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Adventure to The Observatory near Telluride

Caitlin Row
crow@gjfreepress.com

It might not be easy to get to The Observatory at Alta Lakes, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Located on a remote site about 30 minutes above the town of Telluride, it can only be accessed by four-wheel-drive vehicles or snowmobiles though the Alta ghost town. The lodge — built solidly of rock, wood and forged iron in the mid-1970s — was constructed on the edge of Alta Lakes with views of spiky, snow-covered mountains.

According to The Observatory’s website: “It did not take long for the locals to catch onto the heart and soul of The Observatory. By the early to mid 1980s, The Observatory had been rented out for weddings, full moon parties, end-of-ski season celebrations, workshops and retreats.

It was during this time that The Observatory earned its name because being located at 11,300 feet puts you so close to the moon and stars.

Currently owned by Telluride’s Matt Bowling and family, it’s still available as a short-term rental year-round. It’s often used for weddings, parties, work retreats and family gatherings.

“We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to secure the dates that you would like,” said Ana Bowling, who manages The Observatory’s reservations.

“Groups can ski in from the ski area, snowshoe in or rent their own snowmobiles. We do have snowmobiles available for transportation to and from The Observatory.”

Bill Saviage, of Telluride, has long enjoyed visiting The Observatory and its surrounding area.

“My favorite thing about The Observatory is the snowmobiling in the winter and the wood-cutting parties in the fall,” he said.

For more information and pricing, visit http://www.altalakes.com.


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