In the depths of southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, the historic town of Telluride features some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. This former Old West mining hub is surrounded by a stark box canyon and towering peaks on all sides.
Today, it’s one of the country’s premier skiing destinations and a mecca for culture lovers who flock to its renowned annual events, such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival or Telluride Film Festival.
Inspirato members love Telluride for its incredible ski slopes, adventure activities, and excellent restaurants. They also love the Club’s Telluride luxury accommodations, which include spacious residences and chic condos at the award-winning Lumière with Inspirato property, located next to the slopes in neighboring Mountain Village.
The residence couldn’t have been any nicer. The entire staff was so friendly and accommodating. The views of the mountain were amazing. First time to Telluride and the entire family fell in love. Will absolutely visit again.
Check out some of our favorite restaurants, sights, and things to do in Telluride and the surrounding area. Get excited for your customized itinerary in one of Inspirato’s hundreds of travel destinations around the globe.
Outdoor Recreation in Telluride, CO
Hit the Slopes
With more than 2,000 skiable acres, 148 trails, and 309 inches of average annual snowfall, skiing in Telluride is truly world-class. The mountain’s vertical drop is 4,425 feet and the longest run is Galloping Goose, coming in at 4.6 miles. With the incredibly varied ski terrain—ranging from accessible to expert—and short lift lines, this makes for the perfect ski vacation destination.
Ride the Gondola
Telluride is connected via gondola to Mountain Village. The gondola is free; it takes only 13 minutes and is the only transportation between two towns of this kind in the United States. Ride it again and again for breathtaking 360-degree views, especially with radiating hues of orange and red during the sunset alpenglow.
Take a Hike
Telluride hiking almost gives its ski culture a run for its money. The San Juan mountains have something for everyone; Bridal Veil Falls, Ajax Peak, Alta Lake, Ballard Boardinghouse, and Basin Trail are nearby hikes varying in both length and ability. Grab a trail map (or get directions from your concierge) and get exploring.
Have an Adventure
Telluride is teeming with plenty of activities that will get your adrenaline pumping. Soar above town in a glider, see native wildlife on a snowmobile or dog sled tour, try some of the country’s best fly fishing, or visit Southwest Colorado’s famous ghost towns on a four-wheeling excursion.
Dining in Telluride, CO
Family
Small-town pizzeria, Brown Dog, is a must-stop in Telluride. According to the judges at the 2015 Pizza World Championships in Italy, this spot offers the world’s best pizza. The restaurant serves plenty of pie varieties, ranging from classic American to Detroit-style, and beyond—gluten-free included!
Romantic
Called “North America’s highest fine-dining experience,” Alpino Vino is a secluded Italian restaurant sitting at 11,966 feet. This quaint European eatery is only accessible via ski lift during the day, and by a gondola ride/snow coach by night. Chef Nicola Peccedis hails from the Italian Alps and serves fare reminiscent of that European region, with a five-course dinner menu and optional wine pairing.
Fine Dining
Perched high up on a mountain, Allred’s Restaurant treats you to fine food and views. Feast on modern American fare that highlights Colorado-sourced ingredients—including lamb, elk, and pork. To get to Allred’s, take the free gondola to St. Sophia Station and then follow the signs pointing you to the restaurant.
Local
A Telluride staple for more than 40 years, Floradora Saloon is a local landmark. The menu is full of hearty, classic American dishes prepared with a creative flair. In the summer, try to nab a seat on the small patio in front for great people-watching and views of the mountains.
Cultural Attractions in Telluride, CO
Mesa Verde
Explore Mesa Verde National Park, an ancient city preserved in time in southwest Colorado, about a two-hour drive from Telluride. The site is one of the best preserved in the U.S. and was once the home of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived there from 600 to 1300 CE. Take an up-close, guided tour of one of the more than 4,700 archaeological sites across the park like the famous Cliff Palace, pictured above.
Telluride Historical Museum
Learn the unique history of Telluride at the town’s historical museum, offering exhibits on the area’s native peoples, the mining community of the late 1800s, and the mysterious Telluride Blanket—which is the only fully intact example of a twill fabric from the Ancestral Pueblos. Stunningly well-preserved, this blanket is carbon dated to have been woven between 1041 and 1272 CE.
Million Dollar Highway
Running from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado, this breathtaking drive—officially called U.S. Route 550—twines through the San Juans, opening to multiple vistas and climbing three significant mountain passes along the way. Historic mining towns, Ouray and Silverton, are noteworthy stopovers. We highly recommend this drive in the warmer months; chains and dangerous driving conditions are a reality in the winter.
Dunton Hot Springs
Your dream Telluride hot springs retreat awaits at the serene and secluded Dunton Hot Springs. Tucked into the San Juans, just a two-hour drive from Telluride, this unique Inspirato Collection hotel boasts cabins, a bathhouse, and chapel—all of which are restorations or authentic recreations of the original cabins that miners previously lived in.
Choose to relax in multiple outdoor springs or unwind within the 19th-century bath house itself. Dunton Hot Springs proves to be the perfect hot springs near Telluride for your next mountain retreat.
Places to Stay in Telluride, CO
Marmot Ridge
Offering sweeping views of the San Juans, Marmot Ridge is a roomy option when traveling with a large group—it comfortably sleeps up to 12. The home’s Mountain Village location provides ski-in, ski-out access; be sure to warm up in the outdoor hot tub.
Lumière with Inspirato
Perched at 9,540 feet, Lumière with Inspirato also offers ski-in, ski-out access in Mountain Village, just steps from restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. And after hitting the slopes, unwind with an après-ski beverage and mingle with fellow Inspirato members in the exclusive lounge, or indulge in an in-residence spa treatment.
Lynx
Boasting a colossal floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the San Juans, Lynx is one of our favorite places to stay in Telluride, CO. Located just a 5-minute drive to the gondola, get cozy after a long ski day by the massive fireplace, or in your private hot tub.
From endless outdoor activities to a variety of cultural attractions and local eats, there are plenty of things to do in Telluride, Colorado for everyone. Start dreaming up your Telluride vacation with Inspirato today.
