SOUTHWEST COLORADO RUNNING RETREAT

TELLURIDE AND OURAY, COLORADO

In Partnership with the Telluride Mountain Run and Highline Running Adventures

Registrations closed for 2022

***PRIVATE TRIPS AVAILABLE. EMAIL US FOR MORE DETAILS

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WHAT This trip is a great way to experience the amazing San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. It is also a great way to acclimatize and explore the area before the Telluride Mountain Run on August 27th. This trip includes a free entry into the race, so why not finish yourself off with one of the only true mountain races in the U.S. There are 3 distances to choose from, a 13 miler, 24 miler, and a 40 miler, all with lots of climbing and rugged terrain, so choose wisely! Or you can spend your last day exploring some more amazing trails in the Telluride area. The choice is up to you!

WHO This adventure has intermediate to expert level runs with possible distances up to 15 miles (race up to 40 miles) and moderate to high elevation gain 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 our trips 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 for everyone. You do not need to be an experienced trail runner, ultra marathoner or avid outdoor enthusiast to enjoy our adventures. We invite first time trail runners who might not have access to mountainous terrain at home and want to experience the joys of alpine trail running. However, we don’t recommend first timers taking part in the races. Like any endeavour in the mountains, most runners will have a far better experience if they are in shape and should begin a training program well before the trip. We are available for training tips and advice for those who are new to this kind of running.

**Covid-19 Guidelines: We will be following all current Colorado guidelines for this trip. We may also require proof of vaccine or negative Covid test as well as a health declaration form prior to arrival. Please be prepared to follow these guidelines. If you show symptoms of illness before the trip, you will not be allowed to join us. We highly recommend purchasing travelers insurance to cover your cost if you can not travel. We will not be able to offer refunds for those that have to cancel for any reason within 30 days of the trip. If you show symptoms during the trip, you will be quarantined from the rest of the group until we can determine the next course of action. Any additional charges for this will be your responsibility. Please let us know if you have any questions.

GUIDES FOR THIS ADVENTURE   Braz

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, 2022. Registrations after that date must be paid in full.

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

INCLUDES:

  • Experienced guides

  • All necessary permits and insurance

  • 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

  • Transportation from Ouray to Telluride

  • Afternoon 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.

  • Race entry into the Telluride Mountain Run

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

  • Guide gratuity

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 - Monday, August 22nd: 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 Sunday and stay the night, then take the shuttle to Ouray Monday 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.

Day 2 - Tuesday, August 23rd: Bear Creek Trail/Engineer Pass - Ouray

Today we will run from the hotel and follow part of the Hardrock Course up the Bear Creek Trail towards Engineer Pass. This trail is one of the most stunning trails around. It can be done as a lollipop loop or as an out and back depending on which distance you choose. You will need to take your time on some sections of this trail, as there is some exposure. And you might just come across some bears along the way! After the run enjoy a nice soak in the natural hot spring tubs at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will offer some nice relaxing and easy Yoga from the wonderful Anna Frost, to help you recover for the next day.

  • Lodging: Box Canyon Lodge in Ouray

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

  • Run: up to 15 miles. You can do less if you like.

  • Afternoon: Light Yoga/Stretching

Day 3 - Wednesday, August 24th: Sneffels Highline Alpine Run - Telluride

Today we will have an early start and take an 1.5 hour shuttle ride to Telluride. We will then 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 finish back at our hotel in town, where your bags and rooms will be waiting on you. 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: Camels Garden Hotel 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

Day 4 - Thursday, August 25th: Light Hike/Run - Telluride

Today we will have a fairly easier day, with a nice easy run/hike just outside of Telluride. We will be doing a point to point run in the amazing Lizard Head Wilderness area. You will have time in the afternoon to explore the town of Telluride, hang out by the river, or get a massage and get those legs ready for Saturday. 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: Camels Garden Hotel in Telluride

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

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

  • Run: 5-10 miles

  • 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 - Friday, August 26th: Rest Day/Adventure Day - Telluride

Today will be a good day to rest our bodies from running, but not from adventure! We highly recommend everyone, that is not scared of heights, doing the Via Ferrata in Telluride. It is an amazing experience and has some of the best views around. This will be an extra cost, but we will organize everything for you, including experienced guides and the correct equipment to keep you safe. There are also lots of other good options for activities today, such as mountain biking (extra cost), riding the Gondola (free!), massage (extra cost) or just napping by the river and icing those legs (free!). We will also offer some very nice and easy yoga today, to help you get those legs ready for Saturday. You will also need to pick up your packet today if racing.

***An optional run can be arranged for those not racing.

  • Lodging: Camels Garden Hotel in Telluride

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

  • Run: No run scheduled for today, but can be arranged. Other activities can also be arranged for an additional charge.

  • Afternoon: Easy yoga/stretching

Day 6 - Saturday, August 27th: Race Day!!! - Telluride

Today is race day!!! We highly recommend you doing one of the races, as we think they are some of the best in the country. It also is a great way to see some more of the San Juans while having a few aid stations along the way! We will have one last going away dinner at 7:00pm to hear about everyones race and to recap about the amazing week. And after that we party in Telluride! Those doing the 40 miler might not make dinner. Please research the races and ask us questions before deciding which distance is right for you. These races are very steep, technical and difficult, so 24 miles where you run may be quite a bit different than 24 miles in the San Juan Mountains. But don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and see what you can do. We are here to support you and help you reach those goals!

Day 7 - Sunday, August 28th: 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