This Adorable Town In Colorado Boasts Stunning Views Of The San Juan Mountains

Possibly one of the most picture-perfect mountain towns you'll ever experience, Telluride, Colorado, blends Old West grit, serene alpine aesthetics, and boundless outdoor adventure into one impossibly scenic valley. From the rolling emerald mountaintops elegantly dusted with fresh white snow, to the historic downtown main street overflowing with unique shops and boutiques, and the family-owned restaurants and eateries proudly serving the freshest local fare, Telluride wows visitors with its effortless blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and adorable, small-town charm.

A stroll through Telluride's enchanting downtown feels like a step back in time. Historic brick buildings and mom-and-pop shops line Colorado Avenue, the heart of downtown Telluride. Without a chain store in sight, a day spent in Telluride promises visitors plenty of quaint boutiques showcasing handmade wares and unique art galleries, as well as an abundance of outdoor activities, including swimming and skateboarding. On the other side of a quick gondola trip to Mountain Village, ziplining and aerial obstacle courses, tennis, and pickleball await.

Perhaps the crown jewel of the town, the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola, America's first and only free public gondola ride, is a Tripadvisor 2025 Travelers' Choice Award winner. Connecting Telluride to Mountain Village Center and Market Plaza, the gondola ride offers 360-degree views of the San Juan Mountains and even neighboring Utah. Reaching a height of over 10,000 feet above sea level, the Mountain Village Gondola ride offers a breathtaking, bird's-eye perspective of the valley and beyond, transforming a simple transfer into a signature Telluride experience.

As a true year-round mountain destination, Telluride is absolutely replete with exciting outdoor activities no matter the season or skill level. For skiers and snowboarders, Telluride and neighboring Mountain Village are renowned for their world-class runs and luxury mountain accommodations. For active thrill-seekers, ice-climbing and snowmobiling offer truly unique views of the valley, while the Telluride Ghost Tour promises "spine-tingling" adventure through the town's historic streets. During the summer months, white-water rafters can be seen thrashing down the San Miguel River, while yogis flock to the area to find connection, inspiration, and community at the annual Telluride Yoga Festival.

If the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola is the town's most impressive man-made attraction, majestic Bear Creek Falls and its namesake hiking trail are arguably its greatest natural icons. Beginning at the end of South Pine Street in downtown Telluride, this rocky route stretches just over a 4.5-mile round trip and offers a rewarding, sometimes strenuous climb. The trail culminates at the 80-foot Bear Creek Falls, whose cascading waters make every step and calorie burned well worth it.

With all the shopping and adventure you're sure to experience while visiting Telluride, taking time to refuel is an absolute must. From Mexican classics at Uno Dos Tres and La Cocina de Luz, to Thai fusion at Siam and fresh seafood at The National, Telluride's unique restaurants offer something for every palate and craving. Local favorite Brown Dog Pizza has maintained its No. 1 ranking for over two decades and has won medals at the World Pizza Championship, according to Telluride Dining Guide. Wood Ear, a whiskey-centric Asian-inspired smokehouse and cocktail bar, serves up handcrafted custom cocktails, perfectly paired with Texas BBQ staples.

In Mountain Village, Allred's impresses with its high-end cuisine and breathtaking views. Pairing contemporary American cuisine with an award-winning wine list, Allred's is the perfect escape for an elevated (literally) date night or intimate lunch. For fare that's a little more down to earth, check out the Shake N Dog Grub Shack. It serves up locally sourced dogs and sausages, as well as sandwiches and wraps, fresh salads, and, in true Americana style, floats and shakes.

While traveling to Colorado is straightforward, with both Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs Airport offering numerous routes, the drive to Telluride is a daunting six to seven hours through winding mountain passes. However, planning a connecting flight to Telluride Regional Airport will land you just 10 minutes outside of the charming mountain locale. For the truly adventurous, hop in the car for a mountainous road trip along the Million Dollar Highway, considered one of America's prettiest, which can be picked up just outside Telluride.