A National Historic Landmark District, Telluride is steeped in history. The town's roots stretch back to the second half of the 19th century when it was a bustling mining town and the place Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank. Around town you'll find historical homes and buildings, carefully preserved and now housing delicious restaurants, independent boutiques, lively bars, and fine-art galleries.
Telluride wanted to improve air quality and reduce car emissions so they put in the free gondola. 12 minute ride each way. Enclosed cabs. It makes four stops in the fall - Station Telluride, San Sophia, Mountain Village, and Market Plaza.
Mountain Village is the result of ski demand. Think "Vail Village-esque". MV and Telluride are twin communities connected by gondola. At 9,545 feet and entwined with Telluride Ski Resort, Mountain Village offers a more modern, luxe feel in a European-style alpine setting. Incorporated in 1995, Mountain Village offers exquisite accommodations, state-of-the-art spas, stylish shops, and sophisticated dining options, as well as family-friendly activities, all surrounded by the mountains that form the highest concentration of 14'ers in the USA.
8 min drive from downtown Telluride. Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free falling waterfall in Colorado! 2 miles roundtrip, out and back. 859 feet of gain. Rated as moderate. The trail is rocky, so wear appropriate shoes. Tons of connecting trails if you want to add on.
5.1 mile out and back. 1,676 feet of gain. Est time 3.5 hours. Park in town and take the free gondola up to the trailhead. Very steep sections. Stunning 360 degree views.
No shame in the e-bike game. There are many trails to explore with a little battery assistance! The recommended trails are: Basin Trail, Boulevard Trail, Imogene Pass, Jurassic Trail, Meadows Trail, Prospect Trail, See Forever Trail, Telluride Bike Park, Tomboy Ghost Town, Valley Floor Bike Path, and Village Trail.
Lift-served free-ride trails
Offroad tours give you access to some of the highest mountain passes. Travel to Telluride's high country to view beautiful mountain vistas, alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, ghost towns and mining ruins. See Imogene Pass that connects Telluride to Ouray, or explore one of the many other off-road routes such as Bridal Veil Falls, Last Dollar Road, Ophir Pass, or Alta Lakes. Choose from a full-service guided adventure or rent a 4x4 vehicle for a self-guided trip. Mountain driving experience is highly recommended for all visitors venturing out on their own.
3 hour tour of the skies. Experience five ziplines, two aerial bridges, and two rappels. Reaching 140 feet off the ground, enjoy an adventure in the treetops and a bird’s eye view of the surrounding San Juan Mountains that you’ll never forget!
1. San Miguel County Courthouse. 2. New Sheridan Hotel & Opera House. 3. The Pekkarine Building. 4. Roma Building. 5. St. Patrick's Catholic Church. 6. Old Waggoner House. 7. Town Hall. 8. Telluride Historical Museum 9. North Oak House 10. Davis House 11. LL Nunn House 12. Rio Grande Southern Railroad Depot 13. Finn Town 14. Popcorn Alley 15. Old Town Jail 16. Butch Cassidy Robbery Site
Soak in the hot springs during your visit to Ouray. Ouray offers a 250 to a 150-foot public pool containing over a million gallons of natural hot springs water. In addition to several soaking sections at a variety of temperatures ranging from 96 to 106 degrees, the pool has a lap swimming section, a diving area and a game area for water volleyball. The crystal-clear water, free from the strong smell of sulphur typical of many hot springs, makes the Ouray Hot Springs Pool more enjoyable and popular with visitors from around the world.
If you find yourself in Ouray, this place comes highly reviewed for wine lovers.