Calaverite, or Gold Telluride). It offers a unique experience when it comes to traversing high mountains on a jeep. Perhaps even some solace on the river? Even in winter, the hiking trails in Telluride stay populated but dont go post-holing waist-deep into the snow. 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. First, understand that while Telluride has amazing campgrounds, none of them are located within walking distance of downtown. More than 2,500 feet of elevation is gained across 8.7-miles. While we only had a weekend to work with, we made the absolute most of every single minute we had at our disposal in the San Juan Mountains. Now take into account that we are from sea-level and Telluride is at 8,700 feet before you start climbing the 1,000+ feet on that hike, but I would not call this 2.5-miles easy. Of all the hiking trails in the San Juan Mountains, few rival the popularity of Bridal Veil Falls. Quaint little homes and store fronts line the paved streets. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Explore stellar downtown hotels, restaurants and bars, boutiques, galleries, and more. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. In many ways, it still sort of is. Many mountains have gondolas, but most of them charge you to ride up and down, even if you aren't skiing or biking. Dive the Million Dollar Highway to Durango, Colorado or head further south to Great Sand Dunes National Park. While you may rent a car to get here, no car is needed once you arrive. FREE public transportation. What did you like about this post? Telluride is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. The San Miguel and Gunnison Rivers, plus waterways in the Uncompahgre National Forest, boast large trophy trout. Adult: $119 Youth: $109 Reseve Standard Raft Even those looking for a relaxing getaway will appreciate Telluride for its nearby hot springs and charming downtown. Plenty of vino and views for all! Though just 2 miles in length, this challenging hike gains more than 800 feet in elevation. Offering a little something for everyone, this beautiful mountain town is perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts and offers a romantic setting for couples. Hit The Telluride Biking & Hiking Trails, 6. However, if youre new to the sport, you may find possession limits, bait restrictions, and other rules a bit overwhelming. Well, fly fishing may just be for you. 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. Every Friday from March 3 to April 7, the burger joint is offering customers a free fish sandwich with the purchase of one at the regular price. My family may be from East Texas, but we somehow have Colorado in our DNA. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. TripAdvisor/CrankingChick Meander Through The Shops on Historic Main Street 3. Stretching along the San Miguel River, this is a beautiful trail that connects the East and West ends of town. According to Wikipedia, the name Telluride was derived from the mineral Telluride (a.k.a. Marvel at the tallest waterfall in Colorado, Google Maps | Browse Telluride Tours on Viator. Each of which are located about 30 minutes from town. Short and sweet, your visit will be a memorable one to say the least. 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. For those brave and experienced, the summit of Mt. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Many were especially impressed with the path's breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, although some cautioned that parts of the pass are difficult to drive. 100. But also discover a few hidden gems, like off-the-beaten-path hot springs and one of my favorite breweries. Autumn is an especially ideal time to visit, as the aspen forests turn vibrant shades of gold. Mountain Village is situated at the base of the mountains and has everything from hotels, restaurants, shopping outlets and to top it off, offers easy access to the slopes and trails in and around Telluride. Passengers reach Mountain Village in just 12 minutes. She now heads up a variety of special projects at TPG when she isn't exploring the world with her own two girls. They offer private and group lessons for all ages, helping you feel safe and confident before hitting the slopes. Telluride Historic District Vacations. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Plan for the challenge and pack plenty of water! 9. With its breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and its small-town feel, it's no wonder visitors from all over the world flock to this hidden gem. Explore Ouray. Telluride, Colorado is known for its outdoor recreation. Vehicles that are traveling up the pass have the right of way. However, that mineral was never ever mined in the area now known as Telluride. Montrose is the closet airport to Telluride (airport code: MTJ). 100 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435, USA. Love Craft Beer? However, I was very sad to see that the construction site is still just dirt. Thank you! But this world-class resort town attracts visitors all year round. Telluride's fresh air opportunities aren't limited to Telluride Ski Resort's slopes. Previous visitors said the Telluride Historical Museum is a must-see for history buffs thanks to its informative displays and easy-to-understand layout. Be it your room nightly rate or food tab, youll pay a little more when staying in and exploring Telluride. Chris F. Box Elder, SD. What are the best small towns to visit in Colorado? Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Im a Colorado local and in this guide, I break down the best things to do in Telluride, regardless of the season. Wed love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Eat At Some Of The Best Telluride Restaurants, half-day chasing class II and class III rapids, Million Dollar Highway to Durango, Colorado, 9 Cant Miss Day Trips From San Juan, Puerto Rico, Marrakech to Fez by Train: Your Morocco Travel Guide, How Many Days in Cartagena? The Telluride Mountain Village Gondola is first on our list of fun things to do on a rainy day, offering a totally different experience when the clouds release their watery burdens. Nestled within a box canyon in Southwest Colorado, Telluride offers visitors some of the best adventures, both on and off the mountain. Stop by Telluride Telluride, CO. You can also an Epic four- or seven-day pass to ski at Telluride. Head to Bootdoctors, For CBD and Marijuana, the Green Dragon or the Bud Company is your place, For fine art visit Telluride Art Gallery or Daniel Kanow Fine Art, Looking for home good? While the prix fixe menu and rustic ambiance are spectacular, the establishments location may be its greatest quality. When most people talk about Telluride, they're typically referring to this ski resort rather than the town. Located at the Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride Bike Park is one of the towns best destinations. Last Dollar Saloon. And here's the best part: It's completely free. Experience fine dining with an unbeatable view, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 728-7474 | Website | Hours: 5 pm 9 pm daily. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. And if you want to get to know Telluride a bit better, spend an afternoon in Town Parkorat the Telluride Historical Museum. What is there to do in Telluride, you ask? The Telluride Film Festival has taken place since the 1970s and it now happens each Labor Day weekend. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. As you ascend to the second and third lakes, panoramic views amaze. Here are some the must-do hikes in Telluride: Bridal Veil Falls - Taking the trail to the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state is one of the best hikes in Colorado. Catch a live performance in a cozy local venue, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 369-5669 | Website. If youre looking for some late night fun, you wont find too many places to choose from. Find out now, and get our top recommendations for fun things to do in Telluride in the summer. If you flew into Denver to visit Telluride, you are looking at a 13-hour round-trip drive from Denver to Telluride. The lush summer blooms fade as the season transitions with ravaging shades of yellow, orange, and deep red. Three days will give you plenty of time for outdoor fun, taking it easy and enjoying the town. This free historic byway, which is affectionately called the "road to the sky," loops through 11 towns and two national forests in southwestern Colorado. 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. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of trails you can enjoy free of charge. Whatever they want to call their cuisine, most importantly, know that Siam is absolutely out-of-this-world good. After you leas Telluride, there are loads of amazing nearby places for you to explore. 1.1 Los Angeles. That sounds strange too. 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. The towns of Telluride and Mountain Village Advanced skiers can enjoy lift-served backcountry terrain You may come to Telluride for the skiing, but you'll stay for the summers Downtown Telluride is a National Historic Landmark District Ride the free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village Telluride has some amazing restaurants. Check here before booking an award fare. That, by the way, is the power plant. This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.There are so many amazing places to go skiing in Colorado and Telluride is one of them. Google Maps | Phone: (970) 728-7517 | Website | Shop Snowshoeing Gear on REI. 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. If youre a beginner, check out Telluride Ski School located on-site. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. For more places to stay in Telluride, you cancheck outthe latest places and prices here. Travelers love. Test your skills and courage on the challenging iron way, Google Maps | Private Telluride Via Ferrata Tour. For leather goods, check out Crossbow Leather or Overland Sheepskin Co. Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit). Priest Lake, Trout Lake, and Mountain Village also offer groomed terrain with spectacular views. These may be "hippies with money," but the creative, free-spirited, artistically inclined are drawn to Telluride and some never leave. Address: 201 W. Gregory Ave., Telluride, CO 81435, USA 5. Given its popularity, youll surely meet a local or tourist willing to snap your photo! The Telluride Via Ferrata is fondly called the Krogerata by locals, a tribute to the previous resident, Chuck Kroger. With amazing rock climbing, hiking, a via ferrata, and . The wild west legend and outlaw Butch Cassidy did a stint in Telluride where he robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank in 1889 for a whopping $20,750 (considered to be half a million in todays currency). History lovers will find the well-preserved town to be fascinating. Drive through one of the most beautiful parts of the Rocky Mountains, Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour. Curious to learn more? Fortunately, there are several striking sights along the way, perfect for water breaks and quick rests. The resort's 148 trails cater to skiers of all levels, although most slopes are best suited for experienced skiers. Check out 4 Amazing Telluride Hikes Not To Miss to help you plan the perfect hike (or hikes) for you! TIP: If youd like to attend any of the above festivals, please make accommodation reservations ahead of time as the town tends to sell out of rooms during festivals. But one town in the Centennial State could be deemed the most unique in all the land. Travelers love trekking Telluride's trails, but three are especially popular Bridal Veil Falls, Jud Wiebe Trail and Bear Creek Trail. By ImmerWandern. Answer 1 of 6: Thinking of possibly making a trip from the estes park area to telluride but would like to break up the trip and stop for a day or 2 in between. TravelLemming.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The fall colors along this highway are amazing from the top of Castle Rock. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. 2) Rent a jeep and drive the Black Bear Route to Ouray. Of course, you may have to pay an entrance fee if you're visiting the national parks, but it's minimal considering how much enjoyment you'll gain.