10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Telluride That You Shouldn't Miss

September 17, 2021 Rebbecca Marino

Nestled in the towering San Juans, Telluride offers visitors abundant trout fishing and hiking opportunities in summer, plus downhill and cross country skiing in winter. One of the world's most beautiful ski resorts, this former gold rush town has been popular with skiers since the '70s. Walk, catch free shuttles or soar to 9500 feet on the Mountain Village gondola. Appreciate the area's history and beauty at Telluride Historical Museum and Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's longest free falling falls.
Restaurants in Telluride

1. Blue Lakes Trail

Blue Lake Road, Telluride, CO 81435
Excellent
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Good
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5.0 based on 44 reviews

Blue Lakes Trail

A challenging and beautiful hiking trail about 10 miles out of town.

Reviewed By baoh314 - Phoenix, United States

Directions to this trail is pretty spot on with All Trails app. The hike itself was about 8 miles round trip with a lot of elevation gain hiking in. Some minor switchbacks I would say around 8 -10 total, but nothing too significant. The views along this trail is picturesques with wildlife popping up here and there. The fields of flowers and waterfalls were my highlights. The end result is the Blue Lake and we got lucky cause there were still a little bit of snow.

2. Tasting Telluride Food Tour

Excellent
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5.0 based on 36 reviews

Tasting Telluride Food Tour

A one of a kind experience - a 3 hour culinary walking tour led by Lois and Howie Stern, Telluride locals since 1972.Between plentiful samplings, get a longtime local's view of Telluride. This culinary walking tour combines great food with great stories from chefs, owners, artisans and residents.EAT, DRINK, HAVE FUN !

3. Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 93 reviews

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours

Experience Colorado rafting on the beautiful San Miguel River just outside Telluride, Colorado and near Ouray Colorado. The winding, twisting waterway admist red rock walls and contrasting green pines will thrill you along with the constant class II "splashes" and class III "wet and fun" rapids! Don't miss the highlight of your Southwest trip!

4. Sneffels Highline Trail

Telluride, CO https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=32452&ttype=recarea&pname=Sneffels%20Highline%20
Excellent
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5.0 based on 28 reviews

Sneffels Highline Trail

Rated as difficult and requiring experience with altitude, this scenic 13-mile hiking trail skirts the perimeter of the Sneffels Wilderness, with a 3,600 foot elevation change.

5. Bear Creek Falls

Bear Creek Falls Trail, Telluride, CO 81435 http://www.visittelluride.com/activity/bear-creek-trail
Excellent
80%
Good
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5.0 based on 406 reviews

Bear Creek Falls

Scenic waterfalls that tumble down into Telluride's box canyon in the San Juan Mountains.

Reviewed By wgm51 - Albuquerque, United States

This is a relatively easy trail - about 2.5 miles to the Falls starting at the end of S. Pine Street. The trail does climb most of the way but is not steep until very near the Falls. It is a beautiful hike and you can walk right up to the base of the Falls at the end. Go early to avoid the crowds since this trail is very popular.

6. Telluride Mountain Village Gondola

455 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride, CO 81435-9459 +1 877-358-7122 [email protected] http://www.visittelluride.com/telluride-gondola
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,916 reviews

Telluride Mountain Village Gondola

One of the most unique forms of public transportation connects Mountain Village to Telluride offering stunning 360-degree views of the San Juan Mountains that extend as far away as Utah. The gondola, the first and only free public transportation of its kind in the United States opened in 1996 and was initially built to help improve air quality while expanding the ski area. It is entirely free to commuters and sightseers. Since then, it has become a popular attraction for residents and visitors alike, giving them a stunning ride that caps out at 10,540 feet above sea level. Approximately 3 million passenger rides annually – and safely – and more than 50 million passenger trips have been provided since opening day. The gondola operates roughly 287 days each year with routine maintenance scheduled during our shoulder season months. It takes about 12 minutes to get from the Town of Telluride to Mountain Village Village. It takes 3 minutes from Mountain Village Center to Market Plaza.

Reviewed By BestTravelsNow - Hereford, United States

Terrific way to get up and own the mountain for various activities. Whether going mid-mountain for coffee or all the way down for Telluride activities. Stayed at the top at Mountain Lodge and this was a terrific mode of transportation during our weeklong stay. Whether going out for drinks, food or hiking.

7. Black Bear Pass

Forest Service Road 648, Telluride, CO http://www.visittelluride.com/things-to-do/trails-huts/black-bear-pass
Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 64 reviews

Black Bear Pass

Reviewed By VAtraveller17

We took a tour with Telluride Outfitters. Roger was our driver. He was great. Black Bear is a one way pass, so we started out and went over Ophir pass and then the highway to Black Bear. The views are amazing. This is an off-road jeep ride that is rated as advanced. Once you reach the pass, you take a nice picture with the sign, if all the jeepers who are lined up with their jeeps to have their pictures taken let you cut in line - otherwise you may be there a while. The downward trip back into Telluride is very steep crossing small waterfalls etc.. Great view of Bridal Veil Falls - which you go right past. This an Imogen Pass are the 2 must do jeep rides in Telluride or Ouray.

8. Telluride Offroad Adventures

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5.0 based on 143 reviews

Telluride Offroad Adventures

Telluride Offroad Adventures is an exclusive 4x4 tour company that provides scenic/historic tours into the high country surrounding Telluride, Colorado. Explore; Ghost Towns, Freefalling Waterfalls, Towering Peaks, Wildflower-Filled Alpine Basins, and Majestic Wildlife on our daily tours. We offer free pick up and drop off at your hotel or residence. (No need to come to us). We use only the best 4x4's for our tours, Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers! Come on out and see why we are known as the local's favorite!

9. Christy Sports Ski and Snowboard

565 Mountain Village Blvd Heritage Square, Telluride, CO 81435-9521 +1 970-728-1334 [email protected] http://rental.christysports.com/store_locations.php?Store=Christy-Sports-Telluride-Main-location-Mtn.-Village
Excellent
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Christy Sports Ski and Snowboard

We are located in the Mountain Village Heritage Plaza and offer a variety of ski rental packages from sport to demo equipment so that we can match your gear to your ability level. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is sure to help you find exactly what you need to make your ski experience unforgettable. Need some new apparel? Stop in and check out a wide assortment of outerwear options from the top brands in the industry.

Reviewed By wheaton1022 - Denver, United States

Excellent service from all who worked there especially from John. He has a great knowledge base when is comes to matching a person with the perfect ski. The prices are very reasonable. The Heritage Square location is provides perfect access to the main ticket window and Lift Four. The shop itself has winter attire for purchase at very reasonable prices just in case you forgot anything. Look here first if you ever want to Demo top of the line skis AND experience top of the line service.

10. Ophir Pass Trail

Fr 630, Telluride, CO https://www.telluride.com/play/activities/ophir-pass/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 63 reviews

Ophir Pass Trail

Reviewed By AutumnLP - East Peoria, United States

It's not nothing. We drive this pass to earn our first jeep badge however we were not prepared for the terrain because people say how easy it is. It was exciting and terrifying for those afraid of heights.

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