Blue Sky Inn - Local Interests

BLACK CANYON
Only 14 miles from the Blue Sky Inn, this unique and spectacular landscape was formed slowly by the action of water and rock scouring down through hard crystalline rock. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
SWEITZER LAKE
Located one mile south of Delta on Hwy. 50, this day-use facility features a 173-acre recreation lake with swimming, fishing, boating, water & jet skiing, wildlife viewing and plenty of picnic tables. A western-slope oasis, your whole family will love the beauty of Sweitzer Lake.
GRAND MESA
Located about 45 minutes north of Montrose, the Grand Mesa is the largest flattop mountain in the United States with innumerable lakes for fishing, featuring many hiking , cross-country and snowmobile trails, as well as campgrounds and the Powderhorn ski area.
BLUE MESA
Although the Blue Mesa is just 46 miles from Montrose, you'll think you're in heaven! Blue Lake's crystal waters offer incomparable beauty, and visitors can rent pontoon boats, fishing boats and jet skis.
TELLURIDE
Located an hour away, you and your family will enjoy the sky-high gondola that travels from one end of this world-class resort to the other. There is no charge for the ride, and the views are breathtaking. Other outdoor activities around Telluride are as limitless as the peaks you can climb. From fishing, biking and horseback riding, to kayaking and golf - pick your adventure in this year-round Alpine playground!
SAN JUAN SKYWAY
Start with the major towns along the route: Durango, a well-preserved descendant of the Old West; picturesque Telluride, renowned for world-class skiing and film, jazz, and bluegrass festivals; and Silverton and Ouray, Victorian jewels tucked in deep alpine valleys. Add another jewel to the crown - Mesa Verde National Park, where the Anatasi Indian cave dwellings, (the most remarkable prehistoric ruins in the U.S.) are located on five million acres of undisturbed national forest. Then there are the roads themselves, snaking through the woods in the shadow of impressive 14,000-foot peaks. The segment from Ouray to Silverton is called the "Million Dollar Highway", But you can t put a price tag on this experience. If byways could claim royal lineage, this one would probably rule them all.


UTE INDIAN MUSEUM
The Ute Museum sits in the heart of traditional Ute territory on lands once homesteaded by Chief Ouray. Migrating from the mountains in the summer to river valleys in the winter, the Utes used the abundant plants and animals of the Uncompahgre River valley for food, clothing, and shelter. hours Mon-Sat 9:00am-4:30pm Sun 11:00am-4:30pm (May 15- October 31)
MOUNTAIN HORSEBACK RIDING
Western Colorado's unbelievable scenery looks even better from the back of a horse! Custom trail rides are designed for your pleasure - private or group rides are available. Bring a light jacket, gloves, sturdy boots, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. reservations required. Deb's Livery 970-626-5587 www.debslivery.com Email: debs.livery@montrose.net
DURANGO

While taking a ride on the million dollar highway, stop in and take a ride on the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881, and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, only 11 months after construction began, the tracks to Silverton were completed and the train began hauling both passengers and freight.
OURAY
The Ouray Ice Park offers some of the finest ice climbing terrain anywhere around and is accessed by a short walk or drive from downtown Ouray. Whether you are a novice or an expert there are plenty of options to challenge your ice climbing prowess. Instruction is personalized based upon your experience level and progression. The San Juans also offer numerous wilderness climbs for the aspiring alpinist; Bridalveil Falls, Ames Ice Hose, Gravity's Rainbow, and Skylight just to name a few. All equipment is included Only
35 miles away, the ultimate way to cap an active day of hiking or skiing is a soak in Ouray's million-gallon natural hot springs. The water will penetrate and soothe every muscle in the body as you gaze in wonderment at the mountains that tower above. The pure naturally heated water is sectioned off according to water temperature and has no distasteful sulfur smell
ROYAL GORGE
Only 2.5 Hours away from Montrose, the Royal Gorge features the world's highest suspension bridge. An average of 500,000 visitors enjoy the breathtaking vistas from the bridge and adjoining park each year. The park also features an entertainment gazebo, children's attractions, a variety of shops, restaurants and picnic areas.