Oprah Visits Telluride Region for Ralph Lauren Interview

Sneffels: The View from Ralph Lauren's Backyard

I’m sure more than half the country—at least half the female population—is excited about Oprah’s interview with Ralph and Ricky Lauren that airs tomorrow. It certainly is a scoop to be visiting with this American icon of fashion and style at his southwestern Colorado ranch, his beloved enclave that’s remained extremely private until now. I wonder what we’ll see of it? I’m sure lots of plaid blankets and other Native American and Western-inspired motifs.

The Dragonfly Room at the Beaumont: Where Oprah Slept!

I doubt, however, that our gorgeous scenery will be showcased much. We’re in the middle of off-season here, also known as mud season, a time when the views rank less spectacular than the rest of the year. Still, though, I can’t wait to see Ralph’s digs, an undoubtedly heartwarming house crafted in wood, tucked into the folds of a sprawling ranch. Situated just over a half-hour drive from Telluride, the Double RL Ranch encompasses majestic scenery the likes of which you see nowhere else in the world. Just think of the landscapes of westerns such as “True Grit” and “How the West Was Won.” (Indeed, John Wayne was a big fan of the area before Ralph ever came along.) An unassuming wooden Double RL sign post serves as the only indicator that Ralph’s place lies within this prime parcel of the West. During fair weather, one can note a grouping of teepees set up in the distance, playful white cones that conjure images of fantastic sleepovers or festive afternoon gatherings.

Oprah is no stranger to the area since she once owned a home in Telluride. It’s been said that she comes back from time to time, but one can’t know for sure since Telluride is extremely discreet and reports about celebs in the region are few. (Sorry if I’m breaking any unwritten rules here!) Oprah was in T-ride about a year and a half ago to conduct her Tom Cruise interview, but even that visit remained hush-hush among the locals.

It came as no surprise to me, however, to learn that during Oprah’s visit for her RL special, she stayed at the lovely Beaumont Hotel & Spa in Ouray, a charming mountain town just over a half hour from the Double RL ranch in the opposite direction of Telluride. I can imagine Oprah ensconced within the elegant confines of this historic hotel. I’d guess that she and her staff debated between a stay at the Beaumont or at our stunning New Sheridan Hotel here in Telluride. Both of these destination hotels exude the grandeur and refinement of the Victorian Era, the boom time for Colorado mining supply towns such as Ouray and Telluride. (Thankfully both of these historic treasures have being lovingly restored—to the tune of millions of dollars—within recent years. Today, they’re worth the trip to southwestern Colorado just to nestle into their sumptuous interiors.)

“Guests were nicely surprised to find Oprah having her make up done in the atrium,” Jennifer Wyrick, the new owner of the Beaumont, informed me regarding the Queen of Talk’s descent on this sleepy mountain town. Apparently Oprah remained pretty low-key during her stay at this boutique hotel; although she did take a hike down the main street, one of the few paved roads in this town, often referred to as The Little Switzerland of America. Boy, would I have loved to run into Oprah there.

There was little chance to broadcast her arrival though since the Beaumont was only contacted on that Monday for a reservation the weekend of May 6th. The hotel didn’t even find out until that Thursday that the rooms were reserved for Oprah and her staff. She checked in under a pseudonym, precautions that seem almost unwarranted this time of year when there are likely more critters ambling about in Ouray than people.

Oprah conducted the interview with Ralph Lauren and his family on that Saturday. Apparently only her staff stayed at the Beaumont Saturday night, so perhaps she enjoyed a rockin’ good time at the ranch. Or, maybe she just headed home.

She is after all wrapping up twenty-five years of informing, entertaining and enlightening America. She’s got to be in need of a good rest. I hope she’ll come back to the area to get it once the wildflowers are in bloom.

For more of my impressions of the Beaumont Hotel & Spa and Ouray, check out Our Ouray. To find out more about the New Sheridan Hotel & Chophouse and to listen to a podcast, go to New Sheridan Hotel:  Telluride’s Historic Gem. There you can also learn about some of the reasons that make Telluride so unique.

Thank you to Merrrick Chase, Neil Hastings and the Beaumont Hotel for the images featured in this post.

Last Saturday's View of the Double RL Ranch