Curator’s statement
When fall arrives and the aspens turn golden, Telluride turns into a true alpine paradise. The summer crowds are gone and ski season has yet to begin. This charming town set deep in the San Juan Mountains has an abundance of adventures, trails and awe-inspiring views. Telluride truly has something for everyone from an array of outdoor activities to shopping or spending the day at the spa. Typically, fall season starts mid-to-late September and lasts for four weeks. The fall weather is beautiful with cooler evenings to enjoy a glass of wine around a fire pit with family or friends.
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Things to do in Telluride
Imogene Pass
From downtown Telluride you can take a four wheel drive tour up Tomboy Road and climb to Imogene Pass, 13,114 feet. With astounding views you will get a history of the "Social Tunnel" and the Tomboy ghost mines.
Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing in Telluride offers four classic trout rivers, dozens of alpine creeks and a world class still water fishery.
Hiking
If you love climbing rocks, you'll love the hike to Bridal Veil Falls. Offering amazing views, this epic hike is along a sheer cliffside on the apex of the Telluride valley.
Telluride Gondola
Take the gondola from downtown Telluride to Mountain Village. This 13-minute ride is the first and only free public transportation of its kind in the US. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the La Sal Range in Utah.
Day Trip to Ouray
The US-500 interstate is also referred as the "Million Dollar Highway". This scenic drive will take you through the Red Mountain Pass and the town of Silverton. Have lunch in Ouray or visit the hot springs.
Sunset Four Wheel Drive tour
Enjoy the spectacular evening light on a sunset 4-WD tour. With options including Alta Ghost Town, Last Dollar Road or Bridal Veil Falls.
Biking
With alpine trails to the technical bike park, Telluride has biking experiences for the whole family.
Shopping
From handmade goods to clothing and sporting goods, Telluride and Mountain Village have an eclectic offering of shops. There are no chains, so you are supporting local business.
Places to eat & drink in Telluride
Rustico Ristorante - With over 1000 Italian wines, this restaurant offers impressively authentic Italian dishes.
Floradora Saloon - Fun lunch or happy hour spot, laid back and local. The squash fries and short rib poutine were super yummy!
Brown Dog Pizza - Award winning pizza. Seriously delicious and very busy pizzeria. Order in advance or get there early for a table. The Gold Hill pizza won the top award with our gang.
Black Iron Kitchen - Casual mountain modern cuisine. Serving what is in season from Western Slope Farms. Try the delicious mountain elk chili.
Strong House Brew Pub - Named the number one Brew Pub by USA Today. Stop by for a beer and local Colorado brats or the Bavarian-style pretzel with beer-cheese dip.
There... - An intimate bar & restaurant with hipster cocktails and playful dishes. Don't miss the Bao Buns.
Cosmopolitan - Fine dining with a blend of old-world cooking with fresh and delicious new-world food.
The Butcher & The Baker - Not to be missed. A Telluride favorite and you can tell from the constant lines. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or pick up pastries, cookies or croissants.
Travel Advisor
Janine Cleveland
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Krystle Craycraft’s guide, Winter Wonderland: Aspen Ski Resort.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado.