This massive complex boasts more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain in the San Juan Mountains. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Each of which are located about 30 minutes from town. I don't know how my grandparents first stumbled upon the small and relatively remote town of Telluride, but I know that for more than a half-century, our family has been drawn to this Southwest Colorado destination that is 45-minutes from the nearest town with a stoplight. Bridal Veil Falls is synonymous with Telluride, and is a can't miss natural wonder located toward the east end of the box canyon. 2.2 Sequoia National Park, California. Cast your line into some of the best trout streams in Colorado, Google Maps | Phone: (800) 831-6230 | Website | Hours: 7 am 7 pm daily | Entrance: $360+ (varies by tour and guest count). Funny. Also, consult Visit Telluride's Trails page for trail maps. They offer private and group lessons for all ages, helping you feel safe and confident before hitting the slopes. Telluride Outside and BootDoctors run outings to the still waters of Trout Lake that cover paddling basics; or rent a board and venture on your own to spots including Elk Pond in Mountain. 2.1 Yosemite National Park, California. Nestled within a box canyon in Southwest Colorado, Telluride offers visitors some of the best adventures, both on and off the mountain. More like, what is there not to do! Dont miss my guide to the best breweries in Denver! By signing up, . Any day of the year, locals and visitors alike can use Telluride's Free Gondola to make their way between the town at the bottom of the valley and the Mountain Village up top. Cool. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. There is both a meat-lovers and vegetarian menu with a healthy selection of vegan options and a willingness to meet a variety of dietary needs and restrictions. Wed love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Autumn is the ideal time to get out and explore Telluride's alpine beauty. What are the best small towns to visit in Colorado? Would love to come back but to be honest there are more reasonably priced places in Telluride. If riding through the hills and fields of Colorados southwest sounds good to you, then you should definetly check out Telluride Wranglers. Though open year-round, the warm, welcoming setting is especially ideal for winter entertainment. The week features a Telluride Baseball Camp, a Girls Softball Camp and a Mountain Classic Tournament. A better idea is to use your airline miles to fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about a 90-minute drive from Telluride. Four of Tellurides most popular festivals occur during these seasons. Plus, riders say that the gondola . General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com. Pretty much the word that sums up downtown Telluride. Telluride Morning Half-Day Rafting Tour on the San Miguel River 29 Water Tours from $156.87 per adult Half Day Ice Climbing in Telluride 7 from $213.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Colorado Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals Rentals from $35.00 per adult SPECIAL OFFER Telluride Tirade Scavenger Hunt Self-guided Tours from $27.00 $16.20 Stretching along the San Miguel River, this is a beautiful trail that connects the East and West ends of town. 2 elderly, 2 adults, 2 kids (ages 3. If you have the monetary means, Telluride has a Regional Airport (airport code: TEX)that is open to charters, private planes and jets. Explore an easily accessible, family-friendly trail. Last Dollar Saloon. Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business. If youre staying in Ouray, consider extending your stay by a few days (1-2 days) so you can enjoy both Ouray and Telluride. perfect ski day at Telluride, including where to eat lunch. While this hike was not easy for us, we were very entertained by a mom with a toddler strapped to her back who was literally running up and down the trail. If youre visiting during June October, youll get to experience the farmers market. From locally grown produce, to cheeses, jams and honey (just to name a few) to handmade crafts, its easy to spend an hour or two of your day enjoying the Farmers Market. Given its 8,750-foot elevation, snow in Telluride may last even into the early summer. There was indeed "gold in them hills," though interestingly enough, never actually the mineral for which the town was named. Home to 2000+ skiable acres, Telluride Ski Resort is largely dominated by intermediate and advanced runs. During your winter getaway, discover several of the best Colorado hot springs near Telluride, CO. Take a day trip to enjoy Ouray Hot Springs or Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Much like tequila, mezcal is an agave-based liquor primarily made in Oaxaca, Mexico. Ah Haa School 155 W. Pacific Ave. Telluride, CO 81435 Organized by Ah Haa School for the Arts Save up to $10 on this event with ACTIVE Advantage! The San Juan Skyway is one of the most incredible road trips in Colorado, connecting several of the states best mountain towns. From there you have about 3 miles to go along a very narrow and winding mountain road (so be careful). If you flew into Denver to visit Telluride, you are looking at a 13-hour round-trip drive from Denver to Telluride. Alta Ghost Town and Alta Lakes make for a great day trip or afternoon excursion from Telluride, CO. From town, youll head south on Highway 145, then begin the bumpy ride down Alta Lakes Road. Vehicles that are traveling up the pass have the right of way. Located just over the hill from Telluride, youll find the town of Mountain Village. Marvel at the tallest waterfall in Colorado, Google Maps | Browse Telluride Tours on Viator. If you flew into Denver to visit Telluride, you are looking at a 13-hour round-trip drive from Denver to Telluride. Located at the Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride Bike Park is one of the towns best destinations. Their office is located right in the town, so swing on by and book a day on the river. Try one of these popular Telluride hiking trails when you visit in the summer season. Telluride is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. Adventure amongst the towering, surrounding 14,000-foot mountains, discover your inner outlaw as you cruise the streets and have a blast as you take in all the fun-filled activities that are offered in town. Assuming you have a car, plan to make the 20-minute drive up to Alta Lakes at some point during your time in Telluride. Bear Creek Trail near Telluride, Colorado is a 5.10-mile moderately challenging loop trail that will generally take you about 3 hours to complete. 9. Im a Colorado local and in this guide, I break down the best things to do in Telluride, regardless of the season. Looking for outdoor apparel? I recommend making advance reservations for 221 South Oak and going ready to eat your way around the menu. An organic, local outdoor market located right in the heart of downtown can be none other than the Telluride Farmers Market. Siam serves traditional and contemporary Thai food, along with Asian-fusion menu selections. But also discover a few hidden gems, like off-the-beaten-path hot springs and one of my favorite breweries. Aspen forest and box canyon views add to the scenery. If youre a water person, Telluride has two excellent ways to enjoy its streams and rivers. Connecting Telluride to Mountain Village, this free gondola ride is one of the best things to do in Telluride year-round. However, if youre visiting for winter sports, March is the best month to visit Telluride. Telluride is a former mining town turned ski village isolated deep in the San Juan Mountains. We . Drive through one of the most beautiful parts of the Rocky Mountains, Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour. If youre seeking a more challenging experience, consider the Dunton Hot Springs or Full Day Backcountry packages. Two more extreme things to do: 1) Rent a big squishy mountain bike and ride down the ski hill a few times. While the San Miguel Valley Bank no longer stands, it burned down shortly after the robbery, it was rebuilt to look identical to its former self. Telluride, Colorado just may be the most unique town in the world. While you may be in the area specifically to visit Ouray, it is absolutely worth the hour-long drive to Telluride to do some sightseeing and see what the fuss is all about. Fun Things to Do in Telluride with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Telluride, Colorado is known for its outdoor recreation. 100 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435, USA. Tickets sell out fast, and lodging is limited. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. If you aren't sure where to start, you could drop in Telluride's Historical Museum, located on West Gregory Avenue. Best Area to Stay for Affordability & Entertainment. Mild to Wild, a reputable guide company based in nearby Durango, hosts half-day rafting tours on the waterway. So, if youre wanting to explore downtown Telluride, driving into town from your RV park or campsite is a must. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Located about an hour away (50m/80kms) from Telluride, Ouray is a great town to split your time between. The route is designated as an "All-American Road," what the U.S. Secretary of Transportation deems notable based on its "archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities," and meets Telluride on Highway 145, less than 4 miles outside of town. Passengers reach Mountain Village in just 12 minutes. However, Bridal Veil Falls and Jud Wiebe Trail require some experience to traverse (visitors say that both are steep), so novice hikers may want to stick to Bear Creek Trail or other easy paths like Keystone Gorge and the Telluride Trail. Town Park also offers wintertime activities like sledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing. Google Maps | Phone: (970) 759-3183 | Website | Hours: 8 am 6 pm Monday Saturday, Closed Sunday | Entrance: $110+ (varies by tour) | Browse Telluride Tours on Viator. By MALLINPJ. Address: 201 W. Gregory Ave., Telluride, CO 81435, USA 5. If youre looking for some late night fun, you wont find too many places to choose from. Winding along switchbacks in the San Juan Mountains, youll enjoy spectacular views. Another favorite among locals and visitors is Taco del Gnar. Recent visitors said that this is one of the best skiing areas in the country, citing its ample powder (more than 300 inches accummulate here annually) and less crowded atmopshere (in spring) as highlights. Uniquely, the festival keeps the specific films a secret until opening day. Sip a cold one and chill after a day of exploring, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 728-5094 | Website | Hours: 11 am 8 pm daily. Want more information about Tellurides Free Gondola? Looking for something a little more laid back? Meander Through The Shops on Historic Main Street 3. You can seek out the more adventurous things to do in Telluride in winter, such as ice climbing! If you have a young family, know that Telluride is unique in that 2.5-year-olds can go to ski school. Lot of memories with this place. Between the mining boom and the ski-town transformation, Telluride was a hippie-enclave. Bridal Veil Falls. More awesome things to do and see in Telluride's Downtown Take in the view from the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail Have a few drinks at the Stronghouse Brew Pub or the Poachers Pub Check out the artwork at the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art or the Rinkevich Gallery Learn more about the history of the area at the Telluride Historical Museum Were happy to answer. EXPLORE. For a slower pace, take a picnic at Bridal Veil Falls, chat with mushroom enthusiasts at the Telluride . Taco del Gnar isn't unique to Telluride as you can also find these "Gnarly Tacos" in Ridgeway and Salida, but that doesn't diminish the casual yet cool way to fill your stomach in Telluride. If you're planning a trip to the Centennial State and wondering what kind of activities and adventures you can enjoy for little to no cost, you're in luck! Experience fine dining with an unbeatable view, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 728-7474 | Website | Hours: 5 pm 9 pm daily. If you are visiting during the winter months, skiing and snowboarding should definitely be on your list! Seriously FUN Things to do in Telluride in Summer. That, by the way, is the power plant. Google Maps | Phone: (970) 728-7517 | Website | Shop Snowshoeing Gear on REI. 201 W. Gregory Ave., Telluride, CO 81435, Phone: 970-728-3344 What are some fun must-see places: NC beaches, Ft Lauderdale, Day trips from NYC, From Chicago, PA, CT, CA, Hilton Head, Castles in Texas, GA beaches 5. Charming. Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit). . If you like your art to move and talk, then you've undoubtedly heard of the Telluride Film Festival. Thank you! Take a fun tour through the snowy San Juans, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 728-4475 | Website | Hours: 9 am 5 pm daily | Entrance: $235+ (varies by tour). We took a United Airlines nonstop flight from Houston (IAH), but MTJ is also served by American, Delta and Allegiant. Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! Telluride is a year-round destination! We were totally exhausted by the time we reached the top, but it was 100 percent worth the effort. Mountain Village is a modern-day ski mountain base with hotels, shops, restaurants and places to let the kids run and play. $25 instant refund on this event with gift card. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy endless opportunities to explore. This means there is a local art scene in the middle of the mountains. River Trail - Located in the town of Telluride, the River Trail is a popular path for both locals and tourists trying to take the scenic route. When she isnt exploring the outdoors with her husband and two dogs, Abigail manages her freelance marketing business, Campsite Creative. Bring your skates or take advantage of on-site rental services. Be it your room nightly rate or food tab, youll pay a little more when staying in and exploring Telluride. Consider gear rentals and guided tours from Telluride Outfitters or Telluride Outside. An avid hiker, skier, and canyoneer, she shares a unique perspective of the American West, highlighting destinations less traveled. She now heads up a variety of special projects at TPG when she isn't exploring the world with her own two girls. However, there are definetly a few great bars you can call your watering hole for the night. However, that mineral was never ever mined in the area now known as Telluride. While we didn't find Little Hawaii (a well-hidden trail off Bear Creek Falls), we did enjoy the balanced rocks of those who came before us. 1 Southern California. If you're looking to get off the slopes and out of the town for a day, hit the road on the San Juan Skyway. Pro Tip: In Telluride, its very common to see pups off-leash, especially on this trail. Telluride Gondola Station Vacations. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of trails you can enjoy free of charge. Dozens of paths are available in the immediate area, including ones that overlook natural wonders like Bear Creek, the Alta Lakes and Bridal Veil Falls. Warm up with fresh coffee and creamy cocoa, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 729-8912 | Website | Hours: 7 am 5 pm daily. Optional Stop (s): Tiny Town and Kenosha Pass One of the best reasons to take the US Hwy 285 South route to Telluride is the multitude of fun, quirky stops along the wayand one such stop is Tiny Town, undoubtedly one of Colorado's most must-see, off-the-beaten-track attractions. This is a very popular area among campers and hikers who like to get outside and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and those who enjoy getting out there on horses. This town is dominated byTelluride Ski Resort, which encompasses more than 2,000 skiable acres and sees an unusual pairing of 309 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine. Get your adrenaline flowing going 44 driving up mountain passes, or get a hands on experience climbing the box canyon walls at Via Ferrata. Eat and Buy Local at The Telluride Farmer's Market 4. Nearby, Alta Lakes provides plenty of outdoor recreation. If youre on a budget, we suggest checking out nearby campsites (check out the next section) and Ouray or Ridgway for cheaper accommodations. Trail Traffic: Heavy Use. For leather goods, check out Crossbow Leather or Overland Sheepskin Co. Mountain biking is a popular activity in Telluride. Wondering where to camp in Telluride? Telluride Hikes Near Town. There are port-a-potties available at Alta Lakes near where folks camp, but there are no stores, so be sure and pack a lunch to picnic in one of our most favorite spots on earth. Telluride also has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants, accommodations and relaxing options so everyone can enjoy their vacation. Telluride in April: Highs around 51F, lows around 22F Best Things to Do in Telluride in Winter Ice Climbing in Telluride Tired of a traditional ski vacation? Splash through thrilling Class II-III rapids while admiring the surrounding mountain peaks. Exploring the Telluride Historical Museum is one of the best things to do in Telluride, Colorado. Becoming a town in 1878, Telluride started off as classic Americana mining town and eventually becoming one of the top destinations in the U.S. Old western-style and charming store fronts line the streets where youll easily find great shopping and amazing eateries. Here are twelve Thanksgiving getaways for families to consider for the holiday season. Starting from the highway, its 10 miles out and back. Plus, youll learn what a Krogerata is and why the locals love it. Coonskin Ski Lift Vacations. If you're planning a trip during the fall and spring, rest assured that you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery as the seasons begin to transition. Chris F. Box Elder, SD. It is a postcard-worthy town with quaint vintage shops, narrow lanes, jaw-dropping views of the San Juan Mountains, and pristine Victorian homes. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. 100. By jmpncsu. Mountain biking is highly popular in Telluride, CO, especially in the summertime. San Sofia Gondola Station Vacations. Of all the hiking trails in the San Juan Mountains, few rival the popularity of Bridal Veil Falls. Probably a good idea to get a guide or driver on this one unless you are expierenced. Really and truly, no matter what season you visit, youll find endless fun and things to do. Mountain Village is great to explore and prep to ski the mountain, but Telluride's historic district is where it's at. Telluride Outside- Kid Activities (970) 728-3895 Telluride, CO Telluride Outside offers Camp Caddis for kids! Fun Things to Do in Telluride with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. 4.5. Nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by majestic 14,000-foot peaks, Telluride offers breathtaking views at all turns. To get there, head 5 miles south on Highway 145 and then turn east on Alta Lakes Road. If you're wondering which small towns are the best to visit, the following will give you a great start: Breckenridge, Leadville, Crested Butte, Lyons, Snowmass Village, Fruita, Rifle, Nederland, Salida, Ridgway, Crestone, Pagosa Springs, and Creede. Downtown Telluride is full of quaint shops from southwestern apparel, custom leather pieces, and unique artwork. Easily accessed from downtowns North Aspen Street, Jud Wiebe Trail is a popular 3.1-mile loop. Dive the Million Dollar Highway to Durango, Colorado or head further south to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Priest Lake, Trout Lake, and Mountain Village also offer groomed terrain with spectacular views. Walking is the best form of transportation in this town. Many ski resorts convert their slopes to mountain bike trails in the summer, so there are tons of great trails to try - whether you're an expert, an intermediate rider, or have . Telluride is one of Colorado's picture-perfect snow towns. Telluride lets anyone (human or canine) ride up and down to their heart's content. Both are full of wonderful shops, delicious restaurants, and affordable lodging. What stands in its place today is now referred to at the Mahr Building (129 W Colorado Ave). Bear Creek Trail is another famed hike in Telluride, Colorado. Before you go, be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Colorado Travel Guide to discover more must-see destinations. If youd prefer a guided experience, contact TopATen in Mountain Village. From its legendary ski runs and numerous hiking trails to its epic fall colors and historic downtown, Telluride is the perfect mountain town for year-round fun. From Denver, youll need to rent a car and head southwest until you the picturesque mountain town youll soon know and love. Regardless what activities or festivals drew you to Telluride, our recommendation is to spend at least 3 full days enjoying this Colorado mountain town. To get back to Ophir after reaching the summit, you can travel back the way you came or continue on down Red Mountain Pass. Explore Ouray. A few reviewers also noted that this two-way thoroughfare is quite narrow, so keep your eyes on the road at all times. Telluride Ski and Golf Club Vacations. Of course, if you want to spend more time here, we certainly wont stop you . Telluride has a culture rich in the arts, entertainment, and athletics-every block in this little destination town is lined with boutiques, restaurants, galleries, museums, and historic landmarks that offer endless fun and interesting pursuits to fill your time there. Telluride is the place to be in the spring and summer, thanks to its plentiful outdoor activitiesmountain biking, rock climbing, golfing, road cycling, kayaking, 4X4 off-roading and . As you approach Bear Creek Falls, multiple trails lead to incredible viewpoints. The backcountry route is closed during winter and is only accessible to high clearance, 44 vehicles. Calaverite, or Gold Telluride). The 365-foot waterfall is the tallest in the Centennial State and commands nothing short of awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping amazement to all who see her. No experience is required, and children 10+ are sure to love the experience. Hikers pass through the historic town, taking in the charming residences and venturing out to the Pandora Mill, a retired mining site. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Required fields are marked *. Hiking Trails Waterfalls. If youre visiting during the Summer and Fall months, you are potentially in for a treat! Even if youre not one to frequent coffee shops, who can turn down a creamy hot chocolate on a chilly day? The first Madame Tussaud's opened in London in 1835 and the wax museum chain has become a successful entity, boasting twenty-six locations spanning four continents. Fun things to do in Telluride include some great hiking in the su Touropia Travel Experts Tours & Top Tens How to Get There: From downtown Telluride, take the E. Highway 145 Spur to the Black Bear Pass Switchbacks. Plus, the park offers a campground and hosts many of Telluride's festivals and events, including the. Take a look at some of the things to do in Telluride, Colorado you can look forward to experiencing. Visit Site Action Adventures Trail Rides Montrose, CO Claim Your Business The full Epic Pass now gives you seven included days of skiing at Telluride and 50 percent off days beyond your included seven. Whether youre looking for a strenuous hike to reach the top of a summit or something a little casual to walk with friends or the family, there is a hike for everyone. Explore the awe of Telluride through your child's eyes. I've mentioned that Telluride is remote, but allow me to emphasize just how remote it can be. adventure. After you leas Telluride, there are loads of amazing nearby places for you to explore. Originally founded as a mining town in the 1870s, it is now widely recognized as a year-round resort. Known for its smokiness, mezcal can be very nuanced, producing a variety of notes - floral, fruit, grass, tobacco Mixologist Bianca Darby-Matteoda . This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). You could spend a week or more in Telluride, but even if you only have a weekend, you can experience a great deal since so many things are within a short walking, hiking or driving distance.