Telluride is my absolute favorite mountain town in Colorado. I've never been to the Swiss Alps before, but I imagine that the San Juan Mountain Range in Southwest Colorado is a good indication of what those high peaks look like! The relaxed atmosphere of Telluride, stunning mountain views, and endless trails are just a few reasons why the 6+ hour drive from the Denver/Boulder area is in my opinion, completely worth it :) After a fun long weekend playing in the mountains I'm typically excited to return to Boulder and get back into my home routine, but every time I leave this magical mountain town I am so bummed and already start planning on the next visit!
Hiking Recommendations
Lower, Middle & Upper Blue Lake Trail
Difficulty Level: Hard
Distance: 8.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2,509 ft
This is a classic bucket list Colorado hike in my opinion! The trail is located in Ridgway, CO about an hour and 15 minutes away from Telluride and 100% worth the drive. This trail is easy to follow, well maintained and certainly steep. First you will arrive at Lower Blue Lake (the most stunning lake IMO). Make sure to hang out by the lake for a bit and soak up those views!
After taking a quick rest, head up the mountain and continue onto middle and upper blue lakes. The views from lower blue lake from above are incredible! Next you will hit Middle Lake. This lake does not have water access as you are up on a ridge looking down at it. Finally you will reach Upper Lake with water access, this is another good stop along the hike to rest before making your trek back down. Overall, a top ten Colorado hike- you just can't beat the turquoise blue high alpine lake water in the San Juan Mountains!
Hope Lake Trail
(Moderate) (6 miles RT)
Hope Lake is a 6 mile out and back trail with 1,515 ft of elevation gain and is perfect for a moderately challenging family friendly hike. The trailhead is about a 40 minute drive from downtown Telluride and is well worth the trip. Not only are the views of Hope Lake stunning at the top, but there are gorgeous vistas throughout the three mile trek up to your final destination. My favorite part about this trail is how many dogs you see heading up the lake and enjoying a high alpine swim.
I would recommend getting to the trailhead between 7-8am to grab a good parking spot and to beat the crowds. I typically start hiking earlier but on this particular morning I arrived around 9:30am on a Tuesday and wish I had gotten there sooner since the trail was already congested. The parking lot is small, however I was still able to snag a spot along the dirt road. It is also important to note that the road up to the trailhead is a bit rocky so I would recommend taking a vehicle with higher clearance to avoid getting stuck.
Sneffels Highline and Deep Creek Loop
(Difficult) (14.3 miles RT)
My favorite part about this hike aside from the views is that the trailhead leaves right from downtown Telluride so there is no need to rush to snag a parking spot early in the morning! This hike is a tough one, there is an elevation gain of 3,986 ft throughout the 14.3 mile loop and a bit of scrambling at the ridge's highpoint. I would only recommend this trail to advanced hikers who are acclimated with the elevation. When I completed this hike a few years back it was my first hike of the season (would not recommend doing this) and I was VERY sore.
It is crazy to think this trail leaves right from downtown because once you get further into the forest it feels like you are on another planet. The aspen and pine tree views at the bottom and 360 degree mountain peak views at the top are stunning. Throughout the entire hike during a 4th of July weekend I only encountered a handful of other groups and the trail was very peaceful. This hike is also known to be utilized for running, backpacking and camping so your options are endless on Sneffels Highline!
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
(Moderate) (2 miles RT)
Bridal Veil Falls is a steep but short hike, there is an elevation gain of 826 ft on the one mile trail to the top, but the hike is worth it! The 326 ft water fall is beautiful and at the top of the falls will encounter the hydroelectric power plant pictured above towering over the valley.
Bridal Veil Falls to Blue Lake
(5.7miles RT) (Moderate)
This hike begins at the top of Bridal Veil Falls and can be easily tacked onto the hike up to Bridal Veil. From the falls to the lake you will gain 1,843 ft of elevation in just under three miles. I completed this hike on an overcast day on my way out of town and the views were beautiful (although I would love to come back and experience the lake on a sunny day too!).
The trail leading up to the lake features gorgeous rivers and waterfalls along the way. Make sure to pay attention throughout the hike since the trail does split into two directions (stay left!) to keep on track for Blue Lake. Once you arrive at the lake you will see a bunch of interesting old mining equipment laying around as well. This hike is also dog friendly so in the future I'm planning on bringing my pup Breck with me so he can enjoy a swim at the top!
Please note that in order to complete this hike (and the Blue Lake one listed below) you will need a high clearance vehicle since the road up to the top is very rocky and has a few sketchy sections.
Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail
(3 miles RT) (Moderate)
This beautiful three mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,213 ft would be a go to hike of mine if I was a Telluride local! This hike is easily accessible beginning in downtown Telluride and is perfect for a quick but challenging loop trail. The views of the high peaks, downtown, and ski runs are beautiful and the trail is well marked making for a perfect solo hike or trail run.
Telluride River Trail
(4 miles RT) (Easy)
This trail is more of a nature walk than a hike, with only 242 ft of elevation gain over the course of four miles, and is perfect for a rest day or post hike/pre-dinner stroll. I can't count how many times I've walked on this path but it never gets old. This trail is a quick walk from downtown and follows the river up to the mountains. I love coming here after a hike and soaking my feet in the cold water to heal after a long day of adventures.
Hiking on my To-Do List for Next Time:
Bear Creek Trail
5.1 mile RT hike with 1,092 ft of elevation gain
The TR leaves from downtown Telluride
Trail features a waterfall and is rated as moderate
Ice Lake Basin
8.6 mile RT with 3,070 ft of elevation gain
1.5-2 hour ride from Downtown Telluride to the TR depending on which route you take (if you are staying in Ouray/Silverton, the TR would be much quicker to get to)
Lower, Middle and Upper Blue Lakes
8.7 miles out and back with 2,509 ft of elevation gain, passing three lakes
Trail leaves from Ridgeway, Colorado and is a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from downtown Telluride
Additional Activities in Telluride:
Take the Main Gondola Up from the Historic Town of Telluride to the Resort Town of Mountain Village
Telluride is unique in the sense that their downtown (Telluride) and ski town (Mountain Village) are in two separate locations and although you can drive the seven mile distance in your car from point A to point B it is encouraged to take the 13 minute gondola ride instead. The best part about Telluride's gondola system is that it is FREE!
I've ridden on many gondolas in Colorado but this one is my absolute favorite. The scenic drop from mid station to downtown (pictured left) is absolutely unreal. I've stayed in both Mountain Village and Downtown Telluride and have not once driven a car to the opposite location I was staying in. The gondola ride is especially convenient because from May 27th through October 17th it runs from 7am-midnight with extended hours on summer weekends (more info can be found HERE), making it convenient going out to restaurants and bars in the evening without worrying about getting a ride or driving back. The gondola is handicap accessible and also dog friendly truly making it so convenient for everyone!
Stroll Through Downtown Telluride and Walk Along the River Trail
Historic Telluride looks like a beautiful painting. Some of my favorite days spent here have involved waking up, grabbing coffee, going on a stroll along the river (see Telluride River Trail description above), window shopping, and grabbing a bite to eat with a glass of prosecco and a beautiful view.
Drive to Ouray via Million Dollar Highway
The section of the highway that the Million Dollar Highway is know for stretches 25 miles and takes about approximately 45 minutes to complete. It is referred to as one of the most beautiful drives in America and climbs over several mountain peaks. Make sure to have a driver who is comfortable with mountain roads, limited guardrails, and rocky terrain!
Where I've Stayed:
Telluride Mountain Lodge
On my most recent trip to Telluride I stayed at the Telluride Mountain Lodge and loved it! The views from the lodge are incredible, the suites are spacious and the rooms are dog friendly. Although the restaurant and pool were closed due to COVID when I last traveled there (Summer of 2020) it just makes me want to return and experience the property again now that it is fully opened!
The lodge is a quick five minute walk from downtown Mountain Village. However, you can also walk a minute down the road in the opposite direction to the Mountain Village Market & Parking Station and take the Village Station Gondola to Mountain Village instead. The quick 1-minute gondola ride is beautiful can be very beneficial during ski season or if you are in a rush, otherwise, the walking trail from point A to point B is beautiful and is what I took the majority of our trip to access Mountain Village.
Latitude 38 Vacation Rentals (Via AirBnb)
Typically when I book through Vrbo or AirBnB I always try to book through a property management company. When I read through reviews of Latitude 38 Vacation Rentals (a local Telluride company) I knew I wanted to book our Air BnB through them. They had an agent meet us at the property to assist us with check in, hand us some local goodies and a welcome folder with plenty of information. They were also always available if I had any questions about Telluride or their rental property during my stay.
Latitude 38 has a bunch of properties throughout Telluride and I was obsessed with our particular spot. It had an adorable one bed one bath condo located on the top of the Patagonia shop in downtown Telluride. The views off the balcony were beautiful and the location was tough to beat! It was also right next to Baked in Telluride which I took FULL advantage of. :)
Restaurant Recommendations:
Mountain Village & On Mountain Dining
Allred's Restaurant
If you are looking for a delicious meal with an incredible view look no further than Allred's (pictured above)! This restaurant is located on Telluride Mountain and in order to access it you will need to take the main gondola (from either Telluride or Mountain Village) and exit at the San Sophia mid station halfway through the ride. While I had a fantastic dinner at the main restaurant here, if you are looking for a more casual experience, Allred's has a beautiful bar off of the main dining room with first come first serve seating. Just make sure to get there well in advance (since the bar is smaller) to snag a hightop up against the window!
The Village Table
A cozy Mediterranean/Spanish restaurant that features tapas/small plates. If you are dining here, I recommend ordering a bunch of tapas versus full dinner meals to try a little bit of everything! This restaurant is located in Mountain Village and has beautiful views of the downtown.
Siam Talay Grille
Casual Thai restaurant in Mountain Village. Their food can be ordered as takeout or enjoyed on their patio situated underneath the gondola with beautiful mountain views.
Poachers Pub
Casual pub (pictured above) in Mountain Village. I would recommend this place for a lunch spot or to hit up for apres ski after a day on the slopes.
Black Iron Kitchen & Bar
This restaurant is located at the Madeline Hotel & Residences in the heart of Mountain Village. The covered patio features fire pits, outdoor heaters, and mountain views (pictured on the top left photo). This spot is perfect for a group dinner or a date night.
Track's Cafe & Bar
Great bar at the base of the main gondola in Mountain Village (pictured in the top right photo). Like Poacher's Pub, I would also recommend this spot for a casual lunch or apres ski!
Telluride Coffee Company
Delicious order at the counter brunch spot with strong coffee and excellent burritos.
Downtown Telluride Dining
Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery
Located close to the main gondola in downtown Telluride, this bar is a popular one. There is almost always a wait to get in since you can't make reservations but it is absolutely worth the wait! The burgers are as amazing as their craft cocktails (pictured right).
New Sheridan Bar
This bar is located in the historic New Sheridan Hotel downtown and the rooftop has epic mountain views (pictured left). I would recommend this spot for happy hour or grabbing a light dinner and watching the sunset.
Baked in Telluride
We rented an AirBnB across this location and it was dangerous! Excellent order at the counter breakfast and lunch spot with incredible baked goods. Perfect spot to hit up after a morning hike!
Rustico Restaurante
Yummy Italian restaurant! I would recommend eating on their outside patio that has plenty of outdoor heaters. They even provide cozy blankets for their guests and the views are the mountains are beautiful.
La Cocina De Luz
Casual order at the counter restaurant downtown with great Mexican food and margaritas. Another good spot to hit up and refuel after a hike!
Restaurants on my To-Do List for Next Time:
Altezza at the Peaks (Located at the Three Peaks Resort)
The View (Located in Telluride Mountain Lodge)
There (Cocktail Bar Located in Downtown Telluride)
That concludes the Telluride Travel Guide! What are you most looking forward to when you visit Telluride next? Drop a comment below!
Happy Travels!
-Casey
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