Telluride, Colorado: A Detailed Travel Guide
Why It’s a Gem
Nestled in a box canyon surrounded by the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride, Colorado, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and culture seekers alike. Known for its world-class skiing, vibrant arts scene, and summer festivals, Telluride is a year-round playground offering breathtaking scenery, adventure, and relaxation. With its rich mining history and authentic Wild West charm, Telluride seamlessly blends rugged natural beauty with luxury and culture.
Things to Do in Telluride
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Overview: Telluride Ski Resort is one of the most renowned ski destinations in North America, offering over 2,000 acres of terrain suitable for all levels. From wide beginner runs to steep, advanced trails, Telluride’s varied terrain and lack of crowds make it a favorite among skiers and snowboarders.
- Tip: For experienced skiers, the Palmyra Peak and Revelation Bowl offer challenging runs with stunning views.
- Telluride Gondola
- Overview: The Telluride Gondola is the first and only free public transportation of its kind in the U.S., connecting Telluride with nearby Mountain Village. The 13-minute ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a great way to travel between the two areas without a car.
- Tip: Ride the gondola at sunset for incredible panoramic views of the valley.
- Hiking and Mountain Biking
- Overview: During the summer months, Telluride’s ski slopes transform into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers. Trails like the Bear Creek Trail, Bridal Veil Falls, and Jud Wiebe Trail offer incredible views of waterfalls, forests, and alpine meadows.
- Tip: Hike to Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, for a rewarding view after a steep ascent.
- Historic Walking Tour
- Overview: Telluride’s rich history as a mining town in the late 1800s can be explored through a self-guided walking tour of the historic district. Many of the original Victorian buildings have been preserved, and you’ll learn about Telluride’s colorful past, including its connection to Butch Cassidy, who famously robbed his first bank here in 1889.
- Tip: Stop by the Telluride Historical Museum to learn more about the town’s mining and Wild West history.
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Overview: Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, cascades over 365 feet at the end of the box canyon. It’s a popular destination for hikers in the summer and ice climbers in the winter.
- Tip: The hike to the base of the falls is moderately difficult but worth the effort for the spectacular views.
- Summer Festivals
- Overview: Telluride is famous for its summer festivals, particularly the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June, which draws bluegrass and folk music fans from all over the world. Other notable festivals include the Telluride Film Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, and the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival.
Telluride’s Music Scene
Telluride has earned a reputation as a music mecca, hosting legendary festivals and live performances year-round. The town is particularly known for its Telluride Bluegrass Festival, one of the biggest and most prestigious bluegrass festivals in the world. Every June, musicians and fans gather for four days of live music in the stunning mountain setting of Telluride Town Park.
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival: A world-renowned event that attracts both big-name musicians and emerging artists, set against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.
- Telluride Jazz Festival: Held in August, this festival celebrates jazz, funk, soul, and world music, combining great tunes with mountain views.
- Live Music Venues: Beyond the festivals, Telluride offers several intimate venues like Sheridan Opera House and Club Red, which host live performances year-round.
Where to Eat: Local Favorites
- Brown Dog Pizza
- Why It’s Great: Known for its award-winning Detroit-style pizza, Brown Dog Pizza is a casual favorite in town. Their thick, square pizzas are a must-try, and they also offer a wide selection of beers and comfort food.
- What to Try: The “Brooklyn Bridge” pizza, topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and fresh basil.
- 221 South Oak
- Why It’s Great: A fine-dining restaurant located in a charming Victorian house, 221 South Oak offers innovative American cuisine with local ingredients. The restaurant is known for its creative menu, which includes vegan and vegetarian options.
- What to Try: The elk tenderloin and their extensive selection of wines.
- The Butcher & The Baker
- Why It’s Great: This cozy café and bakery is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, offering organic, farm-to-table dishes. From fresh pastries to hearty sandwiches, it’s a great place to grab a quick bite before heading out on an adventure.
- What to Try: Their breakfast burrito and fresh-baked croissants.
- Allred’s
- Why It’s Great: Perched at the top of the Telluride Gondola, Allred’s offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains alongside its upscale menu. It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner with sweeping views.
- What to Try: The Colorado rack of lamb and signature cocktails.
- Tomboy Tavern
- Why It’s Great: Located in Mountain Village, Tomboy Tavern offers a relaxed atmosphere and hearty pub fare, perfect after a day on the slopes or trails.
- What to Try: The bison burger and local craft beers.
Where to Stay: Accommodations in Telluride
- The Hotel Telluride
- Why Stay Here: This boutique hotel combines rustic elegance with modern comforts. It’s centrally located in town, offering easy access to restaurants, shops, and the gondola.
- Highlights: Cozy rooms with mountain views, outdoor hot tubs, and pet-friendly accommodations.
- Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Why Stay Here: For a luxury stay, the Madeline Hotel in Mountain Village offers upscale rooms and suites, along with a full-service spa and outdoor pool. It’s perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
- Highlights: Ski-in/ski-out access, heated pool, and excellent dining options on-site.
- Dunton Town House
- Why Stay Here: This charming European-style guesthouse offers a cozy, intimate experience in the heart of Telluride. Each room is uniquely designed with an alpine feel, making it perfect for a romantic getaway.
- Highlights: Cozy, alpine décor and personalized service.
- Mountain Lodge Telluride
- Why Stay Here: Located in Mountain Village, this luxurious ski-in/ski-out lodge offers private cabins, suites, and condo-style accommodations, making it ideal for families and groups.
- Highlights: Outdoor pool, hot tub, and mountain views.
- The New Sheridan Hotel
- Why Stay Here: A historic hotel located in the heart of Telluride, the New Sheridan Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1891. The hotel offers a blend of vintage charm and modern amenities, and it’s within walking distance of the gondola.
- Highlights: Rooftop bar, historic charm, and excellent dining at the New Sheridan Chop House.
Historical Facts and Fun Facts about Telluride
- Mining Town Origins: Telluride was founded in 1878 as a silver mining camp. Originally called Columbia, the name was changed to Telluride in 1887 to avoid confusion with another town in California. The town quickly became a booming mining center, and many of the original Victorian buildings from that era remain today.
- Butch Cassidy’s First Bank Robbery: Telluride has a Wild West history, including the fact that the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank here in 1889. He and his gang made off with $24,000 from the San Miguel Valley Bank.
- First Ski Resort to Ban Snowboarding: Interestingly, Telluride was one of the first ski resorts to ban snowboarding in the early 1980s, although the ban was later lifted. Today, Telluride is known for welcoming skiers and snowboarders alike.
- Telluride’s Gondola: The free gondola connecting Telluride and Mountain Village is unique in the U.S., offering not only transportation but also breathtaking views. It operates year-round and is considered one of the most scenic commutes in the country.
- Film Festival Fame: Telluride’s Film Festival, held every Labor Day weekend, is one of the most prestigious in the world. Unlike other film festivals, Telluride keeps its lineup of films secret until the day of the event, which adds
to its mystique and allure.
Final Tips
- Altitude Consideration: Telluride sits at 8,750 feet above sea level, so be sure to take it easy when you first arrive to acclimate to the altitude.
- Car-Free: Telluride is very walkable, and the free gondola makes getting around easy, so you don’t need a car if you’re staying in town or Mountain Village.
- Packing: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so pack layers—even in the summer.
Telluride is a magical destination that combines outdoor adventure, rich history, and a lively arts and music scene. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, hiking to a waterfall, or enjoying a world-class music festival, Telluride offers an unforgettable experience in one of Colorado’s most beautiful settings.
