9 Best Things To Do in Telluride, Colorado

If you’re looking for things to do in Telluride, Colorado, you’ve come to the right place.

For the last five years, my wife and I have been traveling the USA full time in our vintage Airstream. Telluride, Colorado has been one of the most magical places we’ve visited.

The mountain backdrops and ample hiking options are right up our alley.

Telluride also has great local beer, offroading trails, tons of live music, and outdoor activities galore.

Today we’re sharing the best of what’s around.

Let’s dive in!

Ride the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola

Price: Free

Why You’ll Love It: It’s rare to find a gondola that has breathtaking views and is free. The Telluride Mountain Village Gondola consists of 2 parts and 4 stations taking you up to a panoramic view at 10,000 feet in elevation. If you don’t like heights this isn’t for you.  

Address: W San Juan Ave, Telluride, CO 81435

What’s the Word: A recent review from Google says, “Fun ride between villages! Beautiful scenery, comfy gondola, and the people who work at each station are all extremely friendly and helpful! Best part is, you can ride all day for free!”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 9.8/10

Bridal Veil Hike

Price: Free

Why You’ll Love It: When looking for a day hike in the Rocky Mountains this one should be on the top of the list. This is a 5-mile round trip hike to the beautiful Bridal Veil falls. It’s also a good workout with a 1,300 feet elevation change.

Address: Bridal Veil Creek, Telluride, CO 81435

What’s the Word: A recent review from Alltrails says, “Did this hike one afternoon during our few days in Telluride. There’s a hiking trail or option to walk up the road. The trail was totally worth the work! There are additional waterfalls that would be missed just walking up the road. It was definitely a work out but completely worth it for the views and waterfalls.”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 9.2/10

Visit the Telluride Ski Resort

Price: Starting at $180 for a two-day pass

Why You’ll Love It: The Rocky Mountains have some of the best ski resorts in the world. Telluride Ski Resort is right in the thick of it. This is a beautiful resort during the winter and summer as a place you want to visit and hit the slopes.

Address: 565 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride, CO 81435

What’s the Word: A recent review from Google says, “If I told you why I love this place it would take too long.  If you’re looking for great trails, short lines, beautiful mountain ranges, and I mean breathtakingly beautiful. Telluride is your next vacation spot!!”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 9.2/10

Shop on Main Street Telluride

Price: Free to walk around

Why You’ll Love It: If you are into cute downtowns with great shopping and food, you have to check out Main Street Telluride. It has kept the old western roots with the beautiful mountain backdrops. There are great restaurants and lots of places to shop.

Address: 150 A E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435

What’s the Word: A recent review from Google says, “Very unique and beautiful place!  Aspens will blow your mind!  Have to go back!!”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 8.8/10

Blue Lakes Trail

Price: Free

Why You’ll Love It: If you love hiking and being in the mountains you have to hike Blue Lakes Trail. This is a difficult hike but with incredible rewards. This trail is like none other with the mountains and the picture-perfect glacier lakes. It’s an 8-mile round trip hike with an elevation change of 2,500 feet.

Address: Blue Lakes Trail, Telluride, CO 81435

What’s the Word: A recent review from Alltrails says, “One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever been on! Got to the trailhead around 2pm on Friday and there was still room to park – made it to the lower lake by about 6pm and were rewarded with endless wildflowers and the most gorgeous alpine lake we’ve ever seen.”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 9.7/10

Grab a Beer at Telluride Brewing Co

Price: Starting at $6

Why You’ll Love It: If you like trying new local beers the Telluride Brewing Co won’t disappoint. It’s a fun atmosphere with good beer. There is also a patio outside that offers great views. 

Address: 156 Society Dr, Telluride, CO 81435

What’s the Word: A recent review from Google says, “Awesome small-town brewery with a big presence. Easily the best brewery in Colorado. Really cool, old school brewery where the taproom is incorporated into the brewing area. Something many breweries have lost.”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 9.6/10

Get a Bottle of Wine at Wine Mine

Price: Starting at $7

Why You’ll Love It: After a long day of playing in the Rocky Mountains it’s nice to just sit and enjoy a glass of wine. Wine Mine has a nice variety to choose from for all walks of life. The atmosphere is fun and relaxing and perfectly situated downtown.

Address: 220 S Davis St, Telluride, CO 81435

What’s the Word: A recent review from Google says, “Wine heaven! An incredible selection, with pretty much every type of wine, both cheap and expensive. A small selection of beers, mostly local and microbrews, all delicious.”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 9.6/10

Best Telluride Campground: Matterhorn Campground

Price: $15

Why You’ll Love It: The Rocky Mountains is one of the best places to go camping and Matterhorn campground lives up to it. This campground is perfectly situated for hiking and outdoor fun. The aspen trees are beautiful in the fall and all the spaces are nicely spaced out.

Pro Tip – Here’s a list of the 7 Best Campgrounds in Telluride.

Address: Priest Lake Rd, Ophir, CO 81426

What’s the Word: A recent review from Campendium says, “We loved the Matterhorn Campground! We arrived in the late fall, literally the weekend they were closing for the season. It was still beautiful out and the fall colors were outstanding!”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 9.8/10

Best Telluride Hotel: The Hotel Telluride

Price: Starting at $229

Why You’ll Love It: If you want a nice hotel to stay in the mountains you have to stay at The Hotel Telluride. The hotel provides a beautiful ambience to the mountains around you. It’s relaxing and a great place for a romantic getaway.

Address: 199 Cornet Ln, Telluride, CO 81435

What’s the Word: A recent review from Google shares, “Amazing stay! Beautiful clean rooms and wonderful service. Telluride is also one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I can’t wait for my next trip and I will surely be staying here again!”

Telluride Colorado Vibe Score: 9.7/10

Trip Routing to Telluride, Colorado

If you’re traveling with an RV, trip planning to Telluride is essential. Colorado is known for its terrifying mountain passes.

We use RV Trip Wizard to route our cross country trips.

It allows us to avoid steep passes, tolls, and tunnels – making travel day way less stressful! Try RV Trip Wizard Free for 7 Days.

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: