Telluride Attractions: Explore the Best of This Colorado Town
Previously a Victorian mining town in the Rocky Mountains, Telluride has become a popular destination for outdoor adventure and events. Visitors love the small-town feel and variety of Telluride attractions suitable for families, friends, and solo travelers. Keep reading to learn more.
Popular Telluride Attractions: Find Adventure, Art and Entertainment
Telluride Ski and Golf Resort
Year-round outdoor adventures await at Telluride Ski and Golf Resort. An attraction itself, the resort serves as a top place for recreational activities, food and relaxation.
During warmer seasons, visitors plan canopy tours, explore the bike park, play racquetball or golf, and take guided tours.
When temperatures drop and the snow arrives, Telluride Resort transforms into a winter wonderland. Top activities in winter include skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snow tubing. Skiers love it so much that Telluride has earned accolades with Ski Magazine and Travel + Leisure.
Town Park
While the city has several scenic parks, Town Park is the most popular for events and things to do.
Summertime welcomes guests to attend concerts, festivals, sporting events and outdoor activities. In fact, the park has ball fields, tennis courts, a kid’s fishing pond and basketball, so everyone can play. When winter comes, the park has two ice rinks and a trail groomed for Nordic skiing.
In addition, Town Park hosts festivals throughout the year. A few must-sees include Telluride Jazz Festival, Mountain Village Fine Art Festival and Telluride Film Festival. For more information, read about the top summer festivals in Telluride.
Telluride Historical Museum
The city of Telluride was once a mining town. Today that history and heritage is on display at Telluride Historical Museum.
Suitable for all ages, the museum showcases the area’s history and growth as it has developed since Native People first discovered the land. Exhibits include geological formations, Ute Indians, mining camps and communities, and modern advancements. There are also traveling exhibits that showcase architecture, maps, nature and San Juan Mountains.
Area Hiking Trails
With more than 90 options, hiking trails are some of the most popular Telluride attractions. The city’s location near mountains, lakes and waterfalls makes hiking a must – especially in summer.
Many hiking trails explore the area’s waterfalls and wilderness areas. For example, Bear Creek Trail offers a moderate pet-friendly hike that lasts about six hours and features Bear Creek Falls. Other noteworthy trails include Black Bear Pass, Blue Lakes Trail, Bridal Veil Trail and Jud Wiebe Trail.
Main Street
Located in downtown, Main Street is one of the top Telluride attractions for dining and shopping. Plus, it’s family-friendly and walkable, and even features mountain views.
Buildings on Main Street have western-themed facades, and some are historical landmarks. Boutique shops and restaurants line the street, so guests get a local experience. For nightlife, there are brew pubs and wine bars perfect for couples, groups and friends.
Gondola Plaza
Those interested in broadening their travel experience should head to Gondola Plaza. Here visitors ride the free gondola that connects Telluride to Mountain Village, a nearby town. The gondola allows riders to admire the scenery from 10,500 feet and has a midmountain stop for ski trail access.
Once in Mountain Village, guests find outdoor recreation activities, restaurants, shopping and community events. Sunset Plaza serves as the heart of Mountain Village and hosts concert series and local small businesses.
Local Venues
The Palm Arts Group oversees multiple venues in Telluride. One is Michael D. Palm Theater. The venue seats about 650 attendees, with performances including Chamber music festivals, film festivals, dance and live theater. For other intimate shows, head to Bob Saunders Theater. With a capacity of 175 guests, this venue offers a more interactive space for artists and educators.
Historic Sheridan House seats about 238 and is known as “Telluride’s Living Room”. At the opera house, visitors attend concerts by local artists and famous entertainers. Past shows have featured individual artists such as Jewell as well as youth performances and festival events.
In addition, Telluride Theater offers innovative productions that connect local artists and the community. Examples include Burlesque, Rocky Horror Picture Show and seasonal performances.
Ready to explore? Book a Telluride vacation rental to get started.