Telluride Outside/Telluride Angler
Telluride Outside is the region’s most experienced guide service, serving Telluride since 1984. We offer four classic Colorado adventures: fly fishing, 4-WD tours, whitewater rafting and mountain bike tours. We also operate Telluride’s only year-around specialty fly shop, Telluride Angler, carrying top fly fishing brands and Cloudveil.
We’re a beginner-friendly, family-oriented company, committed to leading memorable, exciting trips in Telluride’s spectacular high country. Find out why Telluride Outside has been the local favorite for more than 20 years!
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One of Colorado's most notorious offroad passes, Black Bear is recommended for thrill seekers and experienced 4-WD travelers. We primarily tour Black Bear as a half day morning trip to avoid exposure to rain storms on slow-driving sections above treeline.
The tour begins by crossing Ophir Pass and driving north on Highway 550 to the beginning of one-way Black Bear Pass near the summit of Red Mountain Pass. After climbing the back side of Black Bear, we summit the pass and drop into Black Bear Basin, where wildflowers grow waist-high in the late summer. We then descend Black Bear's famous "stair steps," cross under Ingram Falls, and descend the breathtaking "switchbacks" of Telluride's box canyon headwall. The road becomes two-way at the top of Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's highest waterfall (464 feet). We view Bridal Veil from many angles as we descend the lower road, including an amazing straight-up view from the mist plume itself. Total tour time is approximately 4 hours. Black Bear is generally open from mid-July through mid-September. Tour times: 8.30 am-12.30 pm (Half-Day Tours)
Our children's rate is for children 12 or younger. One of Colorado's most notorious offroad passes, Black Bear is recommended for thrill seekers and experienced 4-WD travelers. We primarily tour Black Bear as a half day morning trip to avoid exposure to rain storms on slow-driving sections above treeline.
The tour begins by crossing Ophir Pass and driving north on Highway 550 to the beginning of one-way Black Bear Pass near the summit of Red Mountain Pass. After climbing the back side of Black Bear, we summit the pass and drop into Black Bear Basin, where wildflowers grow waist-high in the late summer. We then descend Black Bear's famous "stair steps," cross under Ingram Falls, and descend the breathtaking "switchbacks" of Telluride's box canyon headwall. The road becomes two-way at the top of Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's highest waterfall (464 feet). We view Bridal Veil from many angles as we descend the lower road, including an amazing straight-up view from the mist plume itself. Total tour time is approximately 4 hours. Black Bear is generally open from mid-July through mid-September.
One of Colorado's most notorious offroad passes, Black Bear is recommended for thrill seekers and experienced 4-WD travelers. We primarily tour Black Bear as a half day morning trip to avoid exposure to rain storms on slow-driving sections above treeline.
The tour begins by crossing Ophir Pass and driving north on Highway 550 to the beginning of one-way Black Bear Pass near the summit of Red Mountain Pass. After climbing the back side of Black Bear, we summit the pass and drop into Black Bear Basin, where wildflowers grow waist-high in the late summer. We then descend Black Bear's famous "stair steps," cross under Ingram Falls, and descend the breathtaking "switchbacks" of Telluride's box canyon headwall. The road becomes two-way at the top of Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's highest waterfall (464 feet). We view Bridal Veil from many angles as we descend the lower road, including an amazing straight-up view from the mist plume itself. Total tour time is approximately 4 hours. Black Bear is generally open from mid-July through mid-September. Tour time: 8.30 am-12.30 pm.
Our children's rate is for children 12 or younger. One of Colorado's most notorious offroad passes, Black Bear is recommended for thrill seekers and experienced 4-WD travelers. We primarily tour Black Bear as a half day morning trip to avoid exposure to rain storms on slow-driving sections above treeline.
The tour begins by crossing Ophir Pass and driving north on Highway 550 to the beginning of one-way Black Bear Pass near the summit of Red Mountain Pass. After climbing the back side of Black Bear, we summit the pass and drop into Black Bear Basin, where wildflowers grow waist-high in the late summer. We then descend Black Bear's famous "stair steps," cross under Ingram Falls, and descend the breathtaking "switchbacks" of Telluride's box canyon headwall. The road becomes two-way at the top of Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's highest waterfall (464 feet). We view Bridal Veil from many angles as we descend the lower road, including an amazing straight-up view from the mist plume itself. Total tour time is approximately 4 hours. Black Bear is generally open from mid-July through mid-September. Tour time: 8.30 am-12.30 pm.
This tour combines two of the finest high country experiences available in Colorado. We begin with a classic Telluride Outside 4WD tour, visiting Ophir Pass and the Alta Ghost Town. After a morning of touring, we stop for a visit at Dunton, one of the most remote alpine retreats in Colorado. We enjoy a gourmet lunch and soak in Dunton's fabled hot springs before resuming our tour and ultimately returning to Telluride. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
Our children's prices are for children 12 yrs or younger. This tour combines two of the finest high country experiences available in Colorado. We begin with a classic Telluride Outside 4WD tour, visiting Ophir Pass and the Alta Ghost Town. After a morning of touring, we stop for a visit at Dunton, one of the most remote alpine retreats in Colorado. We enjoy a gourmet lunch and soak in Dunton's fabled hot springs before resuming our tour and ultimately returning to Telluride. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
Imogene Pass is our premier tour, passing through the historic Tomboy mining camps en route to a lofty summit. The second highest 4x4 road in America tops out at 13,114 feet, offering unparalleled views of the magnificent San Juan Mountains. The half day Imogene/Tomboy trip is our most popular tour in July, August and September. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
Our children's rate is for children 12 or younger. Imogene Pass is our premier tour, passing through the historic Tomboy mining camps en route to a lofty summit. The second highest 4x4 road in America tops out at 13,114 feet, offering unparalleled views of the magnificent San Juan Mountains. The half day Imogene/Tomboy trip is our most popular tour in July, August and September. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
Our children's rate is for children 12 or younger. Imogene Pass is our premier tour, passing through the historic Tomboy mining camps en route to a lofty summit. The second highest 4x4 road in America tops out at 13,114 feet, offering unparalleled views of the magnificent San Juan Mountains. The half day Imogene/Tomboy trip is our most popular tour in July, August and September. Tour is available 8.30 am-12.30 pm or 1.30 pm-5.15 pm.
A spectacular drive is combined with a relaxing walk through unique gardens for a special half day trip that offers both historical and natural lessons. Last Dollar Road heads north from Telluride, rounding the shoulders of Whipple Mountain and Greyhead before dropping onto Hastings Mesa. This is an intermediate 4-WD route that offers breathtaking views of the Wilson Mountain range and the sweeping Uncompahgre Plateau. After approximately an hour and a half of touring, we pause at the Ute-opia botanical gardens on Hastings Mesa. Here, we stroll on quiet trails observing native plant and wildlife. Species are described on information placards and our guides provide a lesson in the park's splendid natural abundance. Our tour then descends from Hastings Mesa and returns to Telluride. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
Our children's prices are for children 12 or younger. A spectacular drive is combined with a relaxing walk through unique gardens for a special half day trip that offers both historical and natural lessons. Last Dollar Road heads north from Telluride, rounding the shoulders of Whipple Mountain and Greyhead before dropping onto Hastings Mesa. This is an intermediate 4-WD route that offers breathtaking views of the Wilson Mountain range and the sweeping Uncompahgre Plateau. After approximately an hour and a half of touring, we pause at the Ute-opia botanical gardens on Hastings Mesa. Here, we stroll on quiet trails observing native plant and wildlife. Species are described on information placards and our guides provide a lesson in the park's splendid natural abundance. Our tour then descends from Hastings Mesa and returns to Telluride. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
A spectacular drive is combined with a relaxing walk through unique gardens for a special half day trip that offers both historical and natural lessons. Last Dollar Road heads north from Telluride, rounding the shoulders of Whipple Mountain and Greyhead before dropping onto Hastings Mesa. This is an intermediate 4-WD route that offers breathtaking views of the Wilson Mountain range and the sweeping Uncompahgre Plateau. After approximately an hour and a half of touring, we pause at the Ute-opia botanical gardens on Hastings Mesa. Here, we stroll on quiet trails observing native plant and wildlife. Species are described on information placards and our guides provide a lesson in the park's splendid natural abundance. Our tour then descends from Hastings Mesa and returns to Telluride. Tour is available 8.30 am-12.30 pm or 1.30 pm-5.15 pm.
Our children's prices are for children 12 or younger. A spectacular drive is combined with a relaxing walk through unique gardens for a special half day trip that offers both historical and natural lessons. Last Dollar Road heads north from Telluride, rounding the shoulders of Whipple Mountain and Greyhead before dropping onto Hastings Mesa. This is an intermediate 4-WD route that offers breathtaking views of the Wilson Mountain range and the sweeping Uncompahgre Plateau. After approximately an hour and a half of touring, we pause at the Ute-opia botanical gardens on Hastings Mesa. Here, we stroll on quiet trails observing native plant and wildlife. Species are described on information placards and our guides provide a lesson in the park's splendid natural abundance. Our tour then descends from Hastings Mesa and returns to Telluride. Tour is available 8.30 am-12.30 pm or 1.30 pm-5.15 pm.
A spectacular scenic route with fascinating historical highlights, our Ophir/Alta tour offers a memorable adventure that is less precipitous than Imogene Pass or Black Bear. Wildflowers on Ophir Pass are absolutely eye-popping in July and early August. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
Our children's prices are for children 12 or younger. A spectacular scenic route with fascinating historical highlights, our Ophir/Alta tour offers a memorable adventure that is less precipitous than Imogene Pass or Black Bear. Wildflowers on Ophir Pass are absolutely eye-popping in July and early August. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
A spectacular scenic route with fascinating historical highlights, our Ophir/Alta tour offers a memorable adventure that is less precipitous than Imogene Pass or Black Bear. Wildflowers on Ophir Pass are absolutely eye-popping in July and early August. Tour is available 8.30 am-12.30 pm or 1.30 pm-5.15 pm.
Our children's prices are for children 12 or younger. A spectacular scenic route with fascinating historical highlights, our Ophir/Alta tour offers a memorable adventure that is less precipitous than Imogene Pass or Black Bear. Wildflowers on Ophir Pass are absolutely eye-popping in July and early August. Tour is available 8.30 am-12.30 pm or 1.30 pm-5.15 pm.
Below the McPhee Reservoir, the Dolores winds like a spring creek through a lush, low gradient valley. This is our most challenging dry fly water - a place for advanced anglers to test their skill and nerves.
Anglers can expect to face many fly fishing challenges on the Lower Dolores. The McPhee Reservoir, completed in the early 1980's, was constructed to manage water for irrigation. Pinto beans and water-intensive crops such as alfalfa are grown in this arid land, pulling most of the water out of the Lower Dolores. In low water years, fish numbers decline and the trout seem to scatter. Locating fish and carefully stalking them plays a critical role in our approach. When we find fish, it is necessary to make a pinpoint presentation to fool them. Lower Dolores trout grow to great size and become exceedingly weary in thin, air-clear water. We normally fish with long, light leaders, so playing fish can be a delicate process. Even when throwing grasshoppers, we typically fish leaders over 12 feet in length. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
Below the McPhee Reservoir, the Dolores winds like a spring creek through a lush, low gradient valley. This is our most challenging dry fly water - a place for advanced anglers to test their skill and nerves.
Anglers can expect to face many fly fishing challenges on the Lower Dolores. The McPhee Reservoir, completed in the early 1980's, was constructed to manage water for irrigation. Pinto beans and water-intensive crops such as alfalfa are grown in this arid land, pulling most of the water out of the Lower Dolores. In low water years, fish numbers decline and the trout seem to scatter. Locating fish and carefully stalking them plays a critical role in our approach. When we find fish, it is necessary to make a pinpoint presentation to fool them. Lower Dolores trout grow to great size and become exceedingly weary in thin, air-clear water. We normally fish with long, light leaders, so playing fish can be a delicate process. Even when throwing grasshoppers, we typically fish leaders over 12 feet in length. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
The Uncompahgre is one of the real sleepers in Colorado. We have excellent public access at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk State Park, just eight mile north from Ridgway and less than an hour from Telluride. In addition, our two private leases provide access to secret water that gets very little pressure from other anglers.
The Uncompahgre is a dam-controlled river, providing relatively constant flows regardless of weather conditions. This plays a key roll during summer months when rain can wash out area streams. In June, July and August, the Uncompahgre boasts one of the best Pale Morning Dun mayfly hatches in Colorado. Midges, caddis and plenty of terrestrials complete the foodbase. In lower sections of the Uncompahgre, sculpins, stoneflies and other large food items support a healthy brown trout population. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
The Uncompahgre is one of the real sleepers in Colorado. We have excellent public access at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk State Park, just eight mile north from Ridgway and less than an hour from Telluride. In addition, our two private leases provide access to secret water that gets very little pressure from other anglers.
The Uncompahgre is a dam-controlled river, providing relatively constant flows regardless of weather conditions. This plays a key roll during summer months when rain can wash out area streams. In June, July and August, the Uncompahgre boasts one of the best Pale Morning Dun mayfly hatches in Colorado. Midges, caddis and plenty of terrestrials complete the foodbase. In lower sections of the Uncompahgre, sculpins, stoneflies and other large food items support a healthy brown trout population. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
The San Miguel is one of the friendliest trout streams in the Rockies. Our "backyard" river, the San Miguel holds enormous appeal to anglers of every ability. Beginners enjoy short casting to unselective trout in the San Miguel's high-gradient pocket water. Experts enjoy the challenge of fishing a highly structured stream that rewards clever casts and drag-free presentations.
The San Miguel's abundant trout fight incredibly hard in the river's fast currents. Their food source is plentiful. The San Miguel hosts more than six species of stoneflies which hatch from February through September each year, along with a gigantic population of caddisflies. Many anglers place the San Miguel with the Roaring Fork and Arkansas as one of the great caddis rivers in the West. Pale Morning Dun Mayflies, Blue Winged Olives, plenty of midges and terrestrials round out a bountiful menu for San Miguel trout. Trout average approximately 12" in the San Miguel, with fish commonly caught up to 18+". Even the largest San Miguel fish are often caught on dry flies.
Upper Dolores River: The headwaters of the Dolores lie just south from Telluride, near Lizard Head Pass and the Wilson Mountain Range.
Variety is the name of the game on the Upper Dolores. Between Lizard Head and the town of the Dolores, the watershed is fed by a dozen cutthroat and brook trout streams descending from alpine basins. The Main Fork and West Fork offer more than 75 miles of trout water. Willing fish and magnificent scenery make the Dolores a Colorado flyfishing classic. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
The San Miguel is one of the friendliest trout streams in the Rockies. Our "backyard" river, the San Miguel holds enormous appeal to anglers of every ability. Beginners enjoy short casting to unselective trout in the San Miguel's high-gradient pocket water. Experts enjoy the challenge of fishing a highly structured stream that rewards clever casts and drag-free presentations.
The San Miguel's abundant trout fight incredibly hard in the river's fast currents. Their food source is plentiful. The San Miguel hosts more than six species of stoneflies which hatch from February through September each year, along with a gigantic population of caddisflies. Many anglers place the San Miguel with the Roaring Fork and Arkansas as one of the great caddis rivers in the West. Pale Morning Dun Mayflies, Blue Winged Olives, plenty of midges and terrestrials round out a bountiful menu for San Miguel trout. Trout average approximately 12" in the San Miguel, with fish commonly caught up to 18+". Even the largest San Miguel fish are often caught on dry flies.
Upper Dolores River: The headwaters of the Dolores lie just south from Telluride, near Lizard Head Pass and the Wilson Mountain Range.
Variety is the name of the game on the Upper Dolores. Between Lizard Head and the town of the Dolores, the watershed is fed by a dozen cutthroat and brook trout streams descending from alpine basins. The Main Fork and West Fork offer more than 75 miles of trout water. Willing fish and magnificent scenery make the Dolores a Colorado flyfishing classic. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
The San Miguel is one of the friendliest trout streams in the Rockies. Our "backyard" river, the San Miguel holds enormous appeal to anglers of every ability. Beginners enjoy short casting to unselective trout in the San Miguel's high-gradient pocket water. Experts enjoy the challenge of fishing a highly structured stream that rewards clever casts and drag-free presentations.
The San Miguel's abundant trout fight incredibly hard in the river's fast currents. Their food source is plentiful. The San Miguel hosts more than six species of stoneflies which hatch from February through September each year, along with a gigantic population of caddisflies. Many anglers place the San Miguel with the Roaring Fork and Arkansas as one of the great caddis rivers in the West. Pale Morning Dun Mayflies, Blue Winged Olives, plenty of midges and terrestrials round out a bountiful menu for San Miguel trout. Trout average approximately 12" in the San Miguel, with fish commonly caught up to 18+". Even the largest San Miguel fish are often caught on dry flies.
Upper Dolores River: The headwaters of the Dolores lie just south from Telluride, near Lizard Head Pass and the Wilson Mountain Range.
Variety is the name of the game on the Upper Dolores. Between Lizard Head and the town of the Dolores, the watershed is fed by a dozen cutthroat and brook trout streams descending from alpine basins. The Main Fork and West Fork offer more than 75 miles of trout water. Willing fish and magnificent scenery make the Dolores a Colorado flyfishing classic. Tour is available at 8.00 am or 1.30 pm.
The San Miguel is one of the friendliest trout streams in the Rockies. Our "backyard" river, the San Miguel holds enormous appeal to anglers of every ability. Beginners enjoy short casting to unselective trout in the San Miguel's high-gradient pocket water. Experts enjoy the challenge of fishing a highly structured stream that rewards clever casts and drag-free presentations.
The San Miguel's abundant trout fight incredibly hard in the river's fast currents. Their food source is plentiful. The San Miguel hosts more than six species of stoneflies which hatch from February through September each year, along with a gigantic population of caddisflies. Many anglers place the San Miguel with the Roaring Fork and Arkansas as one of the great caddis rivers in the West. Pale Morning Dun Mayflies, Blue Winged Olives, plenty of midges and terrestrials round out a bountiful menu for San Miguel trout. Trout average approximately 12" in the San Miguel, with fish commonly caught up to 18+". Even the largest San Miguel fish are often caught on dry flies.
Upper Dolores River: The headwaters of the Dolores lie just south from Telluride, near Lizard Head Pass and the Wilson Mountain Range.
Variety is the name of the game on the Upper Dolores. Between Lizard Head and the town of the Dolores, the watershed is fed by a dozen cutthroat and brook trout streams descending from alpine basins. The Main Fork and West Fork offer more than 75 miles of trout water. Willing fish and magnificent scenery make the Dolores a Colorado flyfishing classic. Tour is available at 8.00 am or 1.30 pm.
The San Miguel is one of the friendliest trout streams in the Rockies. Our "backyard" river, the San Miguel holds enormous appeal to anglers of every ability. Beginners enjoy short casting to unselective trout in the San Miguel's high-gradient pocket water. Experts enjoy the challenge of fishing a highly structured stream that rewards clever casts and drag-free presentations.
The San Miguel's abundant trout fight incredibly hard in the river's fast currents. Their food source is plentiful. The San Miguel hosts more than six species of stoneflies which hatch from February through September each year, along with a gigantic population of caddisflies. Many anglers place the San Miguel with the Roaring Fork and Arkansas as one of the great caddis rivers in the West. Pale Morning Dun Mayflies, Blue Winged Olives, plenty of midges and terrestrials round out a bountiful menu for San Miguel trout. Trout average approximately 12" in the San Miguel, with fish commonly caught up to 18+". Even the largest San Miguel fish are often caught on dry flies.
Upper Dolores River: The headwaters of the Dolores lie just south from Telluride, near Lizard Head Pass and the Wilson Mountain Range.
Variety is the name of the game on the Upper Dolores. Between Lizard Head and the town of the Dolores, the watershed is fed by a dozen cutthroat and brook trout streams descending from alpine basins. The Main Fork and West Fork offer more than 75 miles of trout water. Willing fish and magnificent scenery make the Dolores a Colorado flyfishing classic. Tour is available at 8.00 am or 1.30 pm.
The Uncompahgre is one of the real sleepers in Colorado. We have excellent public access at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk State Park, just eight mile north from Ridgway and less than an hour from Telluride. In addition, our two private leases provide access to secret water that gets very little pressure from other anglers.
The Uncompahgre is a dam-controlled river, providing relatively constant flows regardless of weather conditions. This plays a key roll during summer months when rain can wash out area streams. In June, July and August, the Uncompahgre boasts one of the best Pale Morning Dun mayfly hatches in Colorado. Midges, caddis and plenty of terrestrials complete the foodbase. In lower sections of the Uncompahgre, sculpins, stoneflies and other large food items support a healthy brown trout population. Tour is available at 8.00 am or 1.30 pm.
Custom half-day and full-day routes are available for more advanced riders. The mountains of Telluride are laced with adventuresome trails guaranteed to thrill any rider. Our guides love to get off the beaten path with customers who seek greater adventure. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am.
Custom half-day and full-day routes are available for more advanced riders. The mountains of Telluride are laced with adventuresome trails guaranteed to thrill any rider. Our guides love to get off the beaten path with customers who seek greater adventure. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am - no afternoon tour available.
Pedal a mountain bike through spectacular high country along the historic route of the Galloping Goose railway. Our beginner-friendly guided tour begins on Lizard Head Pass, at over 10,000 ft. The trail winds around two subalpine lakes and descends into the magnificent South Fork Valley of the San Miguel River, traveling 17 miles of downhill and level terrain. A snack and drinks are provided at tour's end. Tour usually starts at 8.30 am - no afternoon tour available.






