The morning after a wonderful day exploring Dixie Forest began in similar fashion with 7am phone calls, lunch at Peekaboo Canyon, and a roaring 4Runner greeted by early afternoon's sunshine. Wheels turned south on US-89 towards Paige, AZ for a six hour road trip through the north east corner of Navajo Nation, Four Corners, and south east Colorado's San Juan National Forest. An alternative route considered to Telluride was 89 north out of Kanab towards I-70 East, which passes near Bryce Canyon and Fishlake National Forest. When time allows on a future trip an extra day will be spent exploring this area.
The scenery became increasingly green with scattered ranches as the San Juan Mountains approached. Excitement grew as the truck zigzagged north on Hwy 145 through various valleys while a Hidden Forces podcast on America's healthcare system played in the background. Late afternoon turned to sunset as peaks passed by and Mt. Wilson, which boasts San Juan's tallest peak and inspired the Coors logo, came into view. Stops were made to enjoy the range's beauty, inhale the fresh mountain air near Trout Lake (above) and snap a shutter. As night approached the hotel at Mountain Village was bypassed and we made our way directly to the town of Telluride. Most restaurants were full with a long wait, per a local's recommendation Cornerhouse Grille was not packed yet so we made our way off the main drag for well deserved pub grub and brews. Following dinner and a relaxing evening the final drive of the day was made to the marvelous Mountain Lodge, which would be home for the next several nights.
A relaxing morning began with giggles and a few business calls in the hotel room. By mid morning we were walking towards the gondola and scenic ride into Telluride for our first glimpse of the mountains in the light. Time was spent strolling through Telluride, walking across the San Miguel River, and into Town Park, which has camping options. Early afternoon was approaching and as we had a long hike planned for Saturday we decided to spend the rest of Friday in Ouray and began the hour long drive. Upon arrival in the intimate mountain village we were ready for lunch and made our way to Ouray Brewery for a nice meal followed by coffees at Mojo's Coffee Chai & Teas around the corner. The day was beginning to fade so after enjoying the village a bit more we made the way back to Telluride. Amaris had never been to Telluride so it was an absolutely wonder to show her, she was jaw dropped the entire time.
At last, Saturday arrived and a full day of adventure was planned from morning to late evening including a breathtaking hike to Blue Lake, dinner at a mountain side restaurant, and Amaris' first look at the unadulterated Milky Way. A short drive from Mountain Village to Telluride was made windows down with a pit stop for breakfast at The Butcher and The Baker prior to heading into the box canyon. Upon leaving the east end of town the road quickly turns into a rugged switch back that does not "require" four wheel drive although going above the falls requires some experience. Hikers and trucks are all prevalent on the trail so be wary of the surroundings. There are a couple of final parking areas (small pullouts for 2 vehicles - mind the drop) prior to reaching the top of the falls and Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Power Plant - also known as Bridal Veil Powerhouse.
There is a roughly three mile hike from the top of Bridal Veil Falls to Blue Lake up a Jeep trail following the Bridal Veil Creek with a few other trails to various lakes and peaks in the area. The trail to Blue Lake is mostly smooth, yet steep, with one area towards the top that was particularly rugged with switchbacks. After completing the crux section there are glades littered with crumbling mine equipment from times past - the picture above illustrates some of this beauty.
Nearby peaks showed themselves as the grandness of the environment opened up in the final minutes of walking before topping one more ridge with the Blue Lake and shores with large flaked rocks presenting itself. Thoroughly exhausted from the elevation, we found a sunny seat near the water feasting on bars and water. After catching our breath we moved closer to the middle of the lake where a couple groups of people were hanging out. As both of our phones were dead (lol) we asked a group of hikers to take the picture and text it later so please excuse the poor quality.
There was a nice conversation around diving into frigid water to reset the individual "firmware" that inevitably influences people's lives. Stripping down to skivvies, we all dove into the ice cold water and after a few seconds realized just how cold the snow melt may be. Dripping wet and invigorated the flat rocks that had been baking in the sun offered a welcomed bed. After a bit more relaxation we said our goodbyes and began the three miles back to the 4Runner. For those visiting Telluride in the summer months be sure to get at least one long hike in and push your limits some - the hustle is free and the work is real!
The views on the hike out, looking downward over the mountains, is stunning and completes the journey. Once again, the engine roared, wheels met rugged road, and the truck headed towards home. Dinner reservations had been made (book far in advance) for Alred's Restaurant at the top of the Gondola between the Lodge at Mountain Village and Telluride. Certainly on the more expensive end of the scale, Alred's provides a unique dining experience with top of the line ingredients completed by floor to ceiling windows overlooking the town.
Immediately after being seated the two of us noticed a painting nearby that was a stunning replica of Amaris in a little black dress. Dinner was especially nice after a long hike, buttery bison and red snapper made up the entree as well crafted cocktails lightened the mood further. Desert arrived and we had a nice laugh with the bartender about the painting the restaurant had commissioned in advance of her arrival :D
Fox had one final surprise in-store for Amaris that night after dinner. A trip to the remote Wilson Mesa on a clear night is arguably one of the most meaningful ways to gaze upon the clear Milky Way. The night continued on and the love struck pair made their way to a cozy room.
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