25 things to do in Telluride [2022-2023 guide]
Tucked away high in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Telluride is an adventurer’s playground for its nearly 2,600 year-round residents and a multitude of visitors. Whether you’re in for adrenaline-pumping adventure sports, to be 1. Hit the slopes If you’re lucky enough to be in Telluride in the winter, you’ll find yourself in a powder paradise. And compared to some of Colorado’s other famous ski resorts, you’re less likely to find long lift lines and crowded amenities in this low-key town. Looking to take a day off your skis but don’t want to miss out on those awesome mountain views? Plenty more Telluride attractions await. 2. Go on a hike Telluride isn’t just a winter destination. In fact, Telluride and its surrounding landscapes are just as impressive in the warm-weather months. Endless hiking options abound, beginning with the must-see 3. Ride the gondola The only free transportation of its kind in the United States, the 4. Visit Mountain Village Mountain Village is the end stop for the gondola, making it a convenient destination to add to your itinerary. It started as a European-style ski resort and has evolved into a bustling town with shops and restaurants well worth the visit. 5. Go fly fishing Telluride has some of the country’s finest alpine streams for trout fishing. Buy a fishing license at a local sporting goods shop and you're good to hit the waterways for a day of solitude. Local guides are available for hire, helping novices learn the ropes and experienced anglers find the best spots. If you plan to visit during the winter, bring your fishing pole — fishing maintains its status as one of the top things to do in Telluride year-round because the environmental conditions for trout are even better at that time of year. 6. Take a walking tour of downtown When you’re at a loss for what to do in Telluride, a walking tour is well worth the time. With an Old West vibe that feels like something out of a movie, downtown Telluride started as a silver mining camp and is nothing if not charmingly historic. It’s just eight blocks wide and 12 blocks long, and the entire downtown seems to be miraculously pinned inside a narrow canyon. An afternoon is well spent wandering the quaint shops and restaurants of downtown Telluride. 7. Raft down the San Miguel River The rivers around Telluride are good for more than just trout fishing. Hop on a raft for a trip down the San Miguel River. Trips range from 9 ½-mile half-day trips to multi-day adventures, with family-friendly trips on the easier end up to intermediate class 3-rated adventures. Other popular rafting expeditions include the Dolores River and Colorado River. 8. Experience tandem paragliding Get a thrilling view of Telluride and the Rocky Mountains from the harness of a paraglider. Passengers must have the ability to run on takeoff and landing, making this activity accessible to people 5 and older. Some instructors even offer the option to pilot the glider yourself after teaching you the basic controls. 9. Visit the arts district Established in 1971, the 10. Rock climb at Via Ferrata Skiing isn’t the only thing Telluride’s mountains are good for. Check out climbing at 11. Drive Black Bear Pass This 8½-mile scenic drive will take you to elevations of nearly 13,000 feet. This famous road is recommended for experienced drivers in 4x4 vehicles with high clearance. Those willing to brave the hazards will get a view of the highest waterfall in Colorado at Bridal Veil Falls and have the thrill of steep switchbacks on their descent. Black Bear Pass is also accessible to hikers and bikers. 12. Ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 13. Bike the Galloping Goose Trail The 14. Go on an off-road tour Thanks to Telluride’s roots as a mining town, the area has off-road trails to remote ghost towns and alpine lakes. You can choose to rent a Jeep for a self-guided trip, or contract a guide to experience the more difficult terrain. Favorite destinations include the Smuggler-Union Mine and the Tomboy ghost town. 15. Explore the historical museum The 16. Camp in the San Juan Mountains If a hike is not enough to satisfy your outdoor appetite, camping surely will. There are multiple campgrounds in the region that offer a range of amenities. The Priest Lake Campground is free to use, allowing visitors to stay for up to seven days. The Town Park Campground has 28 vehicle sites for visitors to glamp in luxury and even hosts festivals throughout the summer for added entertainment. 17. Snowshoe Hope Lake Trail Add an extra challenge to your hike by strapping snowshoes to your feet and trekking through the fresh Telluride snow. 18. Tour the Old Hundred Gold Mine While visiting Telluride, head over to nearby Silverton to tour the Old Hundred Gold Mine from late spring through mid autumn. The guided tour goes ⅓ mile into Galena Mountain, giving visitors a sense of what it was like for miners over 100 years ago. Real mining equipment is still stored in the tunnels, with demonstrations of how they operated. Visitors can pan for precious metals for free with the price of their ticket and are allowed to keep what they find. 19. Go on a guided horseback ride Riding a horse through the mountains and meadows of the Rockies is one of the best things to do in Telluride and makes unforgettable memories. Experienced guides lead groups along winding trails to gain a unique view of the local wildlife and stunning scenery. Family-friendly tours are available so no one gets left out, and more advanced options ensure experienced riders aren’t bored. 20. Ice skate at the Madeline Hotel This 21. Take a dip in the hot springs When it’s time to take a break from the more physically demanding activities in Telluride, soak in one of the nearby hot springs. While this can be done at any time of year, it’s an especially memorable experience in the winter, when a chance snowfall can turn a relaxing dip into something magical. Certain locations also offer spa services like massages, facials and body treatments. 22. Visit Canyons of the Ancients Formerly called the Anasazi Heritage Center, 23. Enjoy spa time at The Peaks Resort 24. Grab a drink at Telluride Distilling Company This small distillery crafts a range of spirits, winning awards for its schnapps and vodka. The tasting room provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy your cocktail, with a pool table and darts for added entertainment. Patrons can also treat themselves to a dish from 25. Play golf at Telluride Ski and Golf Club This 18-hole golf course is among the highest in the world, at an elevation of 9,500 feet. Even if you don’t have time to play a full round, visiting the practice area can be satisfying, thanks to its impressive views of the area. Don’t be surprised to find your drives feel like they go farther than normal — at this elevation, the air has less resistance on the ball. For a small town, Telluride has plenty of
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