Curator’s statement
Telluride holds a special place in my heart! My family lived there full-time for over a decade. I was able to experience the beauty and joy this charming, old mining town nestled in a box canyon in the San Juan mountains has to offer. It truly is a unique destination. There is a free gondola that connects the two towns of Mountain Village, a modern-style ski village, with Telluride, and its adorable shops, restaurants, Victorian architecture and more. It’s a fabulous place to visit in snow, rain or shine, with more than its fair share of “bluebird” days!
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Things to do in Telluride, Colorado
Skiing and snowboarding at Telluride Ski Resort
With jaw-dropping scenery, enjoy easy rolling terrain of the Galloping Goose Trail. Expert trails with bumps and steeps like Dynamo, and magical tree runs that will take your breath away like Log Pile.
Pro tip: You can take the chairlift to the top of the mountain and take easy blues and greens all the way down. Also, Telluride tends not to get the wild crowds and lift lines of some other well-known resorts, and sometimes it may feel like you have the mountain to yourself!
Heli-skiing
Telluride is known for its exceptional heli-skiing. You can gather your friends and family for an epic adventure. While the mountain is known for its steep terrain, you can be an intermediate-level skier and still enjoy this activity on untouched powder.
Nordic and Skate Skiing
The Telluride Nordic Center is a great place to rent equipment and enjoy gliding on the quiet, blissful, groomed trails of the Valley Floor and Town Park. They also offer small-group lessons.
Hiking
There are several spectacular hikes you can take straight from town, no car or ride necessary. These are especially lovely in the late spring, summer and fall months. These include the Bear Creek Trail, which takes you up and back to Bear Creek waterfall, and the Jud Weibe, a local favorite, a shorter and steeper loop with incredible views.
Further away, a short drive from town, are a couple of my favorites: Hope Lake Trail that starts above Trout Lake, and Blue Lakes from Ridgway.
Paddleboarding in summer
Favorite spots include the calm and glassy Trout Lake, faster water on the Valley Floor and the more open Ridgway Reservoir.
Jeep Tours
From town up Tomboy Road to see parts of the old mining villages to the top of the world. Tours usually take about three hours and go up rain or shine.
Via Ferrata
Best to get a guide for this extremely special rock climb that will boost your heart rate. Views here and the whole experience are incredible.
Festivals in the summer and fall
Favorites include Mountainfilm, Bluegrass, Jazz, Telluride Film Festival and local’s pick Blues and Brews. If you’re interested in attending, be sure to check dates and purchase tickets in advance, as many do sell out.
Pro tip: If you don’t have tickets to a festival, there are many free events (film screenings, talks and presentations, outdoor music) around town and in Mountain Village!
Boutique shopping
Telluride has incredible shopping, with most boutiques being locally owned and run. I’ve spent plenty of time to them all! My favorites include Scarpe and Two Skirts for apparel, Hook for curated home goods, and Mixx for jewelry and art.
Places to eat & drink in Telluride, Colorado
The Butcher and the Baker
A much-loved bakery and cafe open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Has indoor and outdoor seating. Favorites include their big homemade cookies and cupcakes, crab-cake sandwiches, and specialty sodas and cocktails.
There Bar
Cool spot in town with incredible cocktails, small plates and dumplings and freshly popped popcorn at every table.
Pro tip: Go early as seating can be limited.
Cosmopolitan
Fine mountain dining in town at the base of the gondola. Specialty cocktails like the Pomelo, amazing sushi and wonderful main dishes. Incredible desserts like the Wild Blueberry Pie are a fave.
Pro tip: They have a fantastic happy hour! Check their opening hours in advance as it can vary by season.
Brown Dog Pizza
A local institution, on Main Street. Specializes in Detroit-style pizza and also offers more traditional pizza, gluten free, calzones and fresh salads.
La Cocina
Casual and fun Mexican eatery with fantastic menu. House-made chips and salsas come with every meal. They have my favorite margarita in town.
The National
Elevated, fresh fine dining in a new space on Main Street. The menu is inspired by the golden age of the railroad and includes specialties like soft shell crab, oysters and green lobsters. Everything feels special and delicious.
On-mountain dining/ ski season Dec–April
Alpino Vino: During the day, this is only accessible via chairlift and skiing on intermediate/ blue runs. Sitting above 12,000 feet, it’s the highest wine bar in North America. My favorite menu items include their delicious antipasto, tomato soup with grilled cheese (not your average), eggplant parmesan, along with a yummy glass of red. In the evenings, they offer dinner seating, accessible by snowcat at the top of the gondola. This is a perfect special-occasion dining experience. It is great for groups and also romantic for couples.
Bon Vivant: Perfect French-inspired brunch, lunch spot at the top of Chair 5, outdoors under a large umbrella. Delicious crepes, onion soup, and cassoulet, and champagne cocktails. Pro-tip: Go early or later in the afternoon, as they get busy, especially on warm sunny days. If they are busy, you can put your name on list and take a few ski runs.
Travel Advisor
Jenna Martelon
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Telluride page.