river five times providing amazing views from both sides. Packages offered range from Trails and Rails to Soaring Tree Top Adventures with class selection from standard to presidential. Check out their website or call (970) 247-2733 for reservations and information or (877) 872-4607 toll free.
Nearby Hot Springs
Only an hour away from your Telluride home are two natural hot springs to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. Orvis Hot Springs, with a clothing optional policy, offer seven unique soaking areas with temperatures ranging from 98 to 112 degrees F. Located in Ridgway, hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; call (970) 626-5324 for rates. Wiesbaden Hot Springs boasts a reputation of being 'unequalled' for their water's therapeutic properties. The main soaking pool ranges in temperature from 102 to 108 degrees F, the spring in the vapour cave's 18 inch-deep pool ranges from 107 to 109 F while the outdoor swimming area is between 99 and 102 degrees F. Located at 625 5th Street in Ouray, hours are 8 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. daily. For details call (970) 325-4347 or (888) 846-5191 toll free.
National Parks and Monuments
Two hours west of Telluride is Arches National Park with more than 2,000 natural sandstone formations. Within the park are several short trails leading to spectacular viewpoints, but allow enough time to hike the longer trail to Delicate Arch. Online reservations can be made for the popular Fiery Furnace Tours. Check out their website for fees and hours. An additional 30 minutes west finds you at Mesa Verde, the ancestral home of the Pueblo people dating from 600 A.D. to 1300 A.D. The park protects and maintains more than 4,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. Ranger-guided tours to these amazing abodes can be arranged by visiting the park's website.
Hovenweep National Monument is situated on the border of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado and is worth the two-plus hour drive. The Anasazi settlement was abandoned around 1300 A.D. and the monument protects six prehistoric villages spanning 21 miles of mesa tops and canyons. Visit their website for park hours and fees.
Find your Telluride home by visiting Vamoose.com where you can search by location, size, amenities and price to make the most of your vacation.