Telluride Live

About

Dave's Mountain Tours takes you up Telluride's old mining roads in open-air, high-clearance trucks with a local guide at the wheel. Tours leave from the center of town and stop several times so you can walk around and take pictures at waterfalls, ghost towns and mountain passes.

Two-hour tours go to Bridal Veil Falls, the Smuggler Union mine or along Last Dollar Road. Half-day tours climb past the Tomboy ghost town to Imogene Pass at 13,114 feet, or cross Ophir Pass. Black Bear Pass is a longer, advanced route, and you can call to plan a private full-day trip with lunch in Ouray or Silverton.

When to go

Tours run 7 days a week from late May until late October, with exact dates depending on snowpack and weather each year. Ophir Pass is usually the first route to open, so it's the main trip in May and June. The road to Imogene Pass generally opens by late June or early July.

Two-hour tours leave at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm, and half-day tours at 9 am or 1 pm. Black Bear Pass leaves at 8 am only. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so morning tours usually get better weather.

Good to know

Tours leave from 224 W San Juan Ave, a small dirt lot with paid parking. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Free parking is usually easy to find at the Carhenge lot, about a 10-minute walk along the river.

Kids of any age can come, but bring your own car seat if you need one.

Tours go rain or shine. The trucks have canopy tops, but it's much cooler near 13,000 feet, so bring layers and closed-toe shoes.

Pets are allowed on private tours only. Cancel at least 48 hours ahead for a full refund.

Price

• 2-hour tour, adults$85
• 2-hour tour, kids 12 and under$75
• Half-day tour, adults$125
• Half-day tour, kids 12 and under$115
• Black Bear Pass, adults / kids$150 / $130

Prices as posted in November 2026; the website doesn't say which season they're for. Check before you book.

Prices checked November 2026 on the website of Dave's Mountain Tours. They can change, so check before you go.

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