Telluride, Colorado is one of the best places to visit in America. This magical town is located in the San Juan mountains and is right out of a storybook.
It is smack dab in the middle of a narrow box canyon and has plenty of character! Visitors are drawn to the town’s epic natural beauty, including the towering peaks and cascading waterfalls that surround it – perfect for summer hikes!
Also Read: 29 Best Things to do in Southwest Colorado
It is also famous for its world-renowned skiing and snowboarding terrain, which attracts thousands of visitors each winter season.
Telluride looks especially enchanting in the fall, when the mountain sides turn gold… but be sure not visit in the off-season as that’s when Telluride is almost closed for the year.
Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Telluride, Colorado.
Best Things to do in Telluride, Colorado
The drive to Telluride, on the scenic San Juan Scenic Byway, is itself a thrilling experience.
You will be driving on narrow mountain passes with steep drops on either side – be careful especially in the winter.
Once in Telluride, you can soak in the historic charm and outdoor attractions of this mountain town.
Here are the best things to do in Telluride, Colorado.
See the charming architecture of Downtown Telluride
Take a leisurely stroll through downtown Telluride… You’ll be charmed by the Victorian-era architecture!
Many of the buildings are from the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Telluride was a busy and prosperous mining town.
See the Sheridan Opera House, a historic venue that has been providing entertainment to the town since 1913.
The courthouse, another prominent building, stands as a symbol of Telluride’s rich history.
Today, these historic buildings house a thriving mix of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Shopping in Telluride ranges from high-end boutiques to unique local stores where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to mountain gear.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be delighted by the variety of restaurants in downtown.
The views of Colorado Avenue – Telluride’s Main Street – surrounded by the mountains and trees are utterly gorgeous!
Downtown Telluride is not just a place to pass through; it’s a destination in its own right.
Delve into the past at the Telluride Historical Museum
Located in the heart of Telluride, the Telluride Historical Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
It is housed in the former miners hospital building that was built in 1896.
The museum provides an in-depth look into the region’s rich past.
You’ll find exhibits on the Ute Native Americans who first inhabited the area, the mining boom that put Telluride on the map, and the ski industry that transformed it into a premier winter destination.
For its size, the museum fits plenty of exhibits and information in a small area.
Don’t miss the intricately detailed dioramas that depict life in this old mining town!
The museum also hosts a variety of fun programs and events throughout the year, including historical walking tours.
See a show at Sheridan Opera House
The historic Sheridan Opera House is one of Telluride’s most beloved landmarks.
Built in 1913, the theatre is still a lively hub of activity and hosts an eclectic mix of films, concerts, theatrical performances, and other special events.
This unique venue has retained its charm throughout the years and features beautiful old-world interiors.
The Sheridan Opera House is a great place to spend an evening if you’re looking for something special during your stay.
Try the chocolates at Telluride Truffle
Chocolate lovers won’t want to miss Telluride Truffle, a delightful chocolatier situated in the heart of downtown.
The shop offers an array of delicious and unique truffles, from classic dark chocolate to more adventurous flavors like espresso and blueberry.
Stop by for a free sample and take home some treats as souvenirs!
Admire the New Sheridan Hotel
The New Sheridan Hotel is one of Telluride’s most iconic buildings.
Built in 1895, the hotel has been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike for over a century.
The building itself is an architectural spectacle, with its grand facade and beautiful balconies overlooking Colorado Avenue.
Inside, you will find cozy rooms decorated with period furniture, plus a restaurant and bar.
The New Sheridan Hotel is the perfect place to stay in Telluride, whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.
Enjoy the activities at Town Park
Town Park, an expansive green space in the city center of Telluride, is the spot for recreational activities.
In the summer, Telluride Town Park transforms into a vibrant picnic spot where visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals.
The park also includes playgrounds for children, several tennis courts, and a skate park.
For water enthusiasts, there is the Bear Creek, known for its serene beauty and atmosphere.
It is good for fishing or just relaxing by the water.
The park also features a swimming pool that is open during the summer months.
In the winter, the park becomes a hub for winter sports, with an outdoor ice rink that is popular for ice skating.
The park also has a network of Nordic skiing trails, offering stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Take the gondola to Mountain Village
One of the most unique experiences in Telluride, CO is the free gondola ride to Mountain Village.
The gondola is the primary mode of transport between Telluride and the Mountain Village, a trip that takes approximately 13 minutes.
Throughout the journey, riders are treated to breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and the valley below.
Once you reach the top, you can explore Mountain Village – a charming town.
Mountain Village is a modern, upscale counterpart to the historic charm of Telluride.
It has a European-style village center with luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, and stylish boutiques.
You can spend a day exploring the village, skiing on the slopes, or even golfing on one of Colorado’s highest courses.
During the summertime, explore the extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails.
One of our favorite attractions in Telluride is to see the sunset from the gondola.
It is a memorable experience; the setting sun paints a vibrant palette of colors across the sky and casts a beautiful glow on the mountain peaks below.
From the gondola, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests at twilight.
Have a beer at the Telluride Brewing Company
For craft beer lovers, no visit to Telluride would be complete without a pit-stop at the Telluride Brewing Company.
Started in the heart of the Rockies, this local brewery is adept at crafting gold-medal beers.
The ambiance is casual and friendly – the brewery is the perfect spot to unwind after a day spent outside.
The brewery offers a delightful selection of beers, with their flagship brew, the Face Down Brown, having won multiple national and international awards.
Other popular choices include the Tempter IPA, a beautifully balanced beer, and the Bridal Veil Rye Pale Ale, a refreshing brew with a hint of spiciness.
Interested in learning how they’re made?
The brewery often provides behind-the-scenes tours where you can see the brewing process and enjoy sample tastings.
It’s not just about the beer, though – the Telluride Brewing Company also hosts live music and other events, adding to the fun-filled atmosphere.
Hike to the Bridal Veil Falls
You simply cannot miss Bridal Veil Falls when you visit Telluride!
Located just east of Telluride, Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado.
It cascades beautifully from a height of approximately 365 feet.
This stunning natural spectacle, named for its resemblance to a bride’s veil, is located in the rugged San Juan Mountains.
It is visible from many points in town, making it a prominent attraction in the city.
The falls start from the Bridal Veil basin above and tumble dramatically over the edge of a cliff.
The falls are especially breathtaking spectacle during the spring run-off or after a heavy rainfall.
On sunny days, you can even see a rainbow forming in the waterfall’s mist.
The trail to the Bridal Veil Falls is a roughly 1.8-mile round-trip hike that starts from the east end of the town of Telluride.
It is a moderate hike, wonderfully scenic with wildflowers growing along path in the spring and summer months.
The trail has great views of the town and the surrounding mountain peaks.
It gradually ascends along a dirt road and wraps around the waterfall to the power plant at the top.
Here, you’ll be rewarded with an up-close view of the falls and a panoramic vista of the Telluride valley.
See the spectacular Bear Creek Falls
Bear Creek Falls is another must-see natural attraction in Telluride.
Just a short hike from downtown, Bear Creek Falls is one of the most iconic hikes in the area.
The Bear Creek trailhead starts conveniently from the end of South Pine Street and offers a moderate 2.5-mile hike leading you to a stunning waterfall.
As you make your way up the well-marked path, you’ll walk through lush alpine forests, open meadows filled with wildflowers, and alongside the rushing Bear Creek.
Once you reach the trail’s end, you’re met with the rewarding view of Bear Creek Falls, an impressive cascade of water framed by steep cliffs.
The waterfall is particularly stunning in the spring and early summer when snowmelt increases its flow.
There’s a viewing platform that affords a clear, safe view of the falls, making it a perfect spot for photos.
Hikers should note that the trail can be steep and rocky in sections, so appropriate footwear is advised.
Bear Creek Trail offers a rewarding experience with a beautiful payoff.
Go skiing at Telluride Ski Resort
With some of the best skiing in Colorado, Telluride Ski Resort is a must-visit spot when exploring Telluride.
The ski resort offers over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain with endless opportunities for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
The slopes feature groomed runs, wide open bowls, mogul fields, tree glades, and terrain parks – so there’s something for every level of skier.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers a variety of activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, ice skating, and more.
The ski village is a charming area with cozy lodges and restaurants offering après-ski entertainment.
Bike the trails at Telluride Bike Park
During the summers, a network of mountain biking trails crisscross the Telluride Ski Resort.
This creates a thrilling experience, allowing riders to explore the mountain slopes on two wheels.
The Telluride Bike Park has something for every level of rider – from beginner-friendly trails to double black diamonds.
You can easily rent bikes and other equipment from any of the local bike shops in town.
For those who are new to the sport, the bike park also offers clinics and group lessons aimed at teaching you the basics.
The trails are covered in dirt, and have lots of jumps, berms, switchbacks, and other features that make it exciting for riders of all skill levels.
Enjoy fishing on the San Miguel River
The San Miguel River is one of the most popular spots for fishing in Telluride.
This beautiful river runs through the town and offers excellent trout fishing, especially during summer months.
The river is accessible from several points throughout downtown Telluride and has plenty of areas where you can cast your line in search of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
The San Miguel River is surrounded by stunning scenery, making it a tranquil spot to relax and take in the unspoiled beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
If you don’t have your own gear, you can easily rent rods and reels from any of the local sporting goods stores.
Fishing licenses are required, but can be easily acquired online.
Admire the fall colors in Telluride
When autumn arrives in Telluride, the town is blanketed in a golden carpet of foliage.
The changing colors of the aspens make for breathtaking views that you won’t find anywhere else.
One of the best ways to enjoy this spectacular show of nature is from above from the gondola.
The gondola runs year-round and offers spectacular views of the changing colors.
When fall arrives, you can hop on the gondola for a scenic ride to San Sophia station or simply take a leisurely stroll and admire the aspens up close.
Nestled in between haystacks of golden leaves, Telluride is truly a sight to behold.
You can also take advantage of the cooler temperatures by biking or hiking the many trails in the area, all of which offer spectacular views of the fall foliage.
Also Read: 20 Best Fall Hikes in Colorado
Visit the abandoned mining town of Alta
Just a few miles outside of Telluride lies the abandoned mining town of Alta.
This former silver-mining ghost town was once home to hundreds of miners during the 1800s, and today stands as an eerie reminder of Colorado’s Wild West past.
Today, visitors can walk through the ruins and admire old buildings such as the mill, cabin, and boarding house.
The town is accessible via the gravel Alta Lake Road, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to drive on it.
Hike the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail
The Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail is a popular hiking destination in Telluride.
Named after local mountaineer and guidebook author, Jud Wiebe, this trail offers some of the most stunning views in the area.
Hikers can expect to traverse alpine forests, meadows filled with wildflowers, and plenty of steep switchbacks as they make their way up the 8-mile roundtrip trail.
From the top, you can see panoramic views of the Telluride valley and surrounding mountains.
The trail is moderate in difficulty but can become more challenging during times of snow or icy conditions.
Bring warm layers and sturdy boots as the trail is exposed to gusty winds.
Hike the Blue Lakes Trail
The Blue Lakes Trail is a 9-mile roundtrip hike that takes you to three stunning alpine lakes – Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes.
Along the way, you’ll pass through meadows of wildflowers, lush forests, and plenty of beautiful scenery.
The trail can be quite challenging in sections, with steep ascents and rocky terrain, so it’s best to bring appropriate footwear.
At the end of the hike, you’ll reach the lakes which offer stunning views of nearby mountains and glaciers.
The trail is a popular spot in summer months, but can be quite slippery during times of snow or icy conditions.
Be sure to check weather conditions before heading out – and remember to pack layers and plenty of water for the hike.
Drive to Black Bear pass
For an adventure-filled day, you can drive the Black Bear pass – a narrow and winding mountain road that will take you high into the mountains.
The 8-mile stretch of gravel road winds over hills, around switchbacks, and across bridges – offering some of the most spectacular views in all of Telluride.
Along the way, you’ll pass by fields of wildflowers, old mining ruins, and plenty of stunning scenery.
The road can be treacherous in certain sections, with narrow switchbacks and steep ascents.
For this reason, it’s best to drive the pass with a 4WD vehicle and always be aware of potential rock slides or other dangers that may occur.
Go off roading on the Ophir Pass Trail
For a truly wild off-roading experience, you can tackle the Ophir Pass Trail.
This trail is one of the most popular in Telluride and offers some of the best views in Colorado.
The terrain is rugged and rocky, but manageable for four wheel drive vehicles with enough clearance.
Along the way, you’ll pass through open meadows as well as rocky canyons and forests.
At the top of the pass, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Be sure to come prepared for any eventualities with a stocked first aid kit, food and water, extra tires, a winch or tow rope, and plenty of warm clothing.
Road trip the San Juan skyway
For an epic road trip adventure, you can check out the San Juan skyway.
This 230-mile loop takes you through some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery – including stunning passes, historic mining towns, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Some highlights include Durango and Silverton, Ouray Hot Springs, Telluride ski resort, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
The loop can be completed over a long weekend, but allow plenty of extra time to explore all that this area has to offer.
Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, ATVing – plus many more outdoor activities.
Also Read: Durango to Telluride Road trip guide
Attend Christmas festivities in Telluride
Telluride is a very popular Christmas vacation destination in Colorado.
Several visitors love to plan a holiday trip here to enjoy the ski slopes and revel in the Christmas spirit of this charming town.
Popular festive activities and events include the Lighting of the Ski Tree, Noel Nights, and the two week long event of Holiday Prelude in Mountain Village.
Also Read: 9 Best Things to do for Christmas in Telluride
While it is crazy expensive, visiting Telluride should definitely be on your bucket list trip just for its sheer beauty.
The spectacular mountain views, aspen forests, nearby hot springs, hiking trails, and historic buildings in downtown all ensure a memorable trip.
The town really comes alive in the summer with its many music festivals and events while winter sports keep this remote ski town in high demand through the majority of the year!
What are your favorite things to do in Telluride, Colorado? Let us know below.