The Water Hole

The Water Hole

One of my favorite places in Telluride is located just behind my house, a beautiful section of the San Miguel River. This particular spot has been a favorite among people of all ages for many years, and it's not hard to see why. During the warm and sunny months of summer, my family and I would often spend time by the river, enjoying lunch, going for a swim, and simply basking in the natural beauty of the area. These moments were always filled with laughter and joy, and I will cherish them forever.

However one of my fondest memories of this spot was from over the summer. My siblings, cousins, and I had a lot of fun multiple times over the summer. We cold plunged and talked, then got in the hot tub. One time my cousin got so cold he got hypothermia, other than that it was very enjoyable.

What I love about this part of the San Miguel River is that it can be both calm and chaotic, but never both at the same time. It is a place of contrasts, where the moving water meets the rocky banks. Overall, I am filled with gratitude that this special place exists and that I get to have it so close to my home.

Interestingly enough, this section of the river has been appreciated by locals and visitors alike for many years, dating back to the 1870s. In those days, people would come to sit by the river, eat their meals, and wash their clothes. The river was not only a source of leisure and relaxation but also a crucial part of the local economy. It was used to wash away mining debris and to pan for gold and silver.

 Even today, evidence of their lives can still be found at the riverbank, including a few wooden planks and metal scraps that look like they've been there for generations.