Deep within a dramatic box canyon, where the San Juan mountains pierce a crisp blue sky, the perfect little mountain town called Telluride, exists. It is an alpine masterpiece full of historic charm, victorian streets, endless adventure, and unforgettable mountain views. One day in this mountain paradise is far from enough, but with the right plan, you can get a taste and feel why Telluride is a timeless destination.
A Scenic Approach: Getting To Telluride
Reaching the secluded box canyon town of Telluride is an adventure in itself, with multiple routes offering stunning scenery. There is an airport located in Telluride that you can fly into, but I suggest road tripping in from Denver or if you’re short on time, fly into Montrose and take the gorgeous route in along the San Juan National Scenic Byway. Your soul will thank me.
The San Juan National Scenic Byway is a 233 mile loop in Colorado known for its spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains, including the Million Dollar Highway. This majestic road passes by multiple major towns, such as Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton. It even passes by a crown jewel, the Mesa Verde National Park. If that wasn’t enough, the Byway even snakes its way through the shadows of some impressive “14ers,” which are mountains that reach 14,000+ feet. In 1996, the San Juan Byway was designated as an All-American Road, which is the highest level of designation, by the US Secretary of Transportation.
Coming in to Telluride from Montrose, you will get to enjoy about 16 miles of this must-drive highway, but it is well worth it.
Entering the Box Canyon: The First Glimpse of Telluride
Approaching Telluride, especially for the first time, feels almost unreal, with a picture-perfect scene of cascades of water tumbling down the cliff sides and historic buildings lining the streets below. The road winds into the rugged San Juan Mountains, suddenly revealing the tiny mountain town tightly nestled at the bottom of a spectacular box canyon. Sheer rock faces and towering 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks encircling the valley.
This dramatic first impression leaves you with a profound sense of awe, realizing that you have stumbled upon one of Colorado’s most authentic and spectacular mountain secrets.
Where the Canyon Ends: Discovering Colorado’s Tallest Waterfall
With having only 24 hours in Telluride, you will have to pick and choose wisely the adventures you would like to embark on. One that cannot be missed, is that of the hike to Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, thundering down 365 feet.
As you enter Telluride from the west on Colorado Avenue, look up to the cliff side and see a glimpse of the falls crashing down. As tempted as you are to stop in town, keep going and follow Colorado Avenue until you reach the large parking lot for Bridal Veil Falls on the left. It can’t be missed, with three large turquoise ponds filled with mountain water runoff, marking the place. Again, look up and see the falls unspooling from the sky.
With the pavement giving way to a rugged rocky road, there are a few ways to reach the falls.
- Hike the 4-mile round trip trail, getting to see two extra impressive falls on the way.
- Drive a high clearance 4WD vehicle up the side road. Though be warned, the switchbacks and rugged terrain is no joke.
- Bike up if you’re feeling brave (and cardio blessed).
In my opinion, hiking up provides the best experience, giving views of Telluride below, framed by towering peaks and endless blue sky.
Navigating the Mountain Town
After you have chased the falls and made your way back down the mountain or the rugged road, it’s time to head back into town. Being just 12 blocks long and 8 blocks wide, the best way to get around the main core is on foot. Colorado Avenue is the little town’s main street. It offers charming pedestrian experiences filled with shops, galleries and eateries, and easy access to multiple trails and walking paths.
Even though downtown Telluride is compact and highly walkable, parking is sparse, metered, and fills up quick. I suggest getting accommodations that provide parking that way you can park your vehicle and explore the city on foot, not having to move it again until check out.
The town does provides free public bus service called the Galloping Goose for those who prefer not to walk or need to carry extra gear. This is a great, convenient option, especially since the little town is encouraged to be car-free.
Another popular and free public transportation service the town offers is the scenic Gondola that connects the historic town and the modern Mountain Village. This gondola ride is unlike any other. It is a 13 minute journey with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
”Elevated” Eats: A Taste of Telluride
After you park your vehicle and take on the town by foot, at this point, you are probably ready to eat. Telluride, may be a small town, but it’s full of culinary options for all variety of tastebuds. Whether you’re looking for fine dining to casual cafés or even a hearty pub fare with craft beer, Telluride has it all. You may even find the hidden speakeasy of the town for a late night cocktail.
On our adventures, we always try to find a pizza and beer place for our obligatory meal after a day on the trails, and we found the perfect spot in this mountain town called Brown Dog Pizza. Their menu includes award-winning pizzas from Detroit style to the classic American, their signature cheesesteak sub, and a full bar with draft bottled and canned beers, which pair nicely with a big slice of pepperoni and basil pizza!
But it’s no surprise as to why Brown Dog Pizza has some of the best pizza, as the owner attended the International School of Pizza and became part of the World Pizza Champions, and he was also featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, where he prepared the Brooklyn Bridge Pizza with Guy Ferrari…. and that’s just a few of his accomplishments. So if you are a pizza lover or just looking for a great place to eat, Brown Dog Pizza should make your list! PS: Make sure to ask for the table upstairs by the window a perfect place to relax enjoy the view and people watch.
For other adventurous tastebuds:
- Fine Dining options include: 221 South Oak, La Marmotte, Rustico Ristorante
- Casual, Moderate Priced options include: Brown Dog Pizza;) Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery, Siam, Floradora Saloon
- Budget Friendly options include: The Cornerhouse Grille, Baked in Telluride, Last Dollar Saloon
Discovering Telluride On Foot: The Best Trails Around Town
Telluride is a walking town, so it’s no surprise that it has easy access to some of the best trails around. So after you’ve had your dinner, or before, if you’re a late eater, navigate your way through town and find the trail that’s perfect for you.
Whether you are looking for a trail to impressive waterfalls, views of the surrounding mountains, panoramic views of the town and towering peaks, or just stunning alpine lake scenery, Telluride has it all.
The hike we chose was the 3.1 mile loop Jud Wiebe Trail. Having one day in Telluride, we wanted a trail that offered a variety of sites, and this one was it hands down. The Jud Wiebe Trail is a local favorite that offers excellent aspen groves, mountain meadows, and panoramic town views, as well as a bonus side spur to the spectacular 80 foot Cornet Falls.
To access this trail, walk to the north end of Aspen Street. Make sure to admire all the local’s gorgeous and unique homes and yards as you go. Once to the end, you will see the trailhead. It is a 3.1mile loop, so it doesn’t matter which way you go as the views are impressive regardless. However take note, that to get to the Cornet Falls, at the bridge just after the trailhead, continue straight and follow that side spur, which will lead you to the tall falls. There will be some scrambling on loose soil and rock, so be careful, but it is definitely worth it. If you don’t mind to get wet, you can actually stand under the fall themselves and let the ice cold mountain water rain on top of you.
Other trail options include:
- Telluride River Trail: an easy and flat path that runs alongside the San Miguel River. Our Airbnb was actually located across the river from this trail and connected via a bridge, so we used it a lot to navigate around town. It is gorgeous.
- Bear Creek Trail: a popular 4.5 mile round-trip hike into the Bear Creek Canyon. It leads to a beautiful waterfall. Keep your eyes open as celebrities like to frequent this trail, including Oprah Winfrey.
Sunset Serenity on the Gondola
The Telluride Gondola is a unique and free public transportation system that connects the historic town with the modern Mountain Village. Since it’s opening in 1996, it has offered residence and visitors a scenic and eco-friendly way to travel between the two towns, a journey that takes about 12 to 13 minutes one way. Riders can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the San Juan mountains and reach a height of over 10,500 feet where the mid mountain San Sophia Station offers access to restaurants and other hiking trails. The gondola is wheelchair accessible and pet friendly.
Once you get to the San Sophia station you can choose to exit and board another gondola section that connects you to the mountain village station, which gives you access to the Mountain Villages core with more restaurant and shopping options. At this point, you can choose to board the Market Plaza Station gondola, which leads to a parking area, but it is worth taking this ride as you get to enjoy views over Mountain Plaza. Just don’t exit when you get to the end. Ride it back around, and then enjoy your rides back down to Telluride.
If you time it right, the sunset views are spectacular, as the golden light shines on the mountain and over the town, a perfect way to end the evening before heading back to your cozy accommodations.
Cozy Mountain Night: A Perfect End to an Adventure Filled Day
After a day filled with the breathtaking beauty of Telluride, jagged peaks, and a vibrant town, the perfect way to unwind is in cozy accommodations.
Imagine sinking into a plush sofa by a crackling fireplace, the large windows framing the final dramatic light show of the sunset across the mountains, or with the windows open, listening to the running creek below you…. Whether it’s a rustic-chic condominium, a quaint hotel with thoughtful touches, or even a small hidden in the woods Airbnb with a treehouse hot tub, your private retreat offers a sublime and comfortable end to a perfect day of alpine adventure.
Here, surrounded by tranquility, you can reflect on the days events before settling into a warm and peaceful mountain night.
Mountain Magic
After spending a day immersed in Telluride‘s timeless charm, the surrounding box canyons rugged peaks seem to hold your memories like a treasure. You will forever remember your time exploring the historic Main Street, hiking to a breathtaking waterfall, and enjoying the panoramic views from the gondola. You may even realize that one single day in Telluride is just enough to fall for its undeniable magic, its peaceful beauty, and its vibrant mountain spirit. Hopefully you will leave with a sense of peace and a promise to return.
Jaclyn D. 🖤🥾
Have you experienced the mountain magic of Telluride? Share your favorite memory below!
No time to plan?
No time to research and plan details? Check out my itinerary below that highlights a day in Telluride during this 5 day roadtrip around Colorado. Feel free to follow completely along or make it your own, but either way make an adventure.
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