Travis Vaughan helps travelers cut through the noise to find the real Telluride—sunrise hikes into alpine basins, festivals that light up the valley, and the hidden gems locals don’t post about. His writing weaves together culture, community, and the kind of off-the-beaten-path experiences that make a trip unforgettable.
A seasoned travel writer and entrepreneur in the tours and activities industry, Travis has personally tested over 50 Tourbase experiences across the U.S. and Caribbean. Home for Travis is in Montana where you can often find him in the mountain and rivers, playing with his family and friends or guiding others on rivers or in the backcountry. Whether it’s fly fishing at 9,000 feet or uncovering the story behind a century-old mining trail, his mission is simple: connect travelers to locally rooted, meaningful adventures that go beyond the brochure.
Kelli is a longtime Telluride local with a deep passion for the San Juan Mountains and the adventures they inspire. As the founder of Telluride Tourbase, she’s dedicated to helping travelers experience the magic of southwest Colorado through authentic, local insight and firsthand expertise.
A former outdoor industry professional with years of experience guiding people outdoors, managing adventure operations, and exploring every hidden corner of the region, Kelli adds a personal touch to every recommendation. Whether she’s skiing high above the treeline, hiking through wildflower-filled trails, or whitewater rafting on the Southwest rivers, her love for this place shines through. Kelli lives the adventures she helps create—ensuring an authentic and well-crafted experience.
Through her writing and trip planning, Kelli shares insider tips, seasonal highlights, and thoughtfully curated experiences to help travelers make the most of their time in Telluride. Her goal is simple—to help visitors feel like they’re exploring with a trusted local friend by their side.
Kathryn has been living in Telluride and exploring the Western Slope mountains, and the deserts of Southeast Utah since she made a pit stop here 31 years ago, driving from North Carolina to Oregon. Captivated by the lifestyle and beauty of Telluride, she knew she had found her place and her people. Skiing dominates her winters, and hiking her summers, from peaks to passes, loops to lakes, the possibilities are endless for exploring the San Juan Mountains. Spring and fall off-seasons are all about the nearby desert canyons, looking for Anasazi ruins and artifacts, and just soaking up the sun. You can find her writing in local magazines Telluride Style and the Telluride Visitor Guide.