Julie_HollandCavitt

3 friends and I are hiking the triangle of Ouray, Telluride and Silverton Colorado this summer, and I have lots and lots of questions. Got the idea for this adventure in a fitness magazine, then misplaced it. We are starting in Ouray in the morning, hiking to one of the towns, staying the night at a hotel, hiking to the next town, at a hotel, then hike back to our car. 3 days for 3 towns. Has anyone done this? Need suggestions for reasonably priced, yet clean hotels in each town, as well as, great restaurant and specific hiking maps. Best time of year to do this?
Thanks , Julie

Connie

Ouray has a hiking club that would probably be able to tell you anything you need to know. They maintain trails and have maps they sell.

www.ouraytrails.org

sheri_lp

Definitely check with that hiking group, and you will need more research, because some areas are unpassable due to snow well into June and then July and August have rain.

It's a longg way between those towns and I'd be concerned that three days might not be enough time. I'm interested to hear what you find out.

DebitNM

I hope you are in top notch shape and are aware that you are talking about hiking at 13,000 feet!!! Unless you live at altitude, you are going to have one hell of a time doing this trek. You need time to acclimate if you are coming from sea level.

As sheri says, the passes often aren't open until July and the trails would have the same issues. The roads get plowed, the trails don't.

LindainOhio

We just returned from this area. The mountains are breathtakingly beautiful. Those 3 old mining towns form what they call the Silver Triangle surrounding the San Juan Mountains. Ryder-Walker is doing a guided hike of this area from Sept. 22-30 for $3750pp including lodging and transportation. Who books those expensive hiking vacations???

I don't think you could do your planned route in just 3 days. But if you do these hikes, please come back and tell us about your trip. I know I would be very impressed if you just completed even part of this trek--your photos would be fabulous. The Aspens will be changing the end of the month.

We met up with a couple on one of the Telluride trails that had hiked the Imogene Pass(between Ouray and Telluride) the day before and they mentioned that the hiking was difficult --they were young and in shape.

The pass is one of the recommended jeep rides. Maybe you could combine offroading and hiking to complete the circuit.

Julie_HollandCavitt

Wow, everyone is making this adventure sound so tempting! If I do it, the hike will be in July or August, I'm just trying to get some idea about jeep trails/passes, lodging and food. I appreciate everyone's concern, I'm aware of the area and dangers, would like some information though.

LindainOhio

I would check on a hikers forum--coloradohikersguide.com, hikingincolorado.org, thecohiker.com, trails.com, localhikes.com.

Julie_HollandCavitt

Thanks Lindain, I will check them out.

Melnq8

Regarding accommodation, I highly recommend Box Canyon Lodge in Ouray. If you need some chocolate after your hike, be sure to check out Telluride Truffles, ooo-la-la.

sheri_lp

In Telluride, I'd recommend the New Sheridan Hotel. Historic, great location, and a good restaurant and bar right downstairs and all in the center of town