Telluride is widely considered to be one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. Nestled in a box canyon, Telluride offers stunning scenery, world-class skiing, and a variety of outdoor activities.
The town also has a rich history, dating back to the 1860s when it was founded as a mining town. These days, Telluride Colorado is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world. While the town can be crowded during peak times, it’s well worth a visit if you’re looking for an unforgettable mountain experience.
This is a streamlined quick guide to Telluride to take the guesswork out of planning your vacation. It includes the top and most researched places to stay, where to dine, and top attractions and things to do. Simple and easy!
Luckily, Telluride is one of our very favorite Colorado mountain towns so we know a little bit 🙂 Happy Telluride Travels!
Mountain Towns in Colorado–The Best and Most Beautiful. The Guide Here!
How to Get to Telluride
Telluride is the most populous town of San Miguel County in the southwestern portion of Colorado. The town is a former silver mining camp on the San Miguel River in the western San Juan Mountains.
Closest Telluride Airport. Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the primary airport to Telluride, at 65 miles away.
The closest International airport is Denver. Denver has jet connections to Telluride Regional Airport (TEX).
If you chose to drive from Denver or from Colorado Springs Airport (COS), the drive is absolutely beautiful, but it is an almost six-hour drive.
Southwest Airlines also has direct flights from Denver to Montrose Regional.
If you fly into Montrose there are plenty of shuttle services to Telluride or you can rent a car to explore. Telluride is a very walkable town and there are shuttle services provided by the town and hotels.
If you chose to rent a car to explore the surrounding areas, we recommend Budget Fastbreak.
Where to Stay in Telluride
Luxury Hotel in Telluride
Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection. This five-star resort brings a new level of luxury to the area, with its stunning mountain views and ample amenities. Guests can enjoy everything from world-class dining and spa treatments to ski-in/ski-out access and concierge services. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Madeline Hotel & Residences is sure to exceed your expectations.
Check Pricing At Madeline Hotel and Residences>>
Mid-Range Hotel Telluride
Inn at Lost Creek. The Inn at Lost Creek is the perfect basecamp for your next Telluride adventure. This award-winning property offers easy access to all the best that the area has to offer, a gondola ride to downtown Telluride and near hiking and biking trails to world-class skiing.
The Inn at Lost Creek’s experienced staff is dedicated to ensuring that you have an exceptional guest experience, providing you with all the information and support you need to make the most of your time in Telluride.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy place to stay after a day on the slopes or a luxurious retreat after a day of exploring, we have accommodations that will capture the energy and spirit of Telluride and make you feel right at home.
Check Inn at Lost Creek Pricing >>
Budget-Friendly Telluride Accommodations
The Hotel Telluride. Tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, the Hotel Telluride is a hidden gem. This boutique chalet has a European feel, and it’s situated in the heart of Downtown Telluride. Surrounded by mountain views, you’ll spend your days exploring all that this charming town has to offer and then come back to the Hotel Telluride to relax in cozy accommodations.
Explore The Hotel Telluride >>
Where to Eat in Telluride Colorado
This is always a hard narrow down for us. Food is always the highlight of a vacation. I provided the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Breakfast in Telluride.
The West End Bisto. Located in The Hotel Telluride, grab a classic, hearty breakfast before heading out for outdoor adventures. We recommend the thick-cut french toast, the granola parfait, and the Landslide Breakfast complete with buttermilk biscuits, gravy, eggs, potatoes, and bacon. Menu here.
Lunch in Telluride.
The Counter Culture. Freshly made burgers prepared to order, stacked sandwiches, salads and grain bowls. We like the BLTS, oven-roasted turkey clubs, CC Burger and Hammer Fries. Menu here!
Dinner in Telluride.
Allreds Telluride Restaurant. With the picturesque San Juan Mountains as a backdrop and the town of Telluride just below, Allreds offers guests an evening of fine wines, hand-crafted cocktails, and a memorable dining experience. Allreds specializes in American cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The menu features dishes such as grilled steak, roasted chicken, and salmon. See the menu here.
Things to do in Telluride
Telluride is a summer and winter destination and both seasons are equally beautiful. There is plenty of activities and festivals to choose from, winter or summer. These are the top things to do in Telluride, summer or winter season.
- Explore Downtown Telluride. Main Street is lined with Victorian-style buildings. Today, downtown Telluride is a vibrant hub of activity, with shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in its beautiful old buildings. Visitors can explore the town on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of this unique mountain setting.
- Take the free gondola that goes over San Sophia Ridge and into the Telluride Mountain Village. More information on the Telluride gondola here.
- Attend one of Telluride’s many festivals winter or summer – Throughout the year, Telluride plays host to a number of festivals celebrating everything from music and film to food and drink. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, sample local cuisine, and participate in a variety of activities while enjoying all that this charming mountain town has to offer. Find your Telluride Festival here.
- During a Telluride summer, off-roading around Telluride is a must. You’ll be able to see alpine lakes, stunning mountain peaks, waterfalls, and nearby ghost towns. Book a tour with Telluride Offroad Adventures.
- Mountain biking – If you’re looking for a thrill, head to the mountain bike park at San Miguel County Park. With over 35 miles of trails, there are plenty of terrains to keep you busy. You can rent any kind of bike here.
- Hike some of the best trails. The most popular hiking trails in Telluride providing breathtaking views include Cornet Creek, Lake Hope, Bear Creek Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Find the Telluride hiking guide here.
- Go Whitewater Rafting. Telluride may be best known for its skiing and hiking, but this town is also an excellent place to enjoy some time on the water. Several local companies offer whitewater rafting trips on nearby rivers such as the San Miguel and Dolores—both of which offer Class III rapids—for an adrenalin-pumping adventure that’s perfect for thrill seekers.
- Fishing or Fly Fishing – The San Miguel River is teeming with trout, making it a perfect spot to cast your line. If you don’t have your own equipment, no worries – you can rent everything you need from one of the many local outfitters.
- Visit the Telluride Historical Museum – For a dose of culture, visit the Telluride Historical Museum located in downtown Telluride. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of life in this mountain town from its early days as a mining camp to its present-day status as a world-class ski resort.
- Ski Telluride Ski Resort. The Telluride Ski Resort offers a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced/expert trails, and is rated the #1 ski resort in North America by CondĂ© Nast. With 148 trails and 19 lifts on 2,000+ acres of skiable terrain, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your trip. And be sure to take advantage of the incredible views of the San Juans while you’re here – they’re truly breathtaking. Book your lift tickets here.
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