We are planning a trip to Telluride area in late August. Curious to know what the weather is like at that time. I would appreciate any advice on places to stay in the area for two 30-something couples-like a 2 bedroom condo or cabin. We plan to rent jeeps, do some light hiking (I am pregnant), fish, eat out, and enjoy the scenery. We will have our own transportation. Which is the best place to stay Telluride, Ouray or Ridgway? Thanks so much.

About mid August, the high country starts turning to fall. You should have warm days (70's) and cool nights (40's). Of course, in Colorado, snow can fall at any time. August can bring rain storms up from the south. In general, it should be pretty nice. But in Colorado, be prepared for any weather.
I don't know of any particular cabin. I would guess you could easily find a condo at the ski area. Prices should be reasonable in August unless there is some huge festival the week you are going there. Ridgway, although a cute little town, might be your third choice, as it is a quiet residential community. Ouray, is a small town, with a public hot springs pool, beautiful scenery, nice trails. Telluride is a little bigger town. With the exception of the hot springs, there is probably a little more activity in Telluride. Great scenery. If you are coming from sea level, hiking could be challenging, depending how pregnant you are. Drink a lot of water-2 quarts per day- and you will prevent altitude sickness. Most docs don't recommend pregnant women to spend too much time over 10,000 feet. So, you might want to avoid hiking at the higher elevations. Be a little warned, 4 WD roads for jeeps, are just that. Very bouncy-so dependent on how far along you are, you might want to watch your comfort little. I took a 2 mile 4 wheel drive to a family cabin when I was 8 months pregnant, and it was very uncomfortable. So, be sure to pick up a local guide book, and quiz the person who rents you the jeep on what backroads are less rugged. You might consider a canoe trip on the Delores,as well. But get advice on conditions and put in points.

I have climbed in those mountains and I can tell you that the altitude is nothing to take lightly. A friend of mine, who is an outdoor type and a physician, says that above 7,500 feet the air thins to a critical level and oxygen shortage is common, even in young, well conditioned people.

So if you are expecting, I implore you to seek medical advice before exposing yourself to high altitude conditions.

I know it sound glamorous and all that to be in Colorado, but having felt the effects of oxygen depletion, I can understand the problem. If you are short of air, so is your baby. So talk to a physician who knows a thing or two about what you plan to do.

I know that carrying a pack up and over 12,000 foot passes caused me to gasp for breath, even though I was in top shape (resting pulse of 48). And, my pack did not need oxygen!!!
Full acclimation to those altitudes takes at least 14 days for a young person who starts out in shape.
I had been there 9 days and was still gasping when going uphill, but not to the extent I could not reach the top at 14,000 feet. But my pulse rate often reached 150 or more. And I had only to supply oxygen to myself!!!

Although I am sure that the prior post was only intending to warn you of the dangers of high altitude, the effect of high altitude is very different on everyone. I moved to Crested Butte CO two years ago from a beach area and living at 8500 ft above sea level has had no effect on my activity. I am 50 years old and do regular outdoon activity with little or no effect from the high altitude. I have found that maybe 5% of people that I know suffer from the thin air at this altitude. I have been as high as 14,000 without a problem. I agree that you should probably check with your doctor as a precaution but if you are in good health, I would think you will be fine.

Tell me, Paul, how did you do at the 400 meter yard dash the day after you arrived at Crested Butte? Turn in the same time you did at sea level??
And you scrambled up Mt. Yale like nothing?? No panting, no stopping to get your breath??
Like 4%$%$$ you did!!

Thanks so much for all your concerned responses. Yes, the altitude is a factor I am considering, and I intend to check with my doctor before I make any definite plans. My husband and I have been backpacking in Colorado for several summers now so it is not new to me. I think altitude can affect the same person diffently from time to time. I have made it to the top of a few "14ers" without--undue--difficulty. Other times, however, I didn't do too well and had to turn back and sometimes it happens to my husband. We always try to acclimate a few days before the big climb and drink lots of water. This time I will be seven months pregnant so I plan to do very light hiking, if any at all, and close to the home base.

A short canoe trip sounds like an excellent idea. And thanks for the advise on the bumpy jeep rides--that could really be a bad thing!

So, I am thinking Telluride is the place to stay. I'd appreciate any other suggestions on that question. Good, inexpensive resturants? Best place to rent jeeps, buy groceries, etc? Thanks again.