Location: Telluride
Top Things to do in Telluride
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What to do and see in Telluride, Colorado (CO): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
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. Bear Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 406 reviews
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.
3. Colorado 145
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
Located in Telluride, Colorado, at Mountain Village. Colorado 145 Jeep Rentals is locally owned and operated, providing year-round 4x4 rentals for transportation or off-road adventures on historic trails, and scenic byways.
4. Telluride Offroad Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
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!
5. San Juan Outdoor Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Telluride's Premier Source for Mountain Adventures Based out of Telluride since 1981. We provide the industry's highest quality tours and create comfortable outdoor experiences for people of all ages and abilities. We offer Rock climbing, Ice Climbing, Hiking, Via Ferrata tours, Backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, Tecnical peak assents, camping, backpacking and much much more!
Reviewed By timothym280 - Denver, United States
Booked San Juan Outdoor Adventures as guides for a Via Ferrata trip in June of 2020. Honestly could not recommend these guys more! Chris was our guide and he really put in the extra time to explain everything from the trail to the gear (they provided) to any helpful tips along the way. We also had the added benefit of Josh (one of the owners who helped build the Via Ferrata) who tagged along with our group just to make sure the path was properly maintained and as safe as it could be. Both of these guys were very professional and extremely supportive. It really helped turn a fear of heights at the beginning of the trip into more of a cautious respect for them over time which really helped me enjoy the magnificent scenery and turned this adventure into a breathtaking experience. Well worth the price for an unforgettable afternoon! Would recommend good hiking boots/climbing shoes and or gloves in addition to the equipment they provide.
6. Mountain Trip
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 201 reviews
Mountain Trip is a premiere, professional mountain guide service operating in the rugged mountains surrounding Telluride, CO as well as in Alaska and internationally. Highly qualified guides lead guests on rock climbing excursions, scenic nature hikes, summit treks and the unique Telluride Via Ferrata during the summer, as well as ice climbing and backcountry skiing during the winter. Custom trips are available upon request. Mountain Trip is an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited guide service.
7. Telluride Horseback Adventures - Ride with Roudy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By leslievansant
We rode with Roudy and Mike on our vacation. Putting it up front, we own a farm and our own horses. From a riding perspective, for us, it wasn't as thrilling as it could be. But the scenery was breathtaking at a walk. There were people in our group who had just learned how to spell 'horse' and the ride was excellent for them as well because Roudy has very safe and reliable horses of good, kind temperament. All the horses were in good condition and seemed to enjoy their jobs. Roudy and Mike are great story tellers and make sure everyone has a good time and learns a little something.
8. Telluride Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Located at the top of N. Fir street in Telluride, Colorado the Telluride Historical Museum works to bring the regions rich history to life through engaging exhibits, insightful programming, and entertaining events. The Museum displays the regions history from it's geological formation to prehistoric times (they have dinosaur bones!), on to it's indigenous roots- housing an Anasazi blanket from between 800-900 years ago- and history of the native peoples followed by the boom and bust mine years with an incredible collection of artifacts showing what life was like during those times. They also offer a robust overview of Telluride's mining history and innovation including photos, maps, and artifacts from the local mines as well as history on the Rio Grande Southern Rail Road and it's inception as well as the first commercial use of Alternating Current (AC) electricity. Their more contemporary collections retell the founding of the ski area and popular local festivals.
Reviewed By lbes - Ohio, United States
We made an appointment per current requirement in these COVID times and were greeted with a summary of the museum’s layout and requirements for Covid-19 safety. We actually loved having an appointment because it was almost like having the place to ourselves! Very good displays and information about Telluride from the geological events that formed the area, settlement by Native Americans, early prospectors, and on to present day challenges n maintaining the historical character of this mountain town. We learned so much in under two hours in this compact museum!
9. Alta Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Bkbak - Tempe, United States
The road to Alta Lakes is not bad, although steep on the way out for a non 4x4 vehicle. We took this road in our mid-size truck and our truck tried to run away from us on the way down, even in 1st gear. That meant we had to use the brakes almost non-stop of which the brakes were smelling by the time we hit the bottom. It's beautiful forest and then a neat ghost town. We enjoyed exploring the ghost town before heading up to the lake. The ruins right next to the stream belong to a large marmot family and they are fun to watch. The lake is very pretty with a gorgeous backdrop of the craggy mountain above.
