Telluride, Colorado

Telluride, Colorado, is a world-renowned destination thanks to the annual Telluride Film Festival and Bluegrass Festival. While the town offers modern amenities, it still preserves its frontier-era architecture and rustic character, providing a perfect escape from the contemporary world. Most excitingly, Telluride also boasts unbelievable scenic beauty, year-round skiing options, and extensive hiking trails, making it an essential place to visit.

For more information on things to do in Telluride, consult our guide below.

Population: Approximately 2,525

Elevation: 8,750 feet (town); 12,000 to 14,000 feet (mountain summits)

Average Annual Snowfall: 300+ inches

Nearest Airports:

• Telluride Regional Airport (TEX): six miles from town (about an eight-minute drive)

• Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): 65 miles from town (about a one-hour and thirty-minute drive)

Best Times to Visit:

• Winter: Endless skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

• Summer: Festival season with great hiking trails and comfortable weather.

• Fall: There are fewer tourists, so you can have an authentic Telluride experience.

Telluride is nestled in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, making it the perfect place to get away from it all. Despite its remote location, it’s surprisingly accessible, with most travelers flying directly to Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), though there will be fewer flights once the winter weather is in full swing. If that’s the case, you can fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which offers shuttle services, so you can sit back and think about all the cool things to do in Telluride once you arrive.

Roadtrippers can drive in from the north along the CO-145 through Placerville. If you’re coming in from the south, go through Dolores. Once you arrive, you might keep the car parked for the entire visit. Telluride is a pedestrian-friendly town that offers free gondola rides that connect Telluride with Mountain Village.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Telluride Ski Resort features 2,000+ acres of terrain for all skill levels. Bring along one of our Daypacks for your mountain adventures.

• Hiking: The Bear Creek Trail, Jud Wiebe Trail, and Bridal Veil Falls offer spectacular views. Our Rover Packs provide perfect storage for your travel needs.

• Mountain Biking: Our Bike Bag keeps repair tools accessible (if you need to take a break while exploring the Valley Floor or the Mountain Village trails).

• Camping: Our Mountain Packs handle all your gear as you take in the beauty of the Alta Lakes and Woods Lake.

• Mountainfilm celebrates documentary film during a multi-day festival in May. Make sure to visit the Topo Designs’ booth to say hello!

• Telluride Food + Vine is the ultimate weekend activity for foodies and oenophiles in June.

• Telluride Yoga Festival is an event to build a better mind-body connection in June.

• Telluride Blues & Brews Festival offers music, craft beer, and activities for the kids in September.

• Telluride Historical Museum is a free attraction that allows visitors to understand the town’s mining heritage and is open year-round.

• The Bivvi Hostel pairs modern amenities with rustic charm.

• The Victorian Inn is a well-appointed home away from home.

• Element 52 is where to go for a luxury experience in the mountains.

• Snacks: Baked in Telluride for yummy quick bites.

• Breakfast: The Butcher & The Baker for hearty fare and lighter eats to start the day.

• Lunch: Counter Culture Kitchen & Catering for mouthwatering burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups.  

• Dinner: Chop House Restaurant to refuel with a meaty treat.

• Drinks: New Sheridan Bar to sip whiskey and various beers on tap in a historic setting.

Pack your Topo Designs gear and discover why visiting Telluride is so essential.