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Bridal Veil Falls
Moderate - These stunning waterfalls, over 300 feet in length, entice many
people to hike, bike, or four wheel drive up the road. From Pandora Mill
to Bridal Veil waterfalls and the power plant, it's 1.8 miles and a 1,200
foot elevation gain. Directions: Go east through town on Colorado Avenue
toward the mountain, pass the old Pandora Mine on your left, and follow
the road marked County Road. Continue on this dirt road and go up the
switchbacks for 1.2 miles to the bottom of falls, or go the extra .6
miles to the top of the falls. You don't have to stop here, though. Beyond
the privately owned historic power plant, the awesome Bridal Veil Basin,
Blue Lake, and Silver Lake await you.
Tomboy Road, Town of Tomboy, Imogene Pass & Ouray
Moderate to Difficult - Be prepared for the rugged five-mile road to the
fascinating town of Tomboy (2,650 foot elevation gain). It's 7 miles to
Imogene Pass (at 13,114 feet, it's a 4,350 elevation gain) and 18 miles
total to Ouray. Start in town at the north end of Oak Street and turn right
on the dirt road (Tomboy Road). Continue past waterfalls and through a
tunnel to arrive at the mining camp of Tomboy. The road continuing on to
the pass is a steep grade with loose rock and, after that, a steeper downhill
ride to Ouray. You can take a side trip by making a left turn (marked)
and explore the raw beauty of Yankee Boy Basin; continuing toward Ouray,
you'll pass by Camp Bird, historically one of the richest mines in the
country. If you are going straight to Ouray, expect this trip to take at
least two hours but, if you want to explore, expect to spend a good part
of the day.
Alta Lakes
Easy to Moderate - The 1870s mining town of Alta is on the National Register
of Historic Places and Alta Lakes are picture postcard beautiful. It is
5 miles one way with a 1,700-foot elevation gain. Directions: go six miles
south of Telluride on Hwy. 145 (toward Cortez) to Alta Lakes Road. To reach
the ghost town of Alta, stay on the main road for 4 miles. To get to the
lakes, turn right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes. High
clearance vehicles are recommended.
Black Bear Pass
Difficult - This is for experienced drivers only. Black Bear Pass is a
one way jeep ride from Red Mountain Pass, and extreme caution must be taken
coming down the switchbacks to Telluride. It is 3.6 miles one way from
Red Mountain Pass to Bridal Veil intersection, a 2,520-foot elevation loss.
Access: the one-way road begins off Red Mountain Pass, climbs gradually,
then makes a breathtaking plunge into Telluride alongside the 125-foot
Ingram Falls, and past Bridal Veil Falls.
Ilium Road - Ames Historic Site
Easy - Ames is the site of the country's first alternating current power
plant built by George Westinghouse, L.L. Nunn, and Nikola Tesla. To get
there, bike or drive five miles west on Hwy, 145 from Telluride, then turn
at the "Ilium Road" turnoff that parallels the San Miguel River
(south fork) to the historic Ames power plant. It is 6 miles one way with
a 1,250-foot elevation gain.
Last Dollar
Moderate - A great drive with terrific views everywhere you look, this
47.3-mile loop has a 4,370 foot elevation gain. Access: 3 miles west of
town on Hwy. 145, turn right on the airport road and follow it for 2 miles
to the dirt road that forks north just before the airport. Continue for
1.5 miles, then turn left on Deep Creek Rd. and ride down 2 miles to the
highway. Ride east toward town, turn right on South Fork Rd., then turn
left on the Galloping Goose Trail and ride up to the bike path back to
town. A longer loop for 4WD vehicles or bikers is available by following
Last Dollar Road, then descending to Sawpit and Hwy. 145 via Rd. 58P. Another
option is to continue north to Hwy.145 where an inspiring panorama of mountain
peaks awaits you at Dallas Divide on the way to Ridgway, Ouray, or Montrose.
Ophir Pass
Moderate - If Imogene Pass just whets your appetite for more four-wheel
excitement, try spectacular Ophir Pass. It's six miles one way from Hwy.
145 to top of the pass with a 2,480-foot elevation gain. From Telluride,
drive south on Hwy. 145 for 8 miles. Turn left onto a dirt road (watch
for "post office" sign) and proceed through "old" Ophir
to the pass road. Ophir Pass climbs above timberline over a scree field
to the 12,789-foot summit. Return via the same route, or continue down
to Red Mountain Pass and make a long loop back to town via Ouray. 4WD required. |
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