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Telluride is known for its world-class ski slopes, which is the main reason why people visit this alpine ski town, but it’s not the only reason to visit. Telluride Ski Resort has over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain with 309 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine, making it the perfect place to hit the slopes. If you decide to visit during spring, summer or fall, you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and go on a hike in one of the most gorgeous paths in the region such as Bear Creek and the Jud Wiebe Trail. You can also enjoy a relaxing drive along the San Juan Skyway, go on an afternoon walk in Town Park, or visit the Telluride Historical Museum. You won’t run out of things to do in this great town. Here are the 7 best things to do in Telluride:
Hitting The Telluride Slopes
One of the many things that people think about when talking about Telluride is the world-famous ski resort. It boasts 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and 148 trails for skiers of all levels. During warmer months, you could also go mountain hiking, play some golf, and whitewater rafting.
The Telluride Ski Resort opens its slopes in November and lasts up until early April so you have more than enough time to visit and hit the slopes.
1: Visiting Mountain Village
Even if you’re not a skier, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy visiting the Telluride area The Mountain Village, which is a small and cozy little town, is inside the resort. The little village is old-fashioned but full of life, lined with small shops and family-owned restaurants on cobblestone and brick streets.
Enjoy a relaxing ride on the gondola that has a breathtaking view of the surrounding area from an altitude of 10,500 feet. The gondola transports visitors for free and the journey is as good as the destination.
2: Hiking the trails
During the winter months, the ski slopes are what pulls in visitors. During the summertime, however, tourists and locals alike come to the town to explore the gorgeous hiking trails while getting in touch with nature. There are dozens of hiking paths that overlook the breathtaking natural wonders such as Bear Creek, the Alta Lakes and Bridal Veil Falls. Some of the trails even encompass historic landmarks like the Lewis Mine, an old mining structure that was built in 1910 and Tomboy, an abandoned mining town. The three most popular trails in Telluride are Bear Creek Trail for novice hikers, Bridal Veil Falls and Jud Wiebe Trail for those with more experience.
3: Town Park
During the warmer months, locals and visitors head to the Town Park on the southeast edge, where they can enjoy a relaxing stroll with scenic backdrops. The park is 36 acres, with an outdoor swimming pool, a fishing pond for kids, many different sports courts, and a Frisbee golf course. There is also a campground that hosts a lot of the festivals and events held in Telluride, like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. During wintertime, you can also enjoy winter activities such as ice skating, sledding, and skiing.
If you love camping, Town Park has a well-maintained campground where you can enjoy scenic views of the San Juan Mountains. There are also many amenities that your kids will surely love.
4: San Juan Skyway
In Telluride, the attractions aren’t the only thing you can do. For a change of pace, you can even enjoy a relaxing afternoon drive on the San Juan Skyway. The San Juan Skyway is a historic byway that has been dubbed the “road to the sky.” The Skyway is 233 miles long, includes Colorado State Highway 145, U.S. Route 550, Colorado State Highway 62 and U.S. Route 160. It goes through 11 towns and two national forests in southwestern Colorado. It was designated as an “All-American Road” by the United States Secretary of Transportation. The road has a spur and dead ends in Telluride on Highway 145.
While driving, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking scenic views of the San Juan Mountains and other gorgeous sights such as Mesa Verde National Park’s prehistoric ruins, the Anasazi Heritage Center and the Ridgway Railroad Museum.
5: Telluride Historical Museum
Located in Telluride’s former hospital, the Telluride Historical Museum has seen all of the area’s history. From the time that it was still a gold-mining town, up until the development of the world-renown Telluride Ski Resort. Visitors will be able to learn all about the region’s relationship with the Ute Native American tribe and the man who was known as “The Pathfinder of the San Juans,” Otto Mears. If you love history, visiting the Telluride Historical Museum is definitely a must.
The Telluride Historical Museum is open between Tuesday and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, with extended hours on Thursdays.
