A nature lovers paradise. Set in what was once a hospital, the Telluride Historical Museum preserves and presents its Wild West days. When visiting, my husband and I loved our order: a cinnabliss latte and spicy chai. It is roasted in underground pits using different species of agave that, along with environmental and distillation factors, give variation to the final taste. Black Bear Pass is among the places to visit in Telluride that thrill-seekers will enjoy. Panoramic views yield something interesting in every direction, including Bridal Veil Falls at the head of the Canyon and the abandoned ruins of old mining operations along the hillsides. Banded Oak Brewing in Denver and Old 121 Brewing in Lakewood asked artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT to create a beer recipe for the style of the future, and they are making it to serve at . If some in your party arent suited for a strenuous hike, I would recommend taking a vehicle to Bridal Veil Falls instead. What are the best small towns to visit in Colorado? In many ways, it still sort of is. Both are full of wonderful shops, delicious restaurants, and affordable lodging. Fun Things to Do in Telluride with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. The website says that Roudy is in semi-retirement, but there were Ride with Roudy signs all over Telluride on our recent visit, so I'd venture to say that things are alive and well in Norwood, about 30-miles from downtown Telluride. Funny. Telluride is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. Three days will give you plenty of time for outdoor fun, taking it easy and enjoying the town. Yes, you read that header correctly. Regardless where you head, save travels friends! While this hike was not easy for us, we were very entertained by a mom with a toddler strapped to her back who was literally running up and down the trail. Eliza Nimmich. You can reach this iconic Telluride attraction by driving a quarter of the way up the Black Bear Pass Switchbacks. What did you like about this post? Sitting pretty at 8,750 ft in elevation, Telluride is engulfed in a box canyon making it perfect for skiing in the winter and hiking year-round. By MALLINPJ. If you want to explore the Telluride area on horseback, one option is to Ride with Roudy on a one-hour, two-hour or private ride. It measures 233 miles long and includes Colorado State Highway 145, U.S. Route 550, Colorado State Highway 62 and U.S. Route 160. The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile segment of the byway, connecting Silverton and Ouray. Meander Through The Shops on Historic Main Street, 3. Meander Through The Shops on Historic Main Street 3. For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke aroundour site, follow us on Instagram@wanderingstus,Pinterestand onFacebook. Bump along backcountry roads surrounded by mountain views. Check out my guide to the best 15 hikes in Colorado! From Great Sand Dunes National Park, youre a few hours drive away from the mountain high desert town of Taos, New Mexico. 13 Fun Things to Do in Telluride in . Hit The Telluride Biking & Hiking Trails, 6. TripAdvisor/CrankingChick FREE public transportation. The San Juan Skyway is one of the most incredible road trips in Colorado, connecting several of the states best mountain towns. The closet full hook up RV park to Telluride is Ouray Riverside Resort Cabin and RV Park in Ouray, CO. There has been a lot of talk about Women Talking. Telluride has a culture rich in the arts, entertainment, and athletics-every block in this little destination town is lined with boutiques, restaurants, galleries, museums, and historic landmarks that offer endless fun and interesting pursuits to fill your time there. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Explore boutiques, bars, eateries, and more on this Western strip. By the late 1960s, with the mining industry verging on collapse, the town was claimed by hippies, who found in it an idyll where they could get weird, 8,750 feet above sea level. Some trails also pass historic landmarks like the Lewis Mine (a former mining structure built in 1910) and Tomboy (an abandoned mining town that once housed 1,000 residents). Find out now, and get our top recommendations for fun things to do in Telluride in the summer. In fact, I'll stop talking and let the pictures speak for themselves. All genres of music are celebrated at the annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Learn how your comment data is processed. Housed in the town's former hospital, the Telluride Historical Museum recounts the area's exciting history, from its gold-mining days to the development of the world-renowned Telluride Ski Resort. Telluride Outside- Kid Activities (970) 728-3895 Telluride, CO Telluride Outside offers Camp Caddis for kids! The main reason for visiting Telluride is obvious: the world-class ski slopes. Experience fine dining with an unbeatable view, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 728-7474 | Website | Hours: 5 pm 9 pm daily. Fun Things to Do in Telluride with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. With amazing rock climbing, hiking, a via ferrata, and . Be sure to brush up on your bear safety before heading up as you are in bear country on these trails, though it is a pretty well-traveled path. See Tripadvisor's 30,208 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Telluride attractions Grab a burger from the brewpub and one of their tasty craft beers. For an unforgettable experience, book a tour with a local guide. Colorado is home to some pretty unforgettable locales. Take A Ride on The Free Telluride Gondola, 2. Whether its the chunky boxed canyon in which Telluride sits, or the free gondola rides locals and visitors enjoy all year round, there are more than a handful of reasons this small town in Colorado is unlike any other place in the world. Telluride in April: Highs around 51F, lows around 22F Best Things to Do in Telluride in Winter Ice Climbing in Telluride Tired of a traditional ski vacation? What are some free things to do in Colorado? During your winter getaway, discover several of the best Colorado hot springs near Telluride, CO. Take a day trip to enjoy Ouray Hot Springs or Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Change your direction all together and head west to Utah to explore the Big 5 National Parks with our epic 10 day Utah road trip through some of the best places Utah has to offer. Before you go, be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Colorado Travel Guide to discover more must-see destinations. When hiking any of Telluride's trails, always remember to bring water, sunscreen, a first aid kit and bug spray. Ah Haa School 155 W. Pacific Ave. Telluride, CO 81435 Organized by Ah Haa School for the Arts Save up to $10 on this event with ACTIVE Advantage! The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. If I did not have memories, the stars would be much lower. Take a scenic ride between two charming mountain towns, Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6:30 am 12:00 am daily | Entrance: free | Book A Gondola Plaza Hotel. Those with more experience can paddle the San Miguel river running alongside town. While we didn't find Little Hawaii (a well-hidden trail off Bear Creek Falls), we did enjoy the balanced rocks of those who came before us. But in the winter, when the pines are heavy with snow, its an especially magical experience. Even if you don't stay at the New Sheridan, you can head to their roof for a drink or settle in for a meal at Chop House or even at their historic bar that also serves $5 Jack Daniel's. For a complete map of biking trails, check out the trail map here. Families have plenty of options to entertain children of all ages. Mountain Village Gondola Station Vacations. However, there is a sister restaurant, Siam's Talay Grille in Mountain Village that is open for breakfast and dinner, so that may be a pathway to even more Asian food perfection. The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Top 11 Things To Do in Telluride Year-Round. 2.2 Sequoia National Park, California. If you aren't sure where to start, you could drop in Telluride's Historical Museum, located on West Gregory Avenue. 14 Things To Do & See, Santurce Street Art: San Juan's Graffiti Neighborhood, Things To Do In Culebra - Your Complete Travel Guide, Visiting Cartagena: 18 Things To Know Before You Go, 17 Best Things To Do In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala for First Timers, Visiting Semuc Champey: Getting There, Things To Do & Where To Stay, The Essential Guatemala Itinerary for 7 days, 10 days, or 2 weeks (+ Map), Hiking In Crested Butte: The Easy & Best Hikes You Shouldnt Miss. Telluride lets anyone (human or canine) ride up and down to their heart's content. Consider gear rentals and guided tours from Telluride Outfitters or Telluride Outside. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. From lakes and ponds to streams and alpine creeks, fishing destinations are abundant in Telluride, CO. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. This luck was thanks to a production company deciding against attending the festival at the last minute. 2.1 Yosemite National Park, California. Jump to: Things to Do | Telluride in Winter | Telluride in Summer. Perhaps the most obvious -- and popular -- budget-friendly activity is enjoying Colorado's beautiful outdoors. Telluride Hikes Near Town. Nestled in the bottom of the canyon with stellar views that include Bridal Veil Falls, this natural acoustic wonder is the perfect setting for outdoor concerts. If youre visiting during June October, youll get to experience the farmers market. Wed love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Mountain Village is great to explore and prep to ski the mountain, but Telluride's historic district is where it's at. If youre looking for some late night fun, you wont find too many places to choose from. Would love to come back but to be honest there are more reasonably priced places in Telluride. Located just at the end of town, youll find the Telluride Gondola Station. The San Miguel and Gunnison Rivers, plus waterways in the Uncompahgre National Forest, boast large trophy trout. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Don't forget to go off the beaten path as well and see what's hidden off the main street. Its the only free public transportation of its kind in the world, established to minimize road traffic between the two ski areas. Located at the Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride Bike Park is one of the towns best destinations. The Telluride Via Ferrata is fondly called the Krogerata by locals, a tribute to the previous resident, Chuck Kroger. Love Hiking? Once your bike is in hand, head towards the gondola and jump on no worries, there are bike racks on the gondola. Though its trail may be leisurely, the San Miguel River offers excitement for adventurers, too. Of all the hiking trails in the San Juan Mountains, few rival the popularity of Bridal Veil Falls. 92. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Assuming you have a car, plan to make the 20-minute drive up to Alta Lakes at some point during your time in Telluride. See box canyon views on this hike that overlooks Telluride. Get our Ultimate Colorado Road Tip Itinerary right here! What is there to do in Telluride, you ask? There are 4 hikes that start right from downtown. Mountain Village is situated at the base of the mountains and has everything from hotels, restaurants, shopping outlets and to top it off, offers easy access to the slopes and trails in and around Telluride. Giddy Up with Horseback Riding in Telluride, 9. Hike alongside locals to this cascading waterfall. Whether youre looking for a strenuous hike to reach the top of a summit or something a little casual to walk with friends or the family, there is a hike for everyone. But one town in the Centennial State could be deemed the most unique in all the land. If you like your art to move and talk, then you've undoubtedly heard of the Telluride Film Festival. Explore Ouray. An organic, local outdoor market located right in the heart of downtown can be none other than the Telluride Farmers Market. There are so many great adventures and beautiful nature to explore within a few hours drive of Telluride such as: Drive the Million Dollar Highway. With its breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and its small-town feel, it's no wonder visitors from all over the world flock to this hidden gem. Be sure to check out our Road Trip Essentials packing list. Telluride Historic District Vacations. What's the best time of year to visit Colorado? Located on the third switchback, a drive to Bridal Veil Falls gives you a taste of Black Bear Pass. Whether you decide to stay in Telluride or Mountain Village, below are just a few place for you to consider. At 365-feet, this is Colorado's highest free-falling waterfall, and though I have to say that the flow from the waterfall on our most recent trip wasn't as amazing as it has been in the past, it is still a must-visit spot. More Fun Things To Do Near Telluride in October. Ski the 120 Slopes of Tellurides Ski Resort, 12. In Mountain Village, youll find another outdoor rink at the luxurious Madeline Hotel. This is a very popular area among campers and hikers who like to get outside and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and those who enjoy getting out there on horses. Telluride is a ski town, and probably a very different experience in the winter tourist season. Chris F. Box Elder, SD. Telluride Angler is a great fly shop offering guided services to fly fisherman and women who are looking to get a superb trout catch. Hikers pass through the historic town, taking in the charming residences and venturing out to the Pandora Mill, a retired mining site. Priest Lake, Trout Lake, and Mountain Village also offer groomed terrain with spectacular views. This festival was happening during our most recent visit and is what almost caused us to have to sleep in a car as lodging is extremely scarce in Telluride during festival weekends. Several past museumgoers also raved about the property's friendly staff and convenient location in downtown Telluride, although one traveler cautioned that the attraction's second floor exhibits are not wheelchair accessible. Uniquely, the festival keeps the specific films a secret until opening day. Im a Colorado local and in this guide, I break down the best things to do in Telluride, regardless of the season. What are your favorite things to do in Telluride, Colorado? I don't know how my grandparents first stumbled upon the small and relatively remote town of Telluride, but I know that for more than a half-century, our family has been drawn to this Southwest Colorado destination that is 45-minutes from the nearest town with a stoplight. Four of Tellurides most popular festivals occur during these seasons. Here are some the must-do hikes in Telluride: Bridal Veil Falls - Taking the trail to the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state is one of the best hikes in Colorado. But by July, accessing Telluride isnt as difficult, making for one of the best Colorado road trips. Last Dollar Saloon. After you leas Telluride, there are loads of amazing nearby places for you to explore. Historic Walking Areas. Cultural events range from live music to lectures, theater acts, and movie screenings. Nearby, Alta Lakes provides plenty of outdoor recreation. Whatever they want to call their cuisine, most importantly, know that Siam is absolutely out-of-this-world good. Warm up with fresh coffee and creamy cocoa, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 729-8912 | Website | Hours: 7 am 5 pm daily. Love Craft Beer? If youre a beginner, check out Telluride Ski School located on-site. Telluride definetly leans to the more expensive side of things. If you're wondering which small towns are the best to visit, the following will give you a great start: Breckenridge, Leadville, Crested Butte, Lyons, Snowmass Village, Fruita, Rifle, Nederland, Salida, Ridgway, Crestone, Pagosa Springs, and Creede. Each of which are located about 30 minutes from town. Pottery & Provisions: Ramen Bowls & Tonkotsu Ramen -- Ceramics Portion. Elevation Gain: 826 feet. If you are visiting during the winter months, skiing and snowboarding should definitely be on your list! 117. Cycle your way through courses for all skill levels, Google Maps | Phone: (970) 728-7517 | Website | Hours: 9 am 5 pm Friday Wednesday, 9 am 6 pm Thursday | Entrance: $60 lift ticket, free in other areas. Its easy to spend a day shopping and walking up and down the few streets that make up the downtown area. Fortunately, there are several striking sights along the way, perfect for water breaks and quick rests. I've mentioned that Telluride is remote, but allow me to emphasize just how remote it can be. The Telluride Mountain Village Gondola is first on our list of fun things to do on a rainy day, offering a totally different experience when the clouds release their watery burdens. Hiking Trails Waterfalls. Downtown festivities occur, trails are dry, and whitewater rafting tours are better suited for all skill levels. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? Plus, riders say that the gondola is clean and well-maintained, making it a reliable way to get around. Hike to natural springs or soak in a luxurious resort, Google Maps | Phone: (877) 288-9922 | Website | Book Dunton Hot Springs on Hotels.com. Marvel at the tallest waterfall in Colorado, Google Maps | Browse Telluride Tours on Viator. Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business. You can also an Epic four- or seven-day pass to ski at Telluride. A much more closer option is to fly into Montrose. Nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by majestic 14,000-foot peaks, Telluride offers breathtaking views at all turns. Warm up with a visit to The Coffee Cowboy, located in the gondola plaza. Travelers love. The sweet, little shack serves up all kinds of tasty beverages. When you get back on the gondola, you can head down the other side to Mountain Village. Connecting Telluride to Mountain Village, this free gondola ride is one of the best things to do in Telluride year-round. It's a short 1.8-mile moderate hike to the trail head up there next to that large white building you see in this photo. There are some incredible summer activities in Telluride. The gondola shuttles visitors between Telluride and Mountain Village, allowing for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains from an altitude of 10,500 feet.