Our 9 Best Things To Do in Telluride, Colorado

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a mountain town where the air is thin, the views are unreal, and the property prices could make a tech billionaire blush, welcome to Telluride, Colorado. Nestled in a box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a paradoxical blend of rugged outdoor adventure and high-end luxury.

It’s the kind of place where you can hike a 13,000-foot peak in the morning and attend a world-class music festival by afternoon—all while questioning why you ever settled for less in life.

A Brief History and Stats About Telluride

Founded in 1878 as a silver mining camp, Telluride has a storied past replete with tales of boom and bust, outlaw escapades, and a transformation into a premier ski destination. This is the town where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank in 1889, making off with $24,000—a sum that might cover a month’s rent here today.

Perched at an elevation of 8,750 feet (2,667 meters), Telluride is home to around 2,500 residents who have either mastered the art of living at altitude or are too enchanted by the scenery to care about oxygen levels.

Summers are mild, with temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C), making it perfect for outdoor activities that require less layering and more sunscreen. Winters are a snow enthusiast’s dream (or a tropical lover’s nightmare), with temperatures dropping to 5°F (-15°C) and annual snowfall averaging 167 inches.

PRO TIP: The 7 Most Dangerous Creatures in Telluride, Colorado

1. Hike: Bear Creek Trail

Address: South end of Pine Street, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Free
Distance from Downtown: Starts in downtown

We kicked off our Telluride escapade with the Bear Creek Trail, conveniently starting right in town—because who wants to drive when you can walk and pretend you’re a local? The trail is a moderate 2.5 miles one-way, leading you through lush forests and meadows before rewarding your efforts with the stunning Bear Creek Falls.

The hike is accessible for most fitness levels, assuming you’re okay with your lungs reminding you that you’re at high altitude. Along the way, we encountered fellow hikers, overly friendly chipmunks, and views that could make a smartphone photographer feel like Ansel Adams. Upon reaching the falls, we took a moment to bask in the misty air and congratulate ourselves on actually completing a hike we started.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Scenery: 5/5
Difficulty: 3/5
Accessibility: 5/5
Overall Vibe: 5/5

2. Restaurant: Allred’s Restaurant

Address: Station St. Sophia, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Entrées from $30 to $50
Distance from Downtown: Gondola ride away (approximately 1 mile uphill)

Perched at a casual 10,551 feet, Allred’s Restaurant is accessible via a free gondola ride—which doubles as an appetizer of breathtaking views before you even glance at the menu. The establishment exudes mountain elegance, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re dining in the sky.

I indulged in the Elk Tenderloin, cooked to a level of perfection that made me momentarily forget about the price tag. My dining partner opted for the Pan-Seared Scallops, which were so delicately prepared they practically dissolved upon contact.

The service was impeccable, striking that fine balance between attentive and intrusive. As we sipped on our expertly paired wines, we couldn’t help but feel we were living someone else’s life—someone much wealthier.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Food Quality: 5/5
Ambience: 5/5
Price-to-Satisfaction Ratio: 4/5
Overall Vibe: 4.5/5

3. Brewery: Telluride Brewing Company

Address: 156 Society Dr, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Pints around $6
Distance from Downtown: Approximately 3 miles west

To balance out our high-end dining, we ventured to Telluride Brewing Company—a no-nonsense brewery located in an industrial park that offers zero pretense and 100% quality. The taproom is intimate, fostering a communal atmosphere where locals and visitors alike bond over craft beer and tales of mountain exploits.

We sampled the “Fishwater Double IPA” and “Tempter IPA,” both of which reaffirmed our belief that beer tastes better at altitude. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and didn’t bat an eye when we asked for recommendations like the indecisive tourists we are. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, relax, and momentarily forget that you can’t afford most of the real estate in town.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Beer Quality: 5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Hipster Quotient: 3/5
Overall Vibe: 4/5

4. Luxurious Activity: Spa at The Peaks Resort

Address: 136 Country Club Dr, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Treatments from $150+
Distance from Downtown: Approximately 2 miles via gondola to Mountain Village

After pretending to be rugged outdoorsy types, we decided we deserved some pampering at the Spa at The Peaks Resort. The facility is a sanctuary of relaxation, offering treatments that range from the traditional to the borderline mystical.

I opted for a hot stone massage that melted away knots I didn’t know I had, while my wife chose a detoxifying body wrap that left her skin glowing and her skepticism slightly reduced. The spa amenities include a sauna, steam room, and an indoor/outdoor heated pool with mountain views that could make a monk feel indulgent.

Yes, it’s pricey, but can you really put a price on temporary escape from reality? Apparently, yes, and it’s around $150 in the low range.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Relaxation Factor: 5/5
Facilities: 5/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
Overall Vibe: 4.5/5

5. Outdoor Sport: Skiing at Telluride Ski Resort

Address: 565 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Lift tickets starting at $139
Distance from Downtown: Accessible via gondola (approximately 2 miles)

In winter, the Telluride Ski Resort is the town’s highlight. With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, it’s a playground for everyone from novices to experts who make the rest of us look like flailing toddlers.

We rented equipment and hit the slopes, sticking mostly to the intermediate runs because we’re adventurous but not insane. The snow conditions were impeccable, and the lift lines were surprisingly manageable—perhaps because everyone else was on the double black diamonds or sipping hot cocoa in the lodge.

By day’s end, our legs were protesting, but our spirits were high, buoyed by the adrenaline and stunning alpine vistas.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Adventure Factor: 5/5
Facilities: 5/5
Crowd Density: 3/5
Overall Vibe: 4.5/5

6. Learning Activity: Telluride Historical Museum

Address: 201 W Gregory Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Admission $9
Distance from Downtown: Short walk (about 0.2 miles uphill)

To infuse some culture into our trip, we visited the Telluride Historical Museum, located in a restored 1896 hospital building. The uphill trek to the museum entrance served as a reminder that in Telluride, even educational pursuits require physical effort.

The museum offers a compact but rich collection of exhibits detailing the town’s mining heritage, indigenous cultures, and the transition to a ski mecca. We found the section on the 1970s counterculture movement particularly fascinating—apparently, Telluride was a hotspot for hippies before they became hipsters. It’s a small investment of time and money that yields a deeper appreciation for the town’s multifaceted history.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Educational Value: 5/5
Ambience: 4/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Overall Vibe: 4.5/5

7. Music Event: Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Address: Telluride Town Park, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Tickets from $90 per day
Distance from Downtown: Walking distance

Timing our visit with the annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival was either a stroke of genius or sheer luck—I’ll let you decide. Held every September in Telluride Town Park, the festival is a three-day extravaganza of live music, craft beer, and a community vibe that’s as warm as the daytime sun (which, at this altitude, is surprisingly intense).

We purchased single-day passes and immersed ourselves in a lineup that included both legendary acts and up-and-coming artists. The beer tent featured over 50 microbreweries, turning the event into a veritable playground for craft beer enthusiasts. The combination of soulful music, crisp mountain air, and a collective sense of joy made for an unforgettable experience. Just remember to hydrate—altitude and alcohol are a potent mix.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Entertainment Value: 5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Crowd Energy: 5/5
Overall Vibe: 5/5

8. Outlandish Activity: Paragliding with Telluride Paragliding

Address: 568 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Tandem flights starting at $275
Distance from Downtown: Meeting point in Mountain Village (via gondola)

In a moment of either bravery or temporary insanity, we decided to take to the skies with Telluride Paragliding. After a safety briefing that was both reassuring and slightly alarming, we were harnessed up with our experienced pilots.

Launching from a slope at over 12,000 feet, we soared above the valley, taking in views that no panoramic photo can truly capture. The sensation of flying—really flying—is both exhilarating and humbling. It’s the kind of experience that makes you reevaluate your place in the world, at least until you land safely and start planning your next meal.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Thrill Factor: 5/5
Scenery: 5/5
Fear-to-Fun Ratio: 4/5
Overall Vibe: 5/5

9. Off-Road Activity: Jeep Tour to Imogene Pass

Address: 456 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride, CO 81435
Price: Tours starting at $100 per person
Distance from Downtown: Tours depart from downtown

For a dose of rugged adventure without the exertion of hiking, we joined a Jeep tour to Imogene Pass, the second-highest drivable pass in Colorado at 13,114 feet. Our driver was a seasoned pro, adept at navigating the narrow, rocky trails that would make a city driver’s knuckles turn white.

The journey offered a blend of natural beauty and historical insight, passing by old mining sites and offering glimpses into Telluride’s past. The summit provided a 360-degree panorama of the San Juan Mountains that was both awe-inspiring and a bit chilly—layers are your friend here. The ride was bumpy but worth every jolt.

Telluride Vibe Scale Rating:

Adventure Factor: 5/5
Scenery: 5/5
Comfort Level: 3/5
Overall Vibe: 4.5/5

Backcountry jeep travels up a rocky path to Imogene Pass, Ouray

Bonus: Perfect Day Trip from Telluride—Ouray, Colorado

Address: Ouray, CO 81427
Price: Variable depending on activities
Distance from Telluride: Approximately 50 miles north

Dubbed the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a charming town nestled in a valley surrounded by towering peaks. The drive from Telluride is an adventure in itself, taking about an hour and a half via the scenic San Juan Skyway.

In Ouray, we indulged in the natural hot springs, which are less commercialized than those in other resort towns. We also explored Box Canyon Falls Park, where a short hike leads you to a dramatic waterfall in a narrow canyon. The town’s Victorian architecture adds to its allure, making it a perfect complement to the Telluride experience.

Our Ideal 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Alpine Immersion

Morning: Hike Bear Creek Trail
Afternoon: Lunch in town, visit Telluride Historical Museum
Evening: Attend the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival (season permitting)

Day 2: Adventure and Indulgence

Morning: Paragliding with Telluride Paragliding
Afternoon: Relax at the Spa at The Peaks Resort
Evening: Dinner at Allred’s Restaurant, ride the gondola at sunset

Day 3: Rugged Exploration

Morning: Off-road Jeep Tour to Imogene Pass
Afternoon: Visit Telluride Brewing Company
Evening: Casual stroll through town, perhaps catch a live music performance if the festival is ongoing

Telluride is a Blast, But Tough on the Wallet

Telluride is a destination that defies simple categorization. It’s both a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a playground for those seeking luxury, all set against a backdrop that could make a screensaver weep with envy.

Whether you’re soaring above the peaks, learning the town’s rich history, or simply soaking in the alpine atmosphere, Telluride offers experiences that are as unforgettable as they are diverse.