SOUTHWEST COLORADO RUNNING RETREAT

OURAY-TELLURIDE-SILVERTON, COLORADO

September 14th-20th, 2025

2017-07-04 12.43.21 HDR.jpg

WHAT This trip is a great way to experience the amazing San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. It is a self-guided trail running adventure from Ouray to Telluride to Silverton. You will have multiple routes to choose from each day, with gpx files to follow. Every runner will be required to have some sort of tracking. We will provide hotels, shuttles, baggage transfers, yoga, and more along the way. You will get to experience some of the best parts of the famous Hardrock 100 and Imogene Pass runs.

WHO This adventure has intermediate to expert level runs with possible distances up to 30 miles, but you will have multiple running options each day to help accommodate runners of different levels. There are moderate to high elevation gains with altitudes over 13,000ft. Although we do our best to help you prepare for higher elevations it is a known fact that everyone acclimatises differently. With this in mind, know that running at these altitudes will still be challenging for all whether you are acclimatised or not and you should not expect your body to perform as it does at home. Most runners should expect to hike many sections of these trails, especially during the first few days at altitude. During this time most will enjoy running only the easier flats and gradual downhill sections while hiking the uphills. Because of the beautiful scenery throughout this trip most people have no problem adopting this philosophy of “run when I can, hike when I can’t” and simply take in the beauty of Colorado while hiking.

How strong of a runner do I need to be for this trip? This trip is not for everyone. You do need to be an intermediate to experienced trail runner, that is comfortable on technical and steep terrain. This trip is also self guided, so everyone can run at their own pace. We are available for training tips and advice for those who are new to this kind of running. If you have any questions about your ability to partake in this trip, please email us. This is a great trip to train for, so if you are not ready yet, you can get ready!

DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5): 5 (Difficult)

  • This trip is rated a 5, for difficulty. All runners will need to be well prepared as the terrain is steep, technical and at high altitude. Some runs can be cut short, or skipped.

GUIDES FOR THIS ADVENTURE   Self Guided

Dates: September 2025

PRICE $1995 USD

  • US$500 non refundable deposit required to secure place, deposit can be transferred to another adventure.

  • Remaining balance due by June 1st, 2025. Registrations after that date must be paid in full.

  • *Extra days before or after the trip can be added for an extra charge

INCLUDES:

  • All accommodations (*Prices based on twin/double shared rooms. Single room can be added for an additional cost)

  • All daily transportation to and from trailheads if necessary

  • Baggage transfers

  • Yoga with Anna Frost

  • Breakfasts (***All breakfasts will be continental, including pastries, muffins, and coffee. Additional food can be purchased at near by cafes)

  • *Some dinners will be included. Check itinerary for details.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Hotel costs before and/or after scheduled trip dates

  • Transportation to and from the Montrose Airport (we can help you arrange this)

  • ***Lunches and Dinners (Expect Lunches to average $10-$20 per day, and Dinners to average $15-$30 per day)

  • Personal trail food, gels, etc. (***Please bring your own snacks for the trail, as you may not find what you want in these small towns)

  • Alcohol

  • Trip cancellation insurance

  • Colorado Search and Rescue Card

  • Rescue/Evacuation Insurance. We recommend: Global Rescue

  • Personal running gear and clothing

  • Tips

PARTICIPANTS Maximum of 12

ADVENTURE ITINERARY

***Please note that daily runs are subject to change due to weather and trail conditions. Summer in the San Juans typically produces afternoon thunderstorms that we can plan around by starting and finishing our daily runs early. In the event of bad weather, especially above tree-line, MOST planned runs have a contingency option that will give us a safer run for the day. All runs are optional and you can choose not to participate at anytime.

Day 1 - Sunday, September 14th: Arrive in Southwest Colorado - Ouray

There are many options for flying to SW Colorado with the easiest and most popular option being Montrose (MTJ). Some of you may be driving as well, which is fine, but remember parking in these small mountain towns can be annoying and expensive. We will plan on meeting in Ouray at 2:00pm at the Hotel for a group meet and greet and go for an afternoon run. Most people on this trip will be arriving from lower elevations and will find that it might take a few days to get used to thin air of the San Juans. With this in mind, the goal of today’s run is to see the town of Ouray and to start the acclimatization process. Following the run we will go for a welcome dinner in town and then enjoy a soak in the natural hot spring tubs at the hotel.

*Those that arrive early, may have time to do the Ouray Via Ferrata! Let us know and we can schedule this in for you.

**The airport shuttle from Montrose to Ouray is not included and needs to be arranged by you. We can help with this and recommend some companies. We can also check with other guests for arrival times to help everyone share rides and split the cost.

***For those flying into town, it may be easier to fly into Montrose on Saturday and stay the night, then take the shuttle to Ouray Sunday morning. This also gives you one extra night sleeping at altitude, as Montrose is just under 6,000 feet. There is a Hampton Inn walking distance from the airport.

  • Lodging: Box Canyon Lodge in Ouray

  • Meals included: None

  • Run: 0-8 mile run on the Ouray Perimeter Trail. You can choose your distance today, as the trail circles the town of Ouray, and is never that far from the hotel

Day 2 - Monday, September 15th: Ouray - Telluride

Today we will take a shuttle from the hotel to the start of the run ( unless you want to run from the hotel for some serious distance). You will have the choice to run the famous Imogene Pass or follow the Hardrock 100 course up from Governors basin, over Krogers, and down into Telluride. Both runs will finish at the hotel, where your bags will be waiting for you. You will need to take your time on some sections of this trail, as it is quite technical and steep.

  • Lodging: The Peaks Resort in Telluride

  • Meals included: Continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, and coffee.

  • Run: up to 10-20 miles. You can do less if you like.

Day 3 - Tuesday, September 16th: Sneffels Highline Trail - Telluride

Today, we will be running the The Sneffels Highline Trail. This is one of the most scenic trails in the area and one of our favorites. With breath taking views and wildflower filled meadows, this is the trail run that defines the San Juans. We will start and finish at our hotel. After the runs, you can enjoy a hot tub at the hotel, or ice your legs in the river just outside your hotel room. You can also enjoy a free Gondola ride to see some of the views of Telluride while resting your legs.

  • Lodging: The Peaks Resort in Telluride

  • Meals included: Continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, and coffee

  • Please bring plenty of trail snacks, as today can be a long day, and most will have a late lunch.

  • Run: 10-13 miles

  • Optional Add On: Telluride Via Ferrata (This will be an extra cost, as we will need to hire guides and equipment. Also, very weather dependent)

Day 4 - Wednesday, September 17th: Rest Day- Telluride

Today will be a scheduled rest day in Telluride, but of course you can run if you would like. There are also some nice easy hikes, mountain bike trails, Free Gondola, and more. There is also the option to do the Telluride Via Ferrata today. This is an amazing experience, as long as you are not afraid of heights! You will also have time to explore the town of Telluride, hang out by the river, or get a massage and get those legs ready for the rest of the week. In the early evening, we will take the Gondola to Mountain Village, where we will have a private yoga session at the Peaks Resort and Spa. After yoga and a shower, we will be having dinner at the amazing Alteeza Restaurant, which has great food and some of the best views in Telluride.

  • Lodging: The Peaks Resort in Telluride

  • Meals included: Continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, and coffee and Dinner

  • ***Dinner will be included at the stunning Alteeza Restaurant

  • Run: No scheduled run, but plenty of options for those who want to run

  • Optional Add On: Telluride Via Ferrata (This will be an extra cost, as we will need to hire guides and equipment. Also, very weather dependent)

  • Afternoon: Private Yoga at the Peaks Resort and Spa in Mountain Village. You will also be able to use the swimming pool, hot tubs, gym, etc before dinner.

Day 5 - Thursday, September 18th: Telluride - Silverton

Today is another big running day, with multiple options. Distances will vary depending on what you choose, but be prepared for a full day in the mountains, as you work your way from Telluride to Silverton. You can run more of the Hardrock 100 course, an amazing high alpine adventure with some off trail sections, or choose a 4x4 road. All your bags will be shuttled from Telluride to Silverton.

  • Lodging: The Wyman Hotel in Silverton

  • Meals Included: Continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, and coffee

  • Run: Telluride to Silverton

  • Afternoon: For those that arrive early enough, Anna Frost will be offering yoga

Day 6 - Friday, September 19th: Silverton - Ouray

Today we will return back to Silverton, via the Hardrock 100 course. We will have an early start, as we take a shuttle from Silverton to Animas Forks and run the amazing Bear Creek section of the Hardrock course. This run will finish back at the hotel in Ouray, where the trip started. You will also have the option to run a 4x4 road today, if you don’t feel comfortable on the exposed sections of the Bear Creek trail. All your bags will be shuttled back to the hotel in Ouray. We will then enjoy a last dinner together in Ouray, and share stories of the week.

  • Lodging: Box Canyon Lodge - Ouray

  • No meals will be included today. There are some coffee shops nearby to grab a quick breakfast.

  • Run: 15-20 miles from Silverton to Ouray

  • Party!

Day 7 - Saturday, September 20th: Departure Day

Today we will say our goodbyes and after breakfast, everyone will be making their way home. Those flying out of Montrose will need to arrange shuttles.

  • Meals Included: Continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, and coffee

  • Shuttles to the airport will not be included in the price and need to be arranged by you, but we are happy to help you with this.