See Wildlife in these Majestic Telluride Places
Best Places To See Wildlife In Telluride
One of the greatest benefits of visiting Telluride is its seclusion. Nestled off CO 145 in southern Colorado, this tranquil mountain town offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to slow down and unwind. Telluride is also surrounded by vast, untouched wilderness, teeming with wildlife that will thrill any nature enthusiast.
If you’re hoping to find some of the best places to view wildlife in Telluride, we’ve got just the recommendations for you. Come along and smell the roses with us as we explore the best places to see wildlife in the San Juan mountains.
Take an Easy Stroll Along Telluride River Trail
Not sure you want to commit to a long hike to get in some wildlife views? Then there’s no better place for you than the Telluride River Trail, which runs along the Telluride River and offers hikers the opportunity to not just get in some mountain views, but to discover local wildlife as well. Not only is there a multitude of birds typically seen on this trail, you might even get to catch a glimpse of other, more elusive animals, such as the river otter or beavers that are native to the area.
Telluride River Trail is a relatively easy hike, totaling around 4 miles and with very limited elevation changes, so even if you’re still getting used to the altitude, you shouldn’t have much trouble on this stroll through Telluride’s beautiful natural landscape. Take a gorgeous hour and a half walk along the river and keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of flora and fauna in the area.
Go For a Drive on the San Juan Scenic Byway for Alpine Wildlife Viewing
Another option for those who aren’t a fan of long walks is a drive along the San Juan Scenic Byway. This road, which circles the San Juan Mountains and passes through Ridgway, Silverton, Durango, Dolores, and Rico, is around 236 miles in total and the drive will last around 6 hours, with stops.
On your drive along this majestic road, not only will you have the opportunity to see local wildlife like elk, foxes, eagles, kestrels, and even an elusive black bear if you’re lucky, but you’ll also be gifted with some incredible 360 degree mountain vistas as well.
Bird Watch on the Valley Floor Loop
The Valley Floor area has an interesting and somewhat storied history. Located on the south side of Telluride, this 3-mile piece of land was once home to a mining operation, and then was fated to become housing. Thankfully, the Town of Telluride swooped in to save this 570-acre property and turned it into a conservation easement, where both travelers and locals alike can enjoy the wetland atmosphere of the area and take in the local wildlife.
Today, the Valley Floor Loop stands as one of the prime spots for wildlife viewing in the Telluride area after its years-long restoration process. During your walk across this gorgeous wetland ecosystem, you’ll have a chance to see many species of birds as well as other species like elk, black bears, foxes, otters, and beavers. If you happen to visit during the wintertime for a little skiing action, there’s also plenty of places to try out cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the Valley Floor area as well.
Get into the Mountains at the San Miguel River South Fork Preserve
12 miles to the south of Telluride lies yet another pristine and untouched wilderness area: the San Miguel River South Fork Preserve.
Walk across wooden boardwalks and enjoy the sights of this gorgeous area, which stretches 67 acres across the San Miguel River. There are plenty of opportunities to view wildlife in this area, with the chances of seeing animals like beavers, otters, black bears, and falcons. Keep your eyes out for the elusive mountain lions that roam this area–while the chances of seeing one are very slim, it’ll make for a great story if you do spot one of these elusive predators.
Take a Wildlife Tour to Discover Secret Backcountry Viewing Spots
Want to take in the wildlife without having to search around for places to do so? Think about purchasing a wildlife or offroading tour while you’re staying in Telluride. This way, you’ll have experienced guides at your fingertips who know all the best places for seeing elk, black bears, foxes, and even mountain lions around town. There are quite a few companies in Telluride that offer this service, such as Dave’s Mountain Tours and Telluride Offroad Adventures–check one of these two out next time you come into town.
There’s Plenty More Fun to Discover in Telluride
There’s no end to the adventures to be had in Telluride. No matter what season you visit during, there’s plenty of fun at your fingertips, with activities like hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing to participate in. Whether wildlife viewing is your thing or speeding down a mountain on a pair of skis is your desire, you’ll find it all in Telluride.
Our blog is your gateway to Telluride activities! If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out our blog on the best hikes in Telluride or take a look at our guide to eating like a local.