Summary
Nestled within a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Telluride is an idyllic ski resort town that ranks among the most naturally captivating locations in the USA.
However, Telluride presents visitors with more than just exhilarating runs and breathtaking views; it serves as a year-round hub for outdoor activities, boasting an impressive dining scene and a variety of events throughout the seasons. (Interested in the Mushroom Festival?)
Telluride grants visitors who undertake the journey access to exceptional outdoor experiences paired with Wild West charm and expansive mountain vistas. Below are essential details to consider while organizing your inaugural trip to Telluride.
When should I go to Telluride?
The optimal time to visit depends on your desired experience. If your aim is to enjoy Colorado’s outstanding ski slopes, plan your trip for the winter season, where the terrain rivals that of other well-known resorts. Nevertheless, be advised that winter typically represents the busiest and most costly period in town.
Summer also witnesses an increase in travel to Telluride, as it offers pleasant weather with temperatures averaging around 23°C (75°F). This period provides ideal conditions for activities such as hiking, paddleboarding, fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more.
For first-time visitors, October emerges as the prime month to experience the area. During this time, the aspen leaves transform into vibrant shades of gold, temperatures remain mild, and the high-season crowds (along with the associated prices) diminish. Should you decide to visit from mid-October through mid-November or from April through May, you will discover comparatively favorable rates on accommodations and dining options. However, be mindful that several businesses may close for seasonal breaks during these intervals, and the weather can be unpredictable. In spring particularly, expect to confront cold winds, rain, and muddy conditions.
How much time should I spend in Telluride?
Given the considerable time and effort required to reach Telluride, you should plan to stay at least three or four days once you arrive. This duration permits sufficient opportunity to explore the town, partake in outdoor adventures, and recuperate prior to your return journey.
If fortunate enough to spend a week or more in Telluride, consider organizing your visit around a festival and extending your stay to discover the canyon or embark on scenic drives to neighboring mountain towns such as Ouray and Silverton.
Is it easy to get to and around Telluride?
Reaching Telluride poses some challenges, which may be the only drawback of visiting such a desirable location. The historic mining town is situated in a narrow box canyon, encircled by mountains that rise above 13,000ft (3962m) on three sides, with effectively only one road leading in and out. A small airport located on the outskirts of town offers only a few daily flights, all serviced by small aircraft that endure a bumpy passage over the San Juan mountain range before descending onto a short runway. If turbulence is a concern, this journey may not be advisable.
The nearest major airport can be found in Denver, located at least a six-hour drive away. If time allows, consider renting a car in Denver and making the scenic drive to appreciate the views, with Telluride serving as an excellent stop during a Colorado road trip. Most locals typically opt to fly into the nearby city of Montrose, which is just an hour’s flight from Denver. From Montrose, visitors may rent a vehicle or secure a seat on the Telluride Express shuttle, a journey that takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach town.
Once in Telluride, a car is not necessary for getting around. The town is highly walkable and bike-friendly, featuring a complimentary gondola connecting Telluride with Mountain Village, the ski resort area located just above the town. Furthermore, there exists a free shuttle service known as the Galloping Goose that continuously loops through downtown, supplemented by shuttles between Telluride and Mountain Village that operate more frequently during the off-season when the gondola ceases operations.
Top things to do in Telluride
Soak up the great outdoors
With an abundance of trails, forests, and pristine backcountry accessible directly from the town, Telluride offers outdoor enthusiasts ample terrain to explore regardless of the duration of their stay. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking (the “easiest” hike being Bridal Veil Falls, which remains steep—neighboring Hope Lake is also a favored route), mountain biking, paddleboarding on alpine lakes, and fly fishing for trout on the exceptionally blue San Miguel River.
More accessible options include adaptive skiing and snowboarding: the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program provides various devices enabling individuals with diverse physical abilities to enjoy the slopes along with guided experiences for visually impaired skiers. Visitors may also embark on jeep tours along mountainous roads, and utilize the wheelchair-accessible gondola that connects Telluride and Mountain Village.
Take a scenic drive
While any road within the Telluride area might be regarded as a “scenic route,” several routes warrant exploration during your stay. Although certain roads remain open only during peak summer, others are generally accessible year-round.
Embark on Last Dollar Rd, which traverses between Telluride and Dallas Divide just outside Ridgway; explore the historical silver mining town of Rico on the way to Mesa Verde National Park; or drive the Million Dollar Hwy connecting Ouray and Silverton, which can be accessed directly from Telluride via the treacherous Imogene Pass. (Do not attempt Imogene without a jeep or a similar vehicle—confidence in your driving abilities is essential.)
Play in the snow
The ski season in Telluride spans from November to March, during which the town witnesses approximately 200–300 inches of fresh powder alongside an abundance of bluebird days. Telluride Ski Resort provides over 2000 acres of ski and snowboard terrain, featuring a mix of beginner slopes, intermediate runs, and steep terrain or hike-to spots suitable for advanced or expert skiers. Lift lines tend to be shorter when departing from town compared to those in Mountain Village.
Other winter activities in Telluride include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing along the Valley Floor (the designated open space outside of town spanning three miles), snowmobiling in backcountry areas, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. For a unique experience, visit neighboring Ouray County to observe skijoring, where skiers are pulled through a race course by horses.
Attend a festival
Telluride is home to 20 distinct festivals each year, held across both indoor and outdoor venues in town and Mountain Village. These include musical events such as Blues and Brews and Jazz Festival; the Telluride Film Festival, renowned for celebrity sightings; the vibrant Telluride Gay Ski Week; the Telluride Balloon Festival, where hot-air balloons adorn the sky above the Valley Floor; and even the quirky Mushroom Festival, featuring a parade where attendees dress in mushroom costumes and dance in the streets.
When planning your trip to coincide with festival dates, remember that accommodation prices may rise, and both festival tickets and restaurant reservations will likely sell out quickly.
My favorite thing to do in Telluride
Among my most cherished memories of living in Telluride involve enjoying a picnic at the Last Dollar Road lookout. Just beyond the Telluride Regional Airport lies a location where the dirt road transforms into a 4×4-accessible track that winds through the mountains toward the Dallas Divide pass, shortly before reaching Ridgway.
At the point where these branches of Last Dollar Road intersect, there exists a peaceful parking area that offers some of the finest views in the region—an impressive feat, considering the breathtaking surroundings. I cherished bringing snacks and setting up camping chairs to enjoy the captivating interplay of light and shadows across the mountains. This spot is particularly excellent for observing the fall foliage and admiring Mt. Wilson, the mountain featured on Coors beer cans.
How much money do I need for Telluride?
While Telluride is relatively more affordable than other upscale ski resorts like Vail or Aspen, it remains a costly destination. For budget-conscious travelers, it may be more prudent to consider accommodations outside of town in areas such as Norwood, Dolores, or Cortez, and subsequently travel to Telluride for day trips. Moreover, by planning warm-weather travel well in advance, it is possible to reserve a campsite before they become fully booked, thus conserving accommodation expenses. To avoid elevated prices at Telluride’s limited grocery outlets, shop in Montrose en route to the town.
Price levels in Telluride vary throughout the year, with hotel rates surging during the ski season or during festival periods compared to the off-season.
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Motel room: $120 a night during off-season; $180 a night during high season
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4-star hotel room: $200+ a night during off-season; $250+ a night during high season
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Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $175+ a night for a basic condo during high season; $100+ a night during off-season
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Public transport ticket: Complimentary! Both the Galloping Goose bus and the gondola linking Telluride and Mountain Village are free of charge.
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Coffee: $3.50
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Sandwich: $20
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Dinner for two: $100
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Beer/pint at the bar: $8
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Daily lift ticket: $245 (discounts applicable for longer durations)
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Outdoor gear rental: $65 per day for skis in winter and paddleboards in summer
More tips for enjoying Telluride
Be prepared for the altitude
Situated at 8,750ft (2,667m) and Mountain Village at 9,512ft (2,900m), Telluride’s elevation may come as a surprise to those arriving from sea level. It is crucial to allow a few days for acclimatization, as alcohol consumption may heighten the effects of altitude. Consult your primary care physician for guidance if altitude sickness is a concern, and maintain proper hydration throughout your stay. Oxygen can be obtained in town if necessary.
Understand Telluride vs Mountain Village vs Lawson Hill
Telluride comprises several small towns consolidated into one. The primary town is Telluride itself, nestled within the box canyon, Mountain Village rests adjacent to the ski resort, while Lawson Hill, situated at the onset of the Valley Floor, lies several miles from the main town. Downtown Telluride originated as a mining settlement established in 1878, whereas Mountain Village was founded more recently, in 1983. Both areas feature hotels, restaurants, and shops. Lawson Hill represents a residential community that is also home to the Telluride Brewing Company and taproom.
Understanding the distinctiveness of these areas is important when selecting accommodations or planning your travels, especially if you do not intend to rent a vehicle. Public transportation operates between Telluride, Lawson Hill, and Mountain Village; however, they are not conveniently walkable.
Be a conscious visitor
To aid in preserving Telluride’s natural beauty for future generations, emulate the practices of the locals and respect the environment while exploring. Avoid utilizing geotags when posting images of your outdoor excursions (the town has experienced erosion in natural areas stemming from social media popularity), adhere to regulations such as prohibiting pets on the river trail in the Valley Floor, and observe the principles of “pack it in, pack it out” and “leave no trace.”
