Tucked away in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Telluride offers its visitors thrilling, luxury travel year-round. While Telluride is known for its ski resorts, the town is perfect for any time of the year since each season offers a different way to experience the unique area and stunning views. With a rich history, tons of wildlife, and close proximity to several National Parks, you will receive the most incredible experience Telluride has to offer.
Here are five reasons why you should visit Telluride, Colorado.
Wilson Peak San Juan Mountains
There’s Something for Everyone
1. History
Telluride was a summer camp for centuries for the Ute Indians and was named Columbia in the 1700s by Spanish explorers. Colorado attracted fortune seekers because of its silver and gold, so it became a mining camp, and in 1878 it became the town we know as Telluride.
The town was well-off, especially with the new railroad in 1890. In 1893, silver prices crashed. Then, the First World War happened. As a result, the mining boom collapsed, causing miners to move.
In the 1970s, the Telluride Ski Resort opened and a different gold was being mined. After this, festivals and other cultural and performing events were founded, contributing to the town’s charming character. Also, in 1961, the core area of Telluride became a National Historic Landmark District for its role in the history of the American West.
The Road To Telluride Haskell Hill 1886
View Of Telluride Colorado 1887
2. Picturesque Landscapes
The endless scenic landscapes of Telluride can be seen a few ways but are best while offroading or paragliding. For offroading, you can take a guided tour or go on your own adventure while exploring mountains, meadows, cascading waterfalls, lakes, brilliant wildflower fields, and nearby ghost towns. For paragliding, there is only one certified paragliding company in Telluride, Telluride Paragliding. Their flights are perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the scenery while soaring through the sky.
3. Nearby National Parks
While Telluride is close to a few National Parks, there is still a long drive for each. Arches National Park has a scenic two-hour drive, Mesa Verde National Park is over an hour and a half, and Canyonlands National Park is a three-hour trip.
Mesa Verde National Park
4. Wildlife
Telluride, Colorado also has many wildlife species in and around the town, including mountain lions, beavers, black bears, skunks, lynxes, moose, and more. To get the best views of the wildlife, check out San Miguel River South Fork Preserve, Hope Lake Trail, The Valley Floor, San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway, and Telluride River Trail.
5. Unique Activities
The Gondola Ride
Telluride has many unique, luxurious, and private activities that you can partake in. One of the private travel experiences includes the free gondola ride. On the ride, you are transported to the Mountain Village while going over the San Sophia Ridge. It’s roughly a 13-minute trip, and in those 13 minutes, you are greeted with jaw-dropping views of Telluride and its canyon.
Ascend from Mountain Village to the Town of Telluride – Photo: Telluride Ski Resort
Fly Fishing & Rafting
At any time of the year, you can partake in fly fishing in the various rivers flowing in and out of town. The rivers are full of Brown and Rainbow trout, and the locals suggest fishing in the winter because it has the ideal conditions for fishing. You can also get a private travel tour of the best fishing spots, or you can enjoy other water activities such as rafting in the San Miguel River.
Hiking
Colorado is known for its hiking trails that are complemented with sensational views, and Telluride has plenty. There are over 90 hiking trails to choose from, with each view leaving you speechless. Some of the most popular hikes include Hope Lake Trail, Sneffels Highline Trail, Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail, Cornet Creek Falls, Blue Lakes Trail, and Bridal Viel Hike. Out of all those hikes, the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail is the most popular since there is a cascading waterfall at the end.
Telluride’s Art District & Town
Telluride Art District became a retreat for creative expression when it was certified a creative district. While you’re here, tour the Art District while enjoying street performers, food and beverages, and the stunning details in the statues, homes, businesses, and art pieces scattered throughout the district.
Telluride has plenty of blocks to explore, so find some entertainment or join in on a walking tour. The locals are friendly, and some local historians will share the town’s history with you.
Festivals
Telluride has many festivals throughout the year, the most popular being the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The Telluride Mountainfilm Festival showcases non-fiction stories on current issues on the environment, politics, social justice, and more. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival is the most popular since it has over 100 bands playing on multiple stages. The final festival, Blues & Brews, is filled with bands across many genres that celebrate the return of the ski season.
Main Stage Action – Photo: Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Skiing, Ice Skating, & More
Many people visit the town in the winter and stay at the Telluride Ski Resort. Visitors and locals participate in cross country, skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and ice skating. The town also makes ice skating a memorable experience with the location and decorations around the rink in Telluride Town Park.
If you aren’t interested in winter sports, try out horseback riding or sleigh rides. Some local cowboys take visitors on guided trail rides with views of the Telluride Ski Area and more.
Shooting Star Over Telluride in Winter
Explore Telluride in Each Season
In summer, there are plenty of hiking trails, festivals, mountaintops, and waterfalls to explore. Telluride winters attract snowboarders, skiers, ice skaters, and more with the renowned slopes. In spring and autumn, you can witness the colors bursting to life across all landscapes. This charming town attracts all types of adventure-seeking people, along with those that desire luxury travel.
Discover Telluride with EXP
Book your next adventure to Telluride with EXP Journeys and have the experience of a lifetime. Our team will work with you to create a custom itinerary and then manage all bookings and experiences A private guide will make sure every last detail is in place and that the entire trip runs smoothly. Contact us today to plan your trip to Telluride.
