In Telluride, Colorado, one of America’s most idyllic mountain towns, you never have to choose between outdoor adventures or sophisticated restaurants and a thriving art scene. The former mining town has it all, making a Telluride weekend trip a perfect adventure.
Situated in a box canyon surrounded by views of towering peaks, you can also 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 a tasty breakfast sandwich including farm fresh eggs.
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 for the first outdoor adventure of your Telluride weekend.
Many of Telluride’s local trails pick up where city blocks end. For a beautiful start, follow South Pine Street from downtown to the trailhead of Bear Creek Falls, a relaxing 5-mile round-trip journey that includes a some smaller waterfalls before you hit the trail’s stunning 80-foot namesake.
Once you’re off the trail, head to Brown Dog Pizza for an award-winning pizza pie. After lunch, walk over to nearby Town Park, a year-round hang spot.
Kids will love the castle-esque play structure and the 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 in a lounging mood, stop first at Between the Covers bookstore 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 local favorite bar occupying 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 space offers Champagne, caviar, and foie gras, as well as classically prepared local fare. The pavlova with blackberry compote and candied lemon is also divine.
While the small town has limited late-night nightlife, you can always have some fun and libations at New Sheridan Historic Bar 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 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. Several buildings and remnants from the mines still dot the landscape.
If you visit in summer, enjoy a picnic surrounded by a colorful display of wildflowers. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, and an iron constitution, check out Black Bear Pass, a trail that starts at the 11,018-foot summit of Red Mountain Pass and tops off at 13,000 feet at its crest in Telluride. 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 3 million riders enjoy this trip every year for views that stun in every season.
Enjoy the day’s last light from a panoramic seat at Allred’s, a contemporary American restaurant perched on San Sophia Ridge at a staggering 10,551 feet above sea level. Just off the top of the Telluride gondola, Allred’s is a jewel, boasting views of the San Juan Mountains and 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 or paddle boarding at Mountain Village, depending on the season. If it’s the latter, rent your gear from Mountain Adventure Equipment in Mountain Village.
Beginner paddlers can start at Alta Lakes, Woods Lake, Trout Lake or Down Valley Park; paddlers looking for some more movement in the water 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 a housemade soft pretzel and a burger.
By afternoon, it’s time to enjoy a luxurious afternoon soak in one of Colorado’s unforgettable hot springs, 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 farewell dinner for your Telluride weekend at The Tunnel Telluride Supper Club. A throwback to the Prohibition era of Telluride’s mining days, it’s all about an intimate dining experience. 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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