Southwestern Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Ouray, Telluride and the San Juans in general just have a different feel from the rest of the state. They can be a bit of a drive to get to, but here’s my full three-day weekend adventure cramming as much in as possible. And it’s dog-friendly!
Day 1:
Drive to Glenwood Springs (3 hours from Denver)
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Hotel: Maxwell Anderson
Day 2:
Drive to Telluride (3.5 hours from Glenwood Springs)
Lunch in downtown Telluride
Ride the (free!) Telluride Gondola
Drive to Ouray (1 hour)
Dinner at The Western Grill
Hotel: The Western Ouray
Day 3:
Hike Cascade Falls
Lunch in town
Hike Box Canyon Falls/Perimeter Trail
Rooftop Drinks
Day 4:
Drive Home
Optional Stop: Rifle Falls State Park
There’s a reason Ouray is known as the Switzerland of Colorado – it’s completely surrounded by towering cliffs around the tiny, gorgeous town.
We stayed at the Western Ouray which just got a new renovation, but still has its gorgeous old-mountain-town-feeling. The rooms have mountain views, comfy beds and were stocked with a little kitchen (including snacks that were included – no expensive mini bar!) Downstairs where the old prohibitions tunnels used to be is now a gorgeous spa – we’re talking a huge hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, and gym. It was super dark so a little hard to capture the beauty, but it was amazing.
The best part of the Western is how perfectly located it is in the center of town. We walked the third of a mile to Cascade Falls after grabbing some morning coffee. Then exactly the opposite direction another third of a mile we hopped on the Ouray Perimeter trail.
The Ouray Perimeter Trail is one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done, it’s gorgeous with sweeping views of Ouray and challenging (definitely a few steep drop offs) – I can’t recommend it enough.
It’s also where I saw my very first bear while hiking! A good reminder to always have your bear spray ready to go because this guy was a big one and had we been 20 seconds later we would’ve surprised each other.
A few places we loved to eat in Ouray:
The Western Grille – I’m not kidding when I say this was the best pulled pork sandwich I’ve ever had (we got it twice over the weekend) – Dog-friendly patio for drinks
Kami’s Samis – Delicious breakfast and lunch spot
Imogene Hotel – This rooftop was my favorite with 360 views!
Ouray Brewery – If you can get in, great beer with a view
Silver Eagle Saloon – The only place open after 9pm and it had live music
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
It was such a tough choice between Iron Mountain and Glenwood Hot Springs because we only had time for the one. After a brief Instagram poll, it was pointed out Glenwood Hot Springs was better for families with one big pool and Iron Mountain had multiple pools and an adults only area. It was also one of the highest rated activities on the Spur app, so we decided to give it a go and we absolutely loved it!
Now I can’t wait to go back and check out Glenwood Hot Springs!
Maxwell Anderson Hotel
For our stop over in Glenwood Springs we stayed at the also newly-renovated Maxwell Anderson Hotel. It’s formerly the Hotel Denver and they did such a wonderful job of keeping the feel of the original while making it feel luxurious. It’s right downtown so we walked to a few restaurants and bars, plus it’s across the street from Glenwood Hot Springs. Of course, keeping with our theme for the trip it was super dog-friendly. The staff was super sweet and we’d absolutely stay here again.
Making the time
We’re so lucky to live in this gorgeous state and yes, 5 hours from Denver is a haul but the views are sweeping and breathtaking, the people are wonderful and the memories last forever.
