Our original plan was to visit Telluride for a long weekend.  Somehow this seemingly simple idea turned into three different stops: a national park, a snowboarding trip, and a national monument.

First up: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Forest

We were heading down towards Telluride, taking the scenic route, and realized we would pass right by it.  I was so excited to make this stop.  I’ve passed by the turn to Gunnison National Forest a few times and never had the time to visit.  This time it was the perfect rest stop before heading to Telluride (about 5 hours in).  We drove up the winding road to the entrance.  Black Canyon is part of a larger canyon system (which includes the Grand Canyon).

Here’s the set up: there is a paved road (there and back, not a loop) that’s about 6 miles long.  Along the road are several vista points- some you can park and hop out to see, and others are a little hike to the edge.  There are several spots that are wide open and you can fall off the edge to your death (or just walk to the edge and look over-whichever).  Matt is the type of person to run out to the edge, Riley apparently takes after him, while I get as low as possible and shuffle slowly.  I get there, and I want to be there.. it just takes some work.

We drove to the end and worked our way back.  Dogs are allowed on some trails, and all vista points on a leash.  Each point is unique.

Compared to the the reds, browns, and greens you usually see in Colorado, Black Canyon is true to it’s name.  A sheer grouping of black rocks that stops abruptly to form an open winding expanse similar to a puzzle piece.

   

We spent some time at each vista point, parking, jumping out and walking the short distance to each stop.  Riley loved it.  Running up and looking over the edge at each point.  I wonder what he was thinking.. probably “why do we keep stopping to look at a giant hole in the ground?”

A green river ran through the bottom of the canyon (probably the cause of it’s origin).  It would be incredible to hike down to the bottom, but I hear it’s pretty difficult and takes some grace and time, neither of which we had at the moment.  Next time.

We headed out after a quick stop to the visitor center, through Montrose, and on to Telluride.

Next stop on our tour: Telluride, aka The happiest place on Earth

Driving to Telluride is strikingly panoramic.  The road twists and turns through canyons, around mountains, winding along streams, then the terrain opens up onto a floor of prairie grasses and voila!  There it is!  Where the hell are we?  Heaven?

First stop- check in.  We snagged a stay and ski deal with The Angler Inn.  Located right outside Telluride, the inn is a rustic mountain oasis.  Everyone was so nice- but I guess I would be too if I lived in Telluride.

Second stop- food.  We drove into town to check out the mountain and grab a bite to eat.  The town itself is so laid back.  Skiers and boarders dragging their gear through the streets straight from their last run to grab a beer.  I would live here forever if I could.

The main strip of town consists of rowdy bars, cheerful restaurants, cute shops and ski condos.  You get the sense that it’s all about the mountain here, definitely a lifestyle.

If you continue down main street it leads to an active mine, and the road literally stops at a mountain base.  end. of. the. line.

After dinner, we spent the night by the fire pit at the inn planning our route on the mountain.

Day 1- Slightly intimidated, we set out.  Parking on the street and walking to a lift off the main road.  We headed up.  I swear the lifts are more like elevators.

The mountain itself is exactly what you imagine when thinking of skiing in Colorado: jagged rock face, steep grades, and long winding trails.

We scooted around from lift to lift.  The mountain has a run for just about any level, however it’s definitely geared toward more advanced riders–not that I’m a pro.   Since we went in the Spring, the snow wasn’t at it’s best condition, but I can see this being my favorite mountain after a snowfall.

After a day of snowboarding, we dragged our boards through town, wishing we were locals, hopped into the car and relaxed at the inn.

Day two-  We grabbed breakfast and took our time getting there.  This time we parked at Mountain Village and took the gondola up.  We rode a bunch of new trails and took it easy.  The sun was out and heating up, so we dressed in light layers.  It was like being at the beach, but instead of sand.. there was snow.. and instead of water.. there was more snow..

Wrapping up day two was bittersweet.

Back to the hotel for a quick dress change and a dog walk, we were back on the road headed towards dinner.  We got some pizza and beer at a local brewery and watched some highlights from the mountain’s best backcountry team.  You know, they asked me to join but I politely declined-the commute would be a nightmare.. but that’s a different story.

I was sad to leave.

The last and most spontaneous stop: The Colorado National Monument

On our way back we swung by the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction and Fruita.  It’s a series of overlooks similar to the Black Canyon (but a lot longer).  It’s made up of canyons and rock formations. 

Compared to where we just were, it seemed like we landed on mars.  Red dirt and rocks in a vast desert valley in which you could see for miles and miles.  It was impressive and definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

As always, we got back exhausted, but loved every minute.