The Alpine Environment

Summer
Located at the southern tip of the Rockies, the San Juans are one of the West's most beautiful mountain ranges. Rugged yet inviting, challenging yet accessible ... a world of wonder awaits you.

The Ute Indians cherished the Telluride valley and the San Juans as sacred lands. The mountains held vast riches: healing springs, game, timber, medicinal plants and replenishing waters. Long winters and deep snowpacks create an environment that bursts to life each spring in a short but spectacular growing season. Telluride's towering beauty wears a facade of impenetrable strength, but the tundra, mesas, peaks, forests, and riparian habitats are surprisingly vulnerable. High-altitude environments are particularly susceptible to erosion and pollution. When enjoying the San Juans Mountains, minimize your impact - tread lightly.

The most abundant wildlife you will see throughout the region are mule deer (named for their long, mule-like ears), elk, marmot, pica, chipmunk, squirrel, porcupine, beaver and a large variety of birds. Mountain chickadees and song sparrows dress the woods with their songs. Bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, weasel and even the recently reintroduced lynx are found here. As with any wildlife, keep your distance, don't frighten or feed them, and stay away from their young. A young deer lying in the grass may appear abandoned, but its mother is probably not too far off, waiting for you to leave before she returns to her fawn.

Winter
In the winter, much of the San Juan Mountains' wildlife hibernates or retreats to lower elevations. Birds such as dark-eyed juncos and mountain chickadees remain. They seem as comfortable and active in winter as they are in summer. Gray jays (camp robbers) work the ski area crowd, readily accepting handouts. The white-tailed ptarmigan molts its granite-colored plumage and turns a snowy white, while the snowshoe hare's coat turns the color of milk. Beneath the snow pack, voles and pocket gophers create a network of tunnels stuffed with grasses and forbes, creating a microclimate that allows them to stay active throughout the winter. The winter-white ermine with its black-tipped tail digs into the snow pack to hunt this elusive prey. The quiet observer can watch as its cousin, the chocolate-colored pine marten, or a quill-covered porcupine work their way through the evergreen treetops. On a full moon night, coyotes call to each other across fields of incandescent snow. Honor these winter residents' need to conserve energy in this cold and fragile environment and don't disturb wildlife.

Winter in the San Juan Mountains is also a recreationist's haven. Outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds venture into the backcountry to experience the abundant snow and shimmering blue skies that have made this area famous.

When traveling in the winter, respect the awesome powers of nature that have created this rugged landscape. Winter storms can be fierce and unpredictable. Sunny, warm mornings often give way to fast-moving cold fronts and fierce snowstorms. Temperatures drop quickly. Blowing snow reduces visibility and is disorienting. Whether in a vehicle or on foot, be prepared for winter travel.

Telluride's towering peaks wear a facade of gentle beauty. Keep your guard up. Many an unwary backcountry enthusiast has witnessed the power of an avalanche. Outfitters and guides can take you to safe terrain that will allow you to experience and enjoy the backcountry safely. For a report on regional conditions, call the avalanche recreation hotline at 970-247-8187.

Long winters and deep snowpacks create an environment that bursts to life each spring in a short but spectacular growing season. Still, the tundra, mesas, peaks, forests and riparian habitats are surprisingly vulnerable mountain ecosystems. When enjoying the backcountry, minimize your impact. Enjoy the San Juans - and please tread lightly.