Telluride Car Tours: Top 5 Amazing Drives Explored

Telluride, Colorado, often grabs folks with its awesome blend of outdoor fun and charming little-town appeal, is that right? Surrounded by the stunning San Juan Mountains, Telluride seems like an amazing location for exploration, more or less offering numerous opportunities to experience nature’s beauty, or so I’ve heard. So what is the single most way to soak it all up? Well, hitting the road for a scenic car tour could be the right answer, arguably, and that’s where this guide comes in. With so many drives around, picking the perfect one can get a bit tough. I think that selecting between the options might just require a bit consideration, usually, especially when you have limited time. Here, we will review the top five Telluride car tours, dishing out helpful info and honest advice to point you towards the right adventure.

1. The San Juan Skyway: A Circle of Views

The San Juan Skyway, also referred to as the “Million Dollar Highway,” stands out like your a long, epic scenic drive, right? It’s more or less a circular route which travels right via the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Actually, beginning in Telluride, this tour is a big loop which normally incorporates places such as Ouray, Silverton, and Durango. It can take anything from a day to several days, relying on your stops. I mean, everyone wants to take enough time to savor each location.

The road boasts views that could make your jaw hit the floor; I’m referring to majestic peaks, thick forests, and valleys which look to be nearly painted by nature, okay? Passes like Red Mountain Pass present an adventurous feel because of their steep cliffs and hairpin turns. In the middle of the journey, you are able to step out and discover historic mining towns for a bit of culture, apparently. Check out Ouray’s hot springs or even Silverton’s mining museum for a glimpse into the region’s interesting past. As I was saying, the trip is just bursting with photo possibilities and experiences.

This journey really can’t be done without a good camera; I mean, the scenery demands it, really. You should bring snacks and drinks, in case you get peckish while on the highway. Moreover, you might like to top off your fuel tank often because fuel stops can get far apart along those mountain roads. Ultimately, prepare yourself for drastic elevation changes – it can have an affect, alright. The San Juan Skyway offers amazing sights and historical dives; very few other drives come close!

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2. Last Dollar Road: An Off-Road Gem Near Telluride

If you’re prepared for something a little more rugged and really craving some off-road driving near Telluride, the Last Dollar Road is actually an outstanding option, right? This gravel road extends between Telluride and Ridgway, and usually grants beautiful scenery, as well as mountain meadows loaded with wildflowers. I think that that this option’s beauty can’t be denied. Anyway, it often stretches nearly 21 miles.

The views along Last Dollar Road are generally awesome for photography because they include views of the nearby mountains, actually. You might also experience nearby wildlife – be on the lookout for deer, elk, and all sorts of birds, I do think! Fall provides an extra appeal because of the golden aspen trees along the route. Also, please remember that although a regular car can actually technically make it under dry conditions, it really is often ideal to have an SUV with increased clearance, or so I’ve been told. Some segments is probably rocky or washed out.

You may be somewhat out in the sticks on Last Dollar Road; therefore bring things you will need, honestly. Water, treats, and maybe even a basic first aid kit will be handy. It could get a bit cold up there too, usually; have more layers to stay snug! At some places, there can be limited cell service, yet so that you are able to tell someone where you are or perhaps use offline maps. So, you are getting views for days and an adventure filled up with beautiful nature, for example if you do Last Dollar Road; therefore it will be worth it!

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3. The Million Dollar Highway: Part of the Skyway’s Charm

Now, if time really is short or you simply need a blast of beautiful vistas without the total Skyway dedication, concentrate on the Million Dollar Highway segment. You are able to enter the highway right at Ouray and go through to Silverton and again; very, it may easily be done within half a day, that’s for sure. I’d bet that you may go in a few hours.

I think that Million Dollar Highway has quite sharp turns, steep cliffs, and little to no guardrails sometimes; that’s why the nickname. You’re basically treated with amazing alpine views which will send chills down your spine. Many folks halt at overlooks for photography and really also simply to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, for instance, just like I often do when on that type of tour. You may wish to step outside and breathe within the cool, mountain air at the quite high-elevation passes, naturally.

Basically, slow down, actually; the aim isn’t really just speed but experiencing what’s around you. As a matter of fact, give consideration to beginning the drive early morning in order to steer clear of traffic, particularly during peak travel times. I think it can feel like you’re driving along the side of a cliff, anyway; so someone who has a fear of heights will be more comfy letting another individual do the driving. Regardless, it may provide one among the more impressive segments of your trip, giving you those postcard-perfect scenes everyone adores, for example scenic routes.

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4. Ophir Pass: High-Altitude Thrills

You need some off-road thrills, too it’s almost like driving in an outdoor thrill park and a pretty killer panoramic backdrop? Have a look at the Ophir Pass! So that you know, joining up near the little neighborhood of Ophir and then looping approximately U.S. Highway 550, the road tests the courage, as well as really hands over stunning views, right?

It actually reaches 11,000+ feet up; therefore the view at the top has to be seen. It includes steep sections, loose rocks, as well as, like your average mountain driving in the area, a one-lane segment with fall-offs that have no safety railing, right? As a matter of fact, this one often suits seasoned off-roaders with proper vehicles. High-clearance 4x4s might be really advisable due to the hard landscape; basically, a car isn’t really going to work right here.

Look over the weather forecast beforehand, or something might go sideways – mountain weather sometimes changes quickly, in reality. This makes a huge difference, I reckon! Also, remember that you might want to take somebody with you, that. Being somewhere that feels remote also generally translates into a no cell signal condition. Remember that, I think, as your phone doesn’t do very much good there; consider a satellite communication device for unexpected emergency scenarios. It isn’t actually only just another route; it is a full-on trip loaded with spectacular vistas.

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5. Telluride to Dunton Hot Springs: A Relaxing Detour

How about including some relaxation in a picturesque drive from Telluride to Dunton Hot Springs? Actually, that will give you both landscape and pampering. Therefore you have that trip.

Located about an hour southwest of Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs truly offers all-inclusive resort nestled inside of a wonderfully restored ghost town, for example a little piece of history mixed with pampering, more or less! Basically, the travel really goes though spectacular landscapes as you approach the mountains. It’s definitely a fantastic opportunity to see an old town wonderfully converted in to luxurious vacation spot and, clearly, rest in mineral-rich warm springs, nearly.

Think about phoning in advance to book your visit; you want to guarantee entry. Bring all the photography gear to fully capture all the surroundings combined with relaxing scenes you’re seeing – really makes awesome memories! The roads that run toward Dunton are pretty well kept, like the road quality will likely mean a relaxing drive, honestly. Consider this as your option if rest mixed with Colorado’s landscape tends to be what you desire.

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