Curator’s statement
Telluride in "shoulder season" is the version of this town I keep coming back to talk about: chill, but rewarding. The crowds of ski season and the film festival are gone, the aspens are glowing yellow across every hillside, and the days settle into something slower—a hike up to a waterfall, an afternoon spent browsing a leather shop on Colorado Avenue, a smoky bowl of ramen, and an old fashioned at a whiskey lounge. It's the kind of trip where the best moments aren't on a list—they're the cocktails you end up sharing with locals at a tiny bar, or the live music you stumble across on a random night.
The Fora Difference
Book with Hannah Branch to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Telluride
Unlock perks by contacting Hannah Branch to book your trip.
Things to do in Telluride
Telluride valley floor in early autumn
Hike the Jud Wiebe Trail
An elevated hike with an awesome view of the town down below. We went up mid-afternoon—budget your turnaround time and watch the clock, since nightfall comes on fast once the sun drops behind the peaks. It's a climb, but worth the effort for that view alone.
Hike Bear Creek Trail
An easy hike up to a waterfall—a good recommendation for folks who want a scenic payoff without much exertion. There are a couple of spots of scree fields and crushed timber among the waterfalls.
Rent bikes from Easy Rider Bike and Sport & ride the valley floor
The path follows the San Miguel River through the valley—flat, easy, and a great way to take in the fall color without the climb. We saw loads of unique homes and a wild coyote!
Browse Crossbow on Colorado Avenue
A handcrafted leather store on the main strip—we walked out with a custom cowboy hat and case, and the wallets, jewelry, bags, and home goods are just as worth a look. One of the better shopping stops in town.
Pop into Between the Covers Bookstore & Jagged Edge Mountain Gear
Both are worth a stop on a slow downtown afternoon—one for browsing, one if anyone in your group needs to gear up for the trails.
Ride the gondola ("the G") to the San Sophia Overlook
Free, scenic, and the best easy view in town—just confirm timing, since the gondola closes for a stretch before ski season starts each year. It is a private ride and a one-of-a-kind view.
Book a massage at Telluride Spa at Element 52
A well-earned way to close out a day of hiking or biking. First time I've had a massage where the massage therapist fully stood on my back and walked around—a delight.
Places to eat & drink in Telluride
Entrance to Wood Ear restaurant in Telluride
Petite Maison
French bistro on Pacific Ave. A cute little house with a red awning. The Cassoulet de Canard and Boeuf Oscar were our choices, and the protein and confit paired supremely with French reds. This was a birthday dinner and did not disappoint.
Wood Ear
A whiskey lounge and noodle bar—what a fun concept. We ate well here: two old fashioneds, the Brussels sprouts, and the Hill Country ramen, a smoky Western take on one of our favorite Asian dishes.
There
A tight, quaint bar where we ended up getting cocktails alongside the locals. Try the Godfather or the Bee Keeper—that's where we started.
Brown Dog Pizza
Good pizza and local beer pints—an easy go-to. We paired this with walking around town and exploring Bridal Veil on day one.
New Sheridan Chop House
The elk tenderloin here was a real highlight, served inside a historic 1895 hotel.
Stronghouse
We just stopped in for apps and Manhattans (some of the best we've had, actually), but it'd be easy to make a full dinner of it. The interior is really cool and Western, and there is plenty of seating.
Need to know
The gondola's operating window matters. It typically runs on summer hours into mid-October, then closes for a few weeks before reopening for ski season in late November. It's the easiest way to get between Telluride and Mountain Village (and to reach the San Sophia Overlook).
Hours shift fast in this window. Some restaurants and shops reduce hours or close for a breather between summer and ski season—be sure to call ahead.
Altitude is real. Telluride sits at 8,750 feet; when flying in, be sure to hydrate well and go easy the first day, especially before any outdoor activities.
Pack layers. Fall mornings can be in the 30s with afternoons in the 60s, and snow is possible by late October. We kept base layers and gloves on hand for mornings and shadowy areas of the mountains.
Consider extending the trip outside of town. The Million Dollar Highway, the San Juan Skyway, and a soak at Ouray Hot Springs make an easy, scenic half- or full-day add-on if you have the extra time.
Fly into Montrose (MTJ). It's about 90 minutes from Telluride by car and will allow you to stock up on water and snacks or anything you may need from a larger grocery or department store.
Travel Advisor
Hannah Branch
Hannah Branch
Get in touch with Hannah Branch
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Colorado page.