Telluride in Colorado has come a long way in the last couple of decades with new stores, restaurants, housing, and a new village (Mountain Village) where a mountain ranch use to sit. This town is a part of the San Juan Mountains, the most spectacular mountain ranges in the country.
If you are planning to visit Telluride, below are the seven best things you should do-
Enjoy The View On Free Gondola Ride
A free gondola ride over San Sophia ridge and into the Mountain Village is a very rare offering in Telluride. While many mountains have gondolas, most of them will charge you to ride up and down.
It is a 13-minute ride that offers scenic views. Exit at the first stop, i.e., San Sophia Station and have a look around. It is a 10,540 feet high station from where you can hike around the mountains, ride your bike, or just take a seat and enjoy!
Mountain Village is a beautiful ski-mountain village base with shops, restaurants, hotels, and places that let the kids play. You will also find Telluride ski school and nursery here during the winter.
Explore Telluride’s Historic District
The historic village of Telluride, Mountain Village, is worth exploring. If you are confused about where to start, you can drop in Telluride Historical Museum. However, if you want to dive into the living history, Colorado Avenue is a great place that goes through the Telluride’s heart.
Plan A Trip To Ouray
When you are visiting Telluride, plan a trip to Ouray to add more fun to your adventure. Known as ‘the jeep capital of the US’ and ‘Switzerland of America,’ Ouray is a place you can’t afford to miss. Rent a jeep, enjoy the backroads adventure provided by the jeep tour companies in the town or drive up the Million Dollar Highway.
Make sure to see the Box Canyon Falls Park, an amazing waterfall inside a mountain that gushes into the Uncompahgre Gorge. Next to these falls is Ouray Ice Park. Here, many groups of people participate in the climbing competition. So, look for a good Ouray hotel and plan your stay there.
The Beautiful Bridal Veil Falls
It is another can’t-miss natural wonder located towards the east end of Box Canyon. Being the highest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, it is a must-visit spot for everyone. Either you can hike for two miles to reach the top or drive through the way.
Drive On The Alta Lakes
If you have your own car, plan a 20-minute drive up to the Alta Lakes when you are in Telluride. Travel 5 miles to the south of Highway 145 and turn east on the Alta Lakes Road. Once you reach there, you will have to go 3 miles along a narrow mountain road. So, be careful!
As Alta Lakes are quite stunning, this destination is worth considering. In fact, you couldn’t resist the urge to stop talking, and let the scenic beauty speak for itself.
Get Ready To Paddle On The Water
If you want to do more than just looking at nature’s wonder, look for a facility that offers stand-up paddleboards on rent. Apart from these boards, some also offer guided tours. Instead of being in the cold mountain water, they get you onto the Trout Lake.
Be An Artsy
Telluride was an enclave between the ski-town transformation and the mining place. There may be ‘hippies with money.’ However, the artistically inclined people are more drawn towards it.
Besides, there is a local art scene amidst the mountains. Telluride has 19 galleries that host receptions from 5 to 8 pm on the first Thursdays of most months. So, target those dates and explore lots of art at once.
