We were lucky enough to spend a long weekend in Telluride for the most beautiful wedding. In all honesty, I did not know much about Telluride before receiving the wedding invitation, but am so glad we went. It is a beautiful mountain town in a remote corner of Colorado known for being a world class ski resort. In the summer, Telluride is open for hiking and exploration once the snow melts. Picture a quaint and cute mountain town surrounded by towering mountain peaks.
Here is my guide to spending a long weekend in Telluride whether you visit in summer or winter!
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How to Get to Telluride
Telluride is tucked into a remote mountain town in southwest Colorado. There are two airport options for flying to Telluride. For more economical flights, you will fly into Montrose Regional Airport which is about an hour away. The following cities have direct flights to MTJ, but may be seasonal: Pheonix, Charlotte, Denver, Chicago, LA, New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Dallas. Once you arrive in Montrose, it is best to rent a car for the last leg of your journey.
If you can get a flight into Telluride Regional Airport, that would be the most convenient as it is a 10 minute drive. There are plenty of connections from Denver for each airport.
Where to Stay for a Long Weekend in Telluride
Many people who own homes in Telluride also rent them out, making AirBNB a great choice especially for a friend’s trip. I love this cozy mountain cabin, this one, and this one!
If you prefer hotels, there are plenty of leisurely-approved options!
1. Madeline Hotel and Residences
As an Auberge property, Madeline Hotel and Residences is your best luxury option in Telluride Mountain Village. If you are skiing, this is the perfect spot with ski-in/ski-out access. If you want to visit the main downtown of Telluride, it is a short gondola ride to town. I would stay here in the winter time and for summertime….
2. The New Sheridan Hotel
The best option in downtown Telluride is the New Sheridan Hotel. It is located in the heart of downtown amongst all of the shops, restaurants, and hiking trails. The boutique hotel itself features great dining options, a bar and pool hall, and a rooftop for the best view in Telluride!
What to Do for a Long Weekend in Telluride
There is plenty to do in Telluride as it is a year round mountain destination. Soak up the sun in the summertime while you hike or pull on the snow boots for a downhill adventure! Here are some of my favorite things to do in Telluride in summer (and winter 🙂 )!
1. Hike Jud Wiebe Trail
The Jud Wiebe Trail is easy to access from town at Aspen Road. It’s about a 3 mile loop featuring a waterfall (Cornet Waterfall). It’s labeled as moderate to difficult and it was pretty steep at points.
2. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a waterfall that can be seen from downtown Telluride. It’s the tallest waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet. If you don’t want to make the hike, you can drive to a point to get a closer look.
3. Visit the Farmer’s Market
Stroll through the Farmer’s Market to shop for local handmade goods, flowers, and food!
4. Shopping in downtown Telluride
There are tons of great shops to explore in town including a Patagonia store in case you forget anything for cold weather or need hiking gear! Two Skirts was one of our favorite women’s stores.
5. Ski or Snowboard
Telluride is a world-class ski resort and the perfect place for your next winter ski trip!
6. Wander through town and along the San Miguel River trail
Take a walk through town on the side streets to see the homes or along the San Miguel River trail and maybe watch someone catch a fish! Be sure to swing by Ursa Ravas the Penny Bear, – a 15 ft bear made entirely from pennies – over 187,000 of them!
7. Ride the Gondola to Mountain Village
The gondola is an activity itself. It’s a beautiful way to take in scenery. Make it to the top at Mountain Village which sits at 9,545 feet!
8. Fly Fishing
Try your hand at fly fishing in the beautiful streams and rivers of the San Juan Mountains. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Telluride in summer!
Where to Eat and Drink in Telluride
All the best restaurants in Telluride, CO.
1. Taco del Gnar/Gnarly Taco
This might have been my favorite place of the whole trip. We had lunch at Taco del Gnar before heading home and it was the perfect sendoff. Tacos and a view!
2. Butcher and the Baker
Butcher and the Baker was my absolute favorite spot for breakfast. Grab a coffee and breakfast sandwiched piled high on an english muffin!
3. Brown Dog Pizza
Brown Dog Pizza was our first stop for pizza and salads! The food was great and our server was fun!
4. Allred’s Telluride
Take the gondola about halfway up for dinner and sunset at Allred’s. It’s in a rustic, mountain lodge setting, but upscale!
5. Baked Telluride
Baked is a casual, easy spot to grab bagels or sandwiches.
6. Steamie’s
We had lunch at Steamie’s one day. The burgers looked great, but I made a meal out of their sweet potato fries and brussel sprouts.
7. Coffee Cowboy
The Coffee Cowboy food truck is located right on main street serving up coffee to keep you warm as you explore and shop.
8. Telluride Brewing Company
We popped into Telluride Brewing Company for a beer on our way out of town. It’s located about 10 minutes from downtown.
9. Rustico Ristorante
The rehearsal dinner we attended was at Rustico Ristorante and the food was fabulous! My favorite part? They passed pizza slices during cocktail hour!
10. Siam Telluride
Siam is supposed to be amazing, but we unfortunately did not have time this trip with our dinners already being planned with wedding festivities. It is Thai cuisine and I can not think of anything more comforting when it’s snowy outside!
11. Bar at New Sheridan
We had a few drinks and played pool at the New Sheridan Bar before dinner. It’s a convenient hang out right on the main strip. Check out the rooftop if you go!
What to Pack for a Long Weekend in Telluride
Telluride is a year round destination so it depends on what time of year you are traveling. In the winter months, expect snow and temperatures between 4°F and 35°F – brrr. In the summertime, it is much more pleasant with high’s reaching about 80°F. Be aware that even in the summer, the temperature can drop to 40°F in the evening so always bring a sweater/coat. We were quite warm in August for the most part! Here is your packing list for spending a long weekend in Telluride:
Packing List for Summer:
- Leggings and Shorts
- Workout Tops
- Hiking boots and/or tennis shoes
- Sundresses/Skirts + Top for Dinners
- Light Coat or Denim Jacket
- Sandals
- SPF
- Hat
- Swimsuit for Hot Tubs
Telluride Travel Tips
- Montrose Airport Brewery – if you have extra time in Montrose, they have a brewery! You can even take your beer on the outside patio through security.
- They do not sell beer and wine at grocery stores so you must go to a liquor store.
- Clark’s Market and Wine Mine – stop into Clark’s for groceries and hit the Wine Mine for all your alcoholic beverages.
- Gondola is free and connects Telluride to Mountain Village
- Altitude Sickness is a real thing. I did not feel great the first couple of days – drink lots of water and bring advil! Also, due to the altitude, you will feel the effects of alcohol sooner.
- If you need a wedding venue, Gorrono Ranch was stunning! In the winter, it’s a restaurant off the ski slopes and in the summer can be used for private events.
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