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Visit Telluride

Tucked Away in Telluride

Some places in the Southwest seem as if they’re hoarding all the views to themselves. So much of this region is full of beauty, of course, but there are certain towns where even running an errand becomes romanticized because of that golden sunset dropping behind massive, fading purple mountains—in the parking lot of a corner store. If we’re making a list of said places, Telluride is sure to secure a spot at the top. Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, every part of this town is simply stunning.

While more commonly known as a historic mining and ski town, Telluride has many things you won’t want to miss out on in the warmer months. If you’re looking for a quick getaway that makes you feel like you’re in a cinema all weekend long, Telluride is your place, and this is the perfect itinerary for that.

Friday

Check in to the Mountain Lodge Hotel

Starting off the weekend on a Friday afternoon, you’ll head to The Mountain Lodge, a luxurious resort that truly sits on top of downtown, offering cozy, yet spacious private log cabins that might tempt you to stay curled up here the whole weekend. And with an onsite award-winning restaurant, plush couches and mountain views right outside your window, we wouldn’t blame you. But there’s a lot to explore beyond your doorstep, so it’s time to head out and dive in. Although a quick nap would do just fine.

Ride the Free Gondola

You could head into town the traditional way via car. But Telluride has a more stylish way to get where you want to go, and that’s via gondola. It’s open 6:30 a.m. to midnight daily and free to use. Take a shuttle to the gondola or walk—it’s only about five minutes away from Mountain Lodge. As you glide down, the world opens up—jagged peaks, views of cascading waterfalls and the storybook town of Telluride unfolding below like a living postcard.

Rooftop Drinks at Last Dollar Saloon

Once your ride is complete, head to Last Dollar Saloon, a rooftop bar that’s about a 10-minute walk, which is a perfect way to soak in the charming town. You’ll be right in the heart of Telluride’s quaint downtown, surrounded by Aspens, red brick Victorian buildings and a lot of independent shops to see. With the San Juan Mountains rising like painted backdrops at every turn, it’s hard not to slow your pace and take it all in.

At Last Dollar Saloon—affectionately called The Buck by locals—you’ll find a Western-style “watering hole” downstairs and a lively rooftop patio upstairs. Grab a locally brewed beer, a crisp hard cider or one of their well-poured classic cocktails (the margaritas and Bloody Marys have a loyal following). On a sunny afternoon, it’s a great opportunity to claim a seat at the rooftop rail for panoramic views of the box canyon and linger into the evening as the alpenglow paints the mountains in pink and gold. Stroll along downtown, head back via gondola and get a good night’s rest, because a packed day of fun awaits in the morning.

Saturday

Breakfast at Baked in Telluride

Baked in Telluride, affectionately called BIT by locals, has an incredible selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Practically made for the morning adventurers since 1977, BIT has a grab-and-go section with several great options for a quick bite: breakfast burritos, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Plus, specialty crafted coffee for a perfect start to your day.

Bridal Veil Falls

You got a glimpse of this waterfall when riding the gondola yesterday, and next on the list is going up close to see it on a hike. Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet, is the grand finale—but the journey there is just as magical.

The roughly 2-mile trek is relatively easy, with an elevation gain of about 850 feet, winding along a gravel road carved into the mountainside. On the way up, pause to take in the two smaller cascades tumbling over moss-covered rock, surrounding your senses with mist and the sound of rushing water. Then, you’ll find yourself at the base of Bridal Veil Falls, as spray cools the air and creates rainbows on sunny days. Linger here for a picnic or even wade into the icy pools when conditions allow for an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Telluride’s wild beauty.

Eat at Brown Dog Pizza

For today’s meal, you’ll want to try Brown Dog Pizza. It’s American-style pizzas with dollops of fresh mozzarella, homemade fluffy, hot crust and plenty of toppings worth a try. A family-owned restaurant, the name pays homage to the legacy of their two chocolate labs, Phlounder and Boone, who you may spot in photos at the restaurant. And save some room for dessert here because there are a few irresistible options from the pizza cookie to a delightful mini cannoli platter.

Shopping Downtown

After you’ve had your fill, it’s worth taking an afternoon to explore downtown Telluride. There are plenty of independent stores each with its own personality. There are chic, mountain-inspired clothing shops, antique shops for clever finds you didn’t know you needed, art galleries and a cozy bookstore to wander through. Every shop feels like a slice of Telluride’s soul: thoughtful, creative and undeniably one-of-a-kind.

Stroll Along the San Miguel River

Telluride has a beautiful, easy River Trail, often called the Riverwalk, that runs along the San Miguel River. You can rent bikes at a few places right in downtown, and if it’s available, the public library offers free rentals, too. Whether you bike or stroll, you’ll be crossing charming footbridges, listening to the crunch of autumn leaves if you go in the fall and you can loop around back to downtown. If you have some energy, head out to the linked Bear Creek Falls trail. It’s another gorgeous waterfall and a moderate 2 miles of walking through shady evergreens and wildflowers before making it to the basin.

Sunday

Grab a Latte at Cowboy Coffee

Sunday is yet again filled with charm and a bit of adventure that calls for a quick breakfast to get going, and Cowboy Coffee is great for that. It’s a stationed cart near the base of the gondola, offering incredible lattes and smoothies to get fueled up for your next adventure.

Telluride Via Ferrata

Next, you’re going to see Bridal Veil Falls from a completely new perspective—on the side of the mountain. If you want to add a true adrenaline rush to your Telluride weekend, the Telluride Via Ferrata delivers. Perched high on the east end of the box canyon, this “iron road” is part hiking trail, part cliffside climbing route, where steel rungs, cables and ladders are bolted directly into the sheer rock face. Even though you’re securely clipped into a safety cable the entire way, the exposure makes you feel like a seasoned rock climber. It’s free to access but hiring a local guide is recommended for safety and navigation, especially if it’s your first time.

Eat at the Butcher & The Baker

Before you head back home, The Butcher & The Baker is a great last stop to end your charming weekend. This cozy, sunlit café and bakery is a Telluride staple, where everything is made from scratch with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The lunch menu is full of satisfying options: stacked sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, burgers and a rotisserie chicken dinner to name a few.  With a laid-back easy mountain-town atmosphere, you might want to linger just a little longer before heading out.

With every trail, café and cobblestone street, Telluride invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Plan your trip at telluride.com.

When You Go