“Telluride is our favorite town in Colorado”, Sam and Joe said, two Colorado natives, and also my friends whom I met in Costa Rica last year. I grinned, picturing the postcard-perfect town, rugged mountains, and glacial blue alpine lakes that were to fill my days in Telluride.
About Telluride
Telluride is a picture perfect town nestled within the mountains. There are countless trails in this area, and the rocky terrain makes it popular amongst rocks climbers. Telluride is a skiing town, with its busy months being during the summer (June-August) and the winter (Nov-March) It is also only slightly cheaper than Aspen, so expect higher prices around this area of Colorado.
What To Do
Hike
Blue Lakes Trail
This challenging 6.6 mile roundtrip hike starts at nearly 10,000 ft in elevation, and gains over 2,000 ft during the uphill trek to lower lake.
If you hike up to Blue Lakes Pass (including Middle and Upper Lake), you gain another 1,500 ft within only a mile and a half. But the views from above Lower Blue Lake on the way up are truly breathtaking, making it all worth it in the end!
I camped at the base of the trail to acclimate to the elevation before setting out for the lakes. It is free to camp at both the trailhead, as well as the lakes themselves, and no permit is required. However, this means more crowds. Be sure to arrive early to get a camp site (both at the trailhead and the lakes). I started hiking up to Lower Lake around 8:30 a.m. and the parking lot was beyond full. By the time I got to the top, there were only a few sites left!
The trail is about an hour and a half north of Telluride, near Ridgeway, Colorado. During the summer months, expect fields of wildflowers the whole way!
Ice Lake Basin Trail
Although I didn’t have enough time to do this hike, it is definitely on my bucket list! This 8 mile trail consists of three alpine lakes, turquoise and deep blue in color.
This hike would make an excellent backcountry camping trip. Try to go early or during a week day, as this trail gets crowded, especially in the summer time!
Bridal Veil Falls
This stunning 4.8 mile hike follows a 4×4 road, but drive or hike, the views from up top are breathtaking! There’s also tons of rock climbing in this area.
Columbine Lake Trail
This 8.3 mile trail is a lesser-known gem in the area.
Located an hour outside of Telluride, this spot is perfect for backcountry camping and allows you to avoid the crowds in the area. Plus, the deep blue color of the lake provides a unique contrast to the harsh, rocky mountains surrounding it, making it a great site for photography!
4×4 Roads
Telluride boasts the most OHV trails above 10,000ft in the US. I’ve been 4 times and still haven’t explored them all! The beautiful thing about Telluride in the summer is that these 4×4 roads are open and easily accessible (not covered in snow).
Popular routes like Imogene Pass and Black Bear Pass challenge drivers with their steep ascents and thrilling switchbacks, but those who drive these trails are rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
In addition to the adrenaline rush, Telluride’s 4×4 roads also offer opportunities for exploration and discovery during the summer months. Roads like Ophir Pass and Engineer Pass not only provide scenic drives, but also grant access to a variety of hiking trails and hidden gems throughout the area. The summer season brings lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, transforming the landscape into a colorful paradise. Whether you’re an experienced off-roader or a casual explorer, Telluride’s 4×4 roads promise an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning vistas and the beauty of nature in full bloom.
Farmer’s Market
Mmmm. There’s nothing quite like wonderful colors, aromas, and tastes of a farmer’s market.
I love getting lost wandering through the various vendors at markets around the world. It’s honestly kind of an addiction. I enjoyed Telluride’s weekly farmer’s market downtown, and the friendly locals made me feel right at home!
During the summer months, a farmer’s market is held twice a week: Wednesdays it is up in the mountains, and Friday it is held downtown. I visited the downtown farmer’s market during my stay in Telluride.
Be sure to stop by Bohemian Spirit Designs for beautiful hand made jewelry made by Shea Williams.
Free Gondola
I am still baffled that the gondola is free here! I remember paying over $40 each for the Gondola in Whistler!! Yet the Telluride gondola was twice as long of a ride, going up to the midway point, and then down to the mountain town near the ski resorts.
This ride is open late (we’re talking midnight on week days, and 2 a.m. on weekends), and therefore I recommend going during the day and also at night for two different perspectives of the town. On a clear night, expect to see stars above the mountain peaks, and get off at the midway point for the ultimate stargazing experience!
Where To Eat
Allred’s Restaurant
Take the gondola up to this restaurant that sits 10,551 ft. above sea level. With breathtaking views of the box canyon, Allred’s offers contemporary American cuisine and a craft cocktail bar. Enjoy a one of a kind dining experience at the top of the gondola!
Brown Dog Pizza
This award-winning pizza spot is the perfect place to take the family! They won the title of “World’s Best Pizza” in Parma, Italy in 2015.
High Alpine Coffee
This adorable bookstore/coffee shop is the perfect place to relax and read a book. Try their oat milk iced latte for a creamy, delicious midday pick-me-up! They also have live music on the back patio on weekends!
Smuggler’s Brewpub
This restaurant/bar sits in downtown Telluride. I visited during happy hour, and was happy with the extensive beer selection, all of which are brewed in house! Happy hour is daily from 3pm-5:30pm , and features $3 pints.
Where To Sleep
Free Camping
There are numerous free backcountry campsites within a 2 hour distance from Telluride. My favorite is Blue Lakes Trail, either at the lakes or at the base of the trailhead.
The trailhead has sites you can pull your car up to, but the road there is a bumpy, 8 mile trip uphill into the Uncompahgre National Forest. All sites at the base are along a creek. I arrived early and scouted out the best site, which (in my opinion) is three sites away from the trailhead. You’ll see two horse tie-ups on your right, pull in here and make an immediate left (low clearance vehicles may have trouble on the rocky, uneven road). You’ll soon come to a col-de-sac, with a creek and a log bridge over the creek on your right. Cross the bridge and there is your private, secluded site (pictured below).
There is also free camping on a lake just 20 minutes from Telluride. To get here, head south on State Hwy 145 and drive about 8 miles. Turn left on Forest Road #628 just before the turn into the Matterhorn Campground. There is a house on the corner of 145 and 628 that has a “No Trespassing” sign in front of the road, note that this is intended for their driveway, not the road itself! Forest Road #628 continues past their house to the lake and campground.
Budget AirBnb
Here are some AirBnB’s I’m obsessed with in Telluride!
This rustic riverfront cabin that sleeps 4 for only $55/night!
This adorable 2 bedroom mountain home that sleeps 6 in Ophir for $135/night.
This modest townhouse in downtown Telluride that sleeps 4 people for $123/night.
Don’t have an AirBnB account yet? Enjoy $40 off your first trip by clicking here!
Budget Hotels
As I mentioned earlier, Telluride is expensive! I’ve tried to include some cheaper hotel options for you, however it is worth noting that no hotels exists within Telluride for under $100/night. The cheapest way to stay in Telluride (besides camping) would be to rent a room on AirBnB. However, I did manage to find some nice hotel rooms for under $200/night, which I’ve listed below:
The Victorian Inn
This budget hotel is the most affordable in Telluride! Located right downtown, you can walk to the gondola and ski lifts from here. Rooms start at $138/night.
Mountinside Inn
Enjoy views of the river and the mountains with your furry friend at this pet-friendly hotel. Rooms start from $139/night.
Mountain Lodge at Telluride
Rooms start from $179/night at this chic, rustic resort. You’re sure to feel one with nature at Mountain Lodge, an “oasis of alpine elegance”.
Luxury Hotels
Telluride has a plethora of luxury hotels and ski resorts to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites:
Fairmont Heritage Place: Franz Klammer Lodge
Enjoy a total splurge at this luxury ski resort and spa located in the mountains of Telluride. Fairmont provides 2 and 3 bedroom luxury suites from a whopping $1,299/night!
Madeline Hotel and Residences, an Auberge Resorts Collection
Named the “#1 Ski Resort in North America” by Condé Naste Traveler, Madeline Hotel and Residences gives you a truly luxurious mountain retreat. Guest rooms start at $239/night.
Lumiere Hotel
This award-winning luxury resort is known for its friendly staff and homey atmosphere. Rooms start from $325/night.
And feel free to search Telluride’s Top-Rated Hotels below:
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on one of my favorite towns in America!
Looking for things to do in Colorado? Check out the posts below:
- Hiking The Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
- Maroon Bells: How To Avoid The Crowds At America’s Most Photographed Mountains
- Rocky Mountain National Park in the Winter
- Top 3 Sunset Hikes in Colorado Springs
Have you ever been to Telluride? What’s a small U.S. town that you absolutely love? Share below in the comments section!
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Safe Travels,
Sara Vozel
