Newbie wants some help

[happyconative]

  Hello everyone 
This will be my second year (well second one I remember, all the others I was a bit too young)
I am really looking forward to it...  The last suarez before the big move to Alaska or Hawaii or something...
I actually get to come out early this year!!!
So I'm a little new to the whole pre-festival stuff!!!
Saw the activities and they make me happy.
Just wondering though...  Where is a good place to camp and hike pre festival?  Really want to explore Telluride a bit more and enjoy the beauty!!!
Any good rafting?
Anyone want to be my tour guide?  I promise good times, laughs, smiles, food, booze, whatever!!!  Just want to have the best time ever and meet more amazing people!!!

 Listening to: Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf

[ShatteredArm]

All kinds of cool places to see up in the mountains behind Telluride... Ouray, Silverton, etc.  Especially if you have a Jeep.

Not sure about rafting, but I know when I was younger, we took a raft trip down the Animas through Durango... Nothing too dangerous there.

[FaceOnMars]

it's hard to go wrong whatever direction you go

if you haven't explored the area immediately south of Telluride, check out:  Ophir, Trout/Hope Lake, and Lizard Head Wilderness Area ...

[carlhungus]

I consider Telluride a place to visit for the hiking and stay for the music. There is literally unlimited options. The pictures are from a hike to Silver Lake I did last year. This is the best hike I've done since coming. It is about 1.5 miles straight above Bridal Veil Falls (approx. 12,000 feet), it can be strenuous at times, but just take your time and bring plenty of water and you'll be fine. I've done several other hikes in the area and they all have something new and interesting to see. I've also gone over Ophir Pass in my Volkswagen Passat (not suggested) and there was some amazing views up there, but make sure to take a high clearance vehicle. As far as rafting there is San Miguel River west of town, Upper Animas (very intense) in Silverton, and Lower Animas in Durango. I come from Indiana so it is a fantasy world to me and I try to do something different every time I'm out there.

 Listening to: Way over Yonder in the Minor Key

[bouzouki]

It depends on how far you want to expand your circle, and how long you intend to be in the area.  Western
Colorado has many options.  A couple hours south and there is Mesa Verde, a three or four hour drive would let you raft on the Colorado River, or other rivers in the area, check online and you can see.  You can hike in the mountains, or go west into the desert.  Ride mountain bikes in a number of places from Moab to Fruita, and Gateway.  Many of these things require gear, knowing somebody with gear, or renting or buying stuff.  There are many more options, but you get to decide how long you stay and what you want to do.  I know many people that would just go sit in a bar, but that can be done much closer to home.  Still, there is something to be said for a nice cool beer after a long hike in the mountains.

[JAM Strait!]

 

Just a friendly reminder...don't underestimate the altitude! 

Not sure where you'll be coming from, but it's not a bad idea to give yourself a day or two to acclimate. Telluride is literally surrounded by spectacular high alpine terrain, and you owe it to yourself to hike it/bike it/raft it and festivate it! But its a bummer to knock yourself out for a couple of days because of that no-oxygen-havin air.

Carlhungus has some good advice...take it slow and drink plenty of water. a little sunscreen never hurt anybody up there either. A wiser man than myself once said, with regards to the festival, "It's a marathon, it ain't a sprint." So with that in mind, get stoked (if you aren't already)!!  it don't get any better than FESTIVAAAAAAALLLLL!!!

 

 

 Listening to: Uncle Earl - Rockygrass 2006

[swander99]

Just a friendly reminder...don't underestimate the altitude! 

 good advice...take it slow and drink plenty of water. a little sunscreen never hurt anybody up there either. A wiser man than myself once said, with regards to the festival, "It's a marathon, it ain't a sprint." So with that in mind, get stoked (if you aren't already)!!  it don't get any better than FESTIVAAAAAAALLLLL!!!

 
 

AMEN!

[happyconative]

You guys are awesome!!!
I am looking to stay around Telluride area, I am from Colorado and have explored much of the state in my thirty years, but not Telluride.  That hike above Bridal Veil Falls looks about perfect for me.
As for the altitude thing, I am actually coming down in elevation (I live at 9600 feet) so I can breathe great in TRIDE!!!
I am excited, looks like I am dragging my best girlfriend along for the adventures so 2 girls hiking and enjoying Telluride to the max!!!
If anyone wants to join the hiking or rafting hit me uo, great views and times guaranteed!!!

 Listening to: The radio lady talk too much

[HuckinFappy]

2 girls hiking and enjoying Telluride to the max!!!
If anyone wants to join the hiking or rafting hit me uo, great views and times guaranteed!!!

If you listen very carefully, you can hear the sound of her inbox exploding.

I meant her email of course.  Now get your mind out of the gutter.

And SUR!

Yeesh

[Hippie]

 

2 girls hiking and enjoying Telluride to the max!!!
If anyone wants to join the hiking or rafting hit me uo, great views and times guaranteed!!!

If you listen very carefully, you can hear the sound of her inbox exploding.

I meant her email of course.  Now get your mind out of the gutter.

And SUR!

Yeesh

[JAM Strait!]

I am actually coming down in elevation (I live at 9600 feet) so I can breathe great in TRIDE!!!

Now that's what I call Festival Training!! 

[happyconative]

You guys make me smile for miles

 Listening to: my space heater