Discover Telluride, Colorado: A Guide to Mountain Adventure and Charm

Skiing and Snowboarding: Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of Telluride Ski Resort, known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse terrain and legendary powder. With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, there's something for every skill level.

Hiking and Backpacking: Explore the stunning alpine landscapes surrounding Telluride with a hike or backpacking adventure. Choose from a variety of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks, including popular routes like the Bear Creek Trail, Jud Wiebe Trail and Blue Lakes Trail.

Mountain Biking: Hit the trails on two wheels and experience epic mountain biking in Telluride. From scenic cross-country rides to thrilling downhill descents, the area offers a variety of trails suitable for all levels of riders, including the famous Galloping Goose Trail and Mountain Village Bike Park.

Fly Fishing: Cast a line and reel in some trout on the pristine waters of the San Miguel River and surrounding streams. Telluride is a paradise for fly fishing enthusiasts, with abundant opportunities for catching rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout amid stunning mountain scenery.

Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive along the San Juan Skyway and explore the breathtaking landscapes of the San Juan Mountains. Don't miss the iconic Million Dollar Highway, a thrilling mountain road that winds its way through rugged terrain and offers panoramic views at every turn.

Jeep Tours: Embark on a guided Jeep tour and venture off-road to explore remote backcountry areas inaccessible by car. Traverse rugged mountain trails, cross rushing streams and discover hidden gems while learning about the area's history, geology and wildlife.

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soar above the mountains and valleys of Telluride on a hot air balloon ride for a bird's-eye view of the stunning scenery below. Experience the thrill of floating serenely through the sky as you take in panoramic vistas of the San Juan Mountains.

Cultural Attractions: Immerse yourself in Telluride's rich history and culture by visiting attractions like the Telluride Historical Museum, Sheridan Opera House and Ah Haa School for the Arts. Explore the town's vibrant arts scene, galleries and boutique shops.

Music Festivals and Events: Experience the magic of Telluride's renowned music festivals and events, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Film Festival and Telluride Jazz Festival. Enjoy live performances by world-class musicians, filmmakers and artists against the backdrop of the majestic mountains.

Relax in Hot Springs: Soak away your cares in the soothing waters of nearby hot springs, such as Orvis Hot Springs or Ouray Hot Springs, known for their therapeutic properties and stunning natural settings.

Rock Climbing: Test your climbing skills on the rugged cliffs and crags surrounding Telluride. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned climber, there are plenty of opportunities for vertical adventures and breathtaking views.

Photography: Capture the beauty of Telluride's landscapes, wildlife, and architecture with your camera. From sweeping mountain vistas to colorful wildflowers, there are endless opportunities for stunning photography in this picturesque mountain town.

Day trips

Mesa Verde National Park: Embark on a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about two and a half hours from Telluride. Explore the ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites of the Ancestral Puebloans, including the iconic Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Take guided tours, hike scenic trails and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.

Durango: Spend a day exploring the charming town of Durango, located approximately two hours from Telluride. Ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through breathtaking mountain scenery, stroll along Main Avenue lined with shops and restaurants and visit attractions like the Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum and Animas Museum. Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or rafting in the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

Ouray and Box Canyon Falls: Discover the scenic town of Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America," located about one and a half hours from Telluride. Explore the historic downtown area, soak in the natural hot springs and take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway. Don't miss a visit to Box Canyon Falls, where you can hike to a stunning 285-foot waterfall cascading into a narrow canyon.

Allred's Restaurant: Located at the top of the gondola, Allred's Restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains along with fine dining cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list.

The New Sheridan Chop House: A historic steakhouse located in the heart of Telluride, The New Sheridan Chop House serves up USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood and classic American fare in a cozy and elegant setting.

La Marmotte: Set in a charming historic building, La Marmotte offers French-inspired cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy dishes like foie gras, coq au vin and crème brûlée in a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Brown Dog Pizza: A local favorite for pizza and craft beer, Brown Dog Pizza serves up delicious pies with creative toppings and a wide selection of local and regional brews. Don't miss their famous Detroit-style square pizza!

Cosmopolitan Restaurant: Offering global cuisine with a focus on Asian and Latin flavors, Cosmopolitan Restaurant features inventive dishes like sushi, ceviche and Korean barbecue in a stylish and contemporary setting.

Siam's Talay Grille: Specializing in Thai and Asian fusion cuisine, Siam's Talay Grille serves up flavorful dishes like pad thai, curry and sushi rolls in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.

The Butcher & Baker Café: A cozy café and bakery located in downtown Telluride, The Butcher & Baker Café offers breakfast and lunch options made with locally sourced and organic ingredients, including sandwiches, salads and baked goods.

There Bar: Known for its creative cocktails and small plates, There Bar is a popular spot for après-ski drinks and late-night bites. Enjoy inventive cocktails, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere.

Altezza at The Peaks Resort: Located at The Peaks Resort & Spa, Altezza offers upscale Italian cuisine with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Indulge in handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood dishes paired with fine wines.