Looking for things to do in to Telluride? This Southwest Colorado town has come a long way since its mining days. Now its sterling reputation makes its name synonymous with luxury vacations and high-quality mountain town living.
Make time for these must-see attractions for an unforgettable time in and around Telluride:
Experience why everyone dreams of skiing at Telluride Ski Resort
When people talk about Telluride, the first thing that comes to mind is this famous ski resort. Open all year round and offering 2,000 acres of stunning, skiable terrain, the resort promises world-class skiing experiences along with gorgeous views of the San Juan Mountains.
Guests can also enjoy golf, shopping, dining, and special annual events like the Telluride Chamber Music Festival and Telluride Mushroom Festival. Learn more about the resort’s schedule of events here.
Take a ride on the iconic Telluride Gondola
Enjoy some of the most breathtaking 360-degree views of the San Juan Mountain Range aboard the Telluride/Mountain Village Gondola. This free ride is the first and only public transport system of its kind in the country, and has been a staple in the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village since 1996.
The scenic ride lasts roughly 13 minutes with stops at Oak Street, Gondola Plaza, Mountain Village Town Hall, and San Sophia Station, the ride’s highest peak which offers access to ski slopes and hiking trails.
Experience history, fine dining, and exceptional shopping in Downtown Telluride
A casual stroll along Colorado Avenue is enough to showcase Telluride’s rich history. The historic downtown district features stunning Gothic Revival and Late Victorian architecture. You can book a stay at the New Sheridan Hotel – a local icon that dates back to the early 1890s – to fully immerse in the experience.
The bustling downtown is a shopping destination, too. Excellent finds abound, from the fine jewelry and art collections on display at the Elinoff Gallery, to the eclectic pet accessories and handicrafts at the Alpen Schatz Boutique.
The restaurant scene is just as exciting, with dining hotspots like 221 South Oak, Wood Ear, and Coffee Cowboy serving assorted menus that are sure to satisfy every palate.
Delve deeper into the town’s rich history at the Telluride Historical Museum
Not too far from Main Street is the Telluride Historical Museum.
Here, you can get a glimpse of Southwest Colorado’s regional history and various geological resources through a remarkable collection of Native American artifacts. Highlights include the Telluride Blanket, a twill fabric made by the Anasazi, or the Ancestral Puebloan peoples. This historic item dates back to 1041-1272 CE.
This museum is a great place to learn about Telluride’s origins as a mining town. There’s an interactive outdoor exhibit that explores hard rock mining in the San Juan Mountain Range.
Also on exhibit are installations showcasing important local milestones such as the discovery of gold and silver in the area, and the construction of the railroad. You can learn a lot about what life was like for the area’s early settlers, with insights on their fight for survival in the harsh living conditions of the San Juan Mountains.
The museum is housed in the former Hall’s Hospital building, which first opened in 1896 and served miners and their families in the area.
Sample the local brews at Telluride Brewing Co.
The craft beer selection here is famously made with premium hops, yeasts, malts, and even snow melt from the Rockies. Come here for an ice-cold mug of Bridal Veil, Whacked Out Wheat, Freaquila, and other creative concoctions with fittingly colorful names.
If you are going to try just one beer from this place, make it the Face Down Brown Ale. This English and American-style Brown hybrid with chocolate, nut, and toffee notes is an award-winning drink that has claimed gold and bronze medals at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup in four separate occasions.
Go hiking along the Bear Creek Preserve and Jud Wiebe trails
One of the best known hiking trails in Telluride, Bear Creek Preserve Trail stretches 2.5 miles, culminating in a spectacular view of Bear Creek Falls and the town of Telluride. This easy to moderate hike is perfect for first-timers and is a popular activity in the summer. Bring your hiking shoes and a camera for a trek you won’t forget.
Another popular trail, Jud Wiebe takes you through vast meadows and groves of aspen trees. Along the way, you will enjoy sweeping views of Telluride. This well-marked trail spans three miles. It makes for a moderate hike that takes around two hours to complete.
Other notable hiking trails accessible from Telluride include Alta Lakes, Bridal Veil Falls, Ice Lake, Lewis Mine, and Sneffels Highline Trail.
Make all these exceptional experiences part of your regular routine. Start looking for your dream home in Telluride with me, trusted local real estate professional TD Smith. Contact me at +1 970.729.1577 or td@tdsmith.com today.