Daniel Parks, GM of The Lake Flying Saucer, recently took a trip to Telluride, CO to explore the hiking trails and craft beer offerings. The trip was part of a reward from Flying Saucer owner, Shannon Wynne. Read about his travels below.
Before I had the opportunity to visit Telluride, Colorado, I had heard stories about its majestic beauty. I was finally able to make the trip because of a gift from our company’s president, Shannon Wynne, as a reward for longstanding dedicated service. Below is my account of this incredible trip, including details about some of the delicious beers I was fortunate enough to sample along the way.
Telluride: Hiking and Beer
The beautiful Bridal Veil Falls
Our first adventure in the valley was driving the Crosstrek off-road up to the top of Bridal Veil Falls. With every switchback, we went higher, and the cliffs’ edges became steeper. The falls’ powerful water spray was mind-blowing. Driving back down was slow and steady due to increased four-wheeler traffic. After our descent, we went to Shannon and Kim’s house, made ourselves comfortable and relaxed on the patio. Following a quick respite, we made our way to Telluride Brewing Company.
Daniel and his family took time to make a Subaru commercial while hiking in Telluride.
We immediately befriended the bartender Sam, as she poured us eight half-pints of their offerings, ranging from light pilsners to IPAs to Belgian ales. The brewery was well laid out, clean and friendly. The beer spoke volumes but we mostly enjoyed the hospitality of Sam, who treated us like locals. Sam even invited us back for a block party in the courtyard on Saturday.
Day Two: A Birthday Celebration…And Beer.
Just about every morning I jumped on my Kona bike and hit the trails. Basin Trail, Village Trail, Prospect Trail and Galloping Goose Trail — to only name a few — each offered a different challenge, pace and view of Telluride’s landscape. One sight that stood out was a rock clearing atop Prospect Trail, a perfect place to stop for a break and enjoy a cold Ska Hoperation Ivy.
My daughter Avery, dad, stepmom, brother, twin sister, her husband and two sons soon joined us, and we headed out to a birthday dinner for my dad at Allred’s. Once again, the friendliness of the Telluride locals came through. Mario, the manager of the evening, and I became instant companions, and he truly made it an exceptional dining experience for us all.
Day Three: More Hiking. More Beer.
The first of the family hikes with the kids was on Bear Creek Trail, but I chose to stay behind and catch up on my bike. I was happy to hear how well the kids did. Lunch that day was at Smuggler’s Brew Pub. I ordered the oatmeal stout, which had a well-rounded roastiness with a smooth creamy finish. We also enjoyed the pilsner and weisse beer. This was a great stop with good food and well-made craft beer. In the evening, we had a taco party family dinner at the house, played games and went to bed early to prepare for the big hike on See Forever Trail.
After a light breakfast, four of us embarked on a 10-mile hike up See Forever Trail to the Wasatch Connection, which sits about 12,200 feet above sea level, and then down the back side of the mountain to the town of Telluride. We were all amazed by the serenity that engulfed us while hiking. We even came across a paraglider launching off the top. As the four of us hiked, the others did smaller hikes and mini spa time at the house. After completing the hike we met at Brown Dog Pizza for lunch — food and beer were needed for the recharge.
After lunch, we parted ways and Jacklynn and I headed to the block party at Telluride Brewing Company — but not before visiting the Telluride Distillery right next door. We shared a Telluride Mule and some schnapps shots, all delicious. Sam was awaiting our arrival at the block party with a hug and good beer. It was a lively party, with live music, local shop tents and dancing. In the evening we all gathered for a leftover smorgasbord at the house with drinks, more games, dancing and, most importantly, great conversation and laughs.
Day Four: Goodbyes and Beer.
The next day was departure day, which caused a frenzy of gratitude for the gift Shannon had given us. After a good clean-up, the group took leave to Texas, Nevada and California. But the Crosstrek took one last pit stop to Ska Brewing Company for lunch and that mouthwatering beer they call Modus Hoperandi. We sampled a Berliner weisse and others and purchased a mixed 12-pack of Rudy, Modus and Decadent to take home. If you’ve never had a fresh Modus, I highly recommend making a trip to Durango.
The peak of the mountain at the end of the See Forever Trail to Wasatch Connection trail.
From L-R: Daniel, Dennis (Daniel’s dad) and Michael (Daniel’s brother)
So, if you’re headed to Telluride and looking to soak every ounce of fun out of the trip, let me recap:
Hiking and Biking in Telluride
- Beginners should check out Bear Creek Trail.
- For more advanced hikers, travel the See Forever Trail to Wasatch Connection.
- If possible, hit up the Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free falling waterfalls in Colorado.
- You can use the gondola on a number of trails for easier access.
Where to get craft beer in Telluride
- Telluride Brewing Company (and Telluride Distillery next door)
- Poachers Pub in Mountain Village
- Smuggler’s Brew Pub
- Ska Brewing (technically it’s in Durango but you should make every effort to stop in)
Sometimes you need to focus on more than just the beer you’re drinking at the moment. Like, where can you go to get more of the beer you’re drinking at the moment?
Overall, this family vacation was one of the best and most memorable. We couldn’t be more thankful and appreciative of the hospitality provided by Shannon and Kim. I’m so grateful for the guidance and growth Shannon has given me while working for Flying Saucer.
Thank you to Shannon and the Wynne family.
Daniel Parks
Daniel and his family pose at the end of the Wasatch Connection Trail to Telluride Trail
From L-R: Michael (Daniel’s brother), Dennis (Daniel’s dad), Sue (Daniel’s stepmom) and Daniel
Great work, Daniel!
Be sure to visit Daniel at The Lake Flying Saucer “congrats” on his trip and hit him up for more tips. Have any Telluride tips of your own? Let us hear ’em!
