In Telluride, Colorado, one of America’s most idyllic mountain towns, you never have to choose between outdoor adventures and sophisticated restaurants with a thriving art scene. The former mining town has it all. Situated in a box canyon surrounded by views of towering peaks, you can explore the town’s pioneer history or spend your day on the slopes.
When you’re not carving powder or hiking the trails, there’s a nearby ghost town to visit and natural mineral hot springs, where you can soak your cares (and any soreness) away before returning to town for local craft beers at a historic saloon, where patrons have been sipping cold ones since the late 1800s.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Explore Bear Creek Falls and Telluride’s Charming Downtown District
On your first morning in Telluride, stop by the Butcher & the Baker, a friendly neighborhood hangout that gets most of its produce from its own farm 60 miles away. In addition to an amazing selection of organic teas and homemade English muffins, scones and croissants, consider ordering the tasty breakfast sandwich made with eggs, kale, caramelized onions and local oyster mushrooms.
Carry on along Colorado Avenue, Telluride’s main drag, after breakfast. You’ll have views of Ajax Peak as you stroll past charming Victorian-era homes. Browse some of the local shops, like Jagged Edge Mountain Gear for any extra outdoor gear you might need before your first outdoor adventure begins.
One of the beauties of Telluride is that many of its local trails pick up right where city blocks end. For starters, follow South Pine Street from downtown to pick up the trailhead to Bear Creek Falls, an easy 5-mile round-trip journey that includes a few smaller falls before you hit the trail’s stunning 80-foot namesake.
Once you’re off the trail, head to Brown Dog Pizza for an Italian hero, an order of “Mama’s Meatballs,” or one of Brown Dog’s award-winning pizzas. Not craving Italian? Try the organic, fresh-made falafel, tabbouleh, or gingery lentil soup at Caravan Middle Eastern Food. After lunch, walk over to nearby Town Park, a year-round hang spot.
Kids will love the castle-esque play structure and winter sledding hill; for adults, lazing at a riverside picnic table or on the grass and taking in the mountains looming above makes for a scenic, laid-back afternoon in any season — if you’re really in the lounging mood, stop first at Between the Covers and pick up a breezy read to enjoy while you’re there.
Is it happy hour yet? You bet. Grab a pint and a side of history at the Last Dollar Saloon, a favorite local watering hole that occupies a historic 1899 building on Colorado Avenue. End the night with a fine French meal at La Marmotte, a Telluride mainstay for more than 30 years.
Set in an 1893 icehouse, the sophisticated restaurant offers Champagne, caviar and foie gras as well as classically prepared locavore fare, such as Colorado trout grenobloise and poached local apples served with Calvados ice cream. The pavlova with blackberry compote and candied lemon is also divine.
While the small town has limited nightlife, you can always wrangle some fun and libations at New Sheridan Historic Bar and Wood Ear on Colorado Avenue.
Saturday: Discover a Famous Ghost Town and Telluride’s Beloved Gondola
A perfect morning in the mountains begins at the Coffee Cowboy. Order the “Annie Oakley” (a steamy latte with caramel and cinnamon), a Mexican hot chocolate or a fresh fruit smoothie before heading to one of Telluride’s most famous ghost towns.
Since ghost towns don’t offer a lot of dining options, swing by Baked in Telluride for deli sandwiches before driving about 5 miles east on Tomboy Road to the ghost town of Tomboy, Colorado.
Situated at an elevation of 11,500 feet, the 19th-century mining town still bears signs of the more than 1,000 men and women who resided there before the ore ran dry in 1927. And several buildings and remnants from the mines still dot the landscape.
If you visit in summer, enjoy your picnic surrounded by a colorful display of the state’s pretty wildflowers. If you have a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle and an iron constitution, check out Black Bear Pass, an infamous jeep trail that tops off at 13,000 feet at its crest. Prepare for switchbacks, narrow passes and Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s highest waterfall.
Early evening is the perfect time to take advantage of one of Telluride’s most beloved activities: the free gondola to Mountain Village. More than 2.8 million riders enjoy this epic trip every year.
Enjoy the day’s last light from a panoramic seat at Allred’s, a contemporary American restaurant perched on San Sophia Ridge, a staggering 10,551 feet above sea level. Located at the top of the Telluride gondola, Allred’s is a jewel, boasting some of the best views of the San Juan Mountains as well as a delectable three-course prix-fixe menu.
The first seating begins at 5 p.m. and reservations are required, so be sure to plan this unforgettable evening in advance. If you’re not ready to say good night, enjoy a flute of bubbly or a nice, neat bourbon at Liberty Telluride, a spacious downtown bar with comfy seating and roaring fireplaces.
Sunday: Go Paddling Before Enjoying Prohibition-Era Dining
For breakfast, grab a cup at Telluride Coffee Roasters before spending a memorable morning skiing at Mountain Village or paddleboarding, depending on the season. If it’s the latter, rent your gear from Mountain Adventure Equipment in Mountain Village.
Beginners can start at Alta Lakes, Woods Lake, Trout Lake or Down Valley Park; more advanced paddlers can take their SUP to the San Miguel River, which flows straight through town.
After taking in the gorgeous natural landscape, head for lunch slope-side at Tomboy Tavern. Colorado craft beers, along with world-class whiskey and wine options, are the thing to order at this classic Telluride outpost. Pair your beverage of choice with the house chicken potpie or short-rib mac and cheese.
By afternoon, it’s time to enjoy a luxurious afternoon soak in one of Colorado’s unforgettable hot springs, just a scenic hour’s drive from Telluride. Family-friendly Ouray Hot Springs has geothermal pools that range in temperature from 75 to 105 degrees, along with a lap pool and a shallow swimming pool perfect for little ones.
By evening, head back to Telluride feeling refreshed and ready for a special finale dinner at the Tunnel. A throwback to the Prohibition era of Telluride’s mining days, you’ll need a password to enter this unique dining experience. Once inside, you’ll be escorted through the kitchen into the stunning hidden dining room, where you can enjoy a six-course chef’s tasting menu and after-dinner drinks.
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