THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP TO TELLURIDE COLORADO
Colorado is one of the most naturally beautiful places to explore. While each state has their own uniqueness, there is something about the mountains that is pure magic. A high altitude escape is just what you need! Nestled in the San Juan mountains, only 6 hours southwest of Denver is beautiful Telluride. This historic mountain town is full of breathtaking views, incredible eats and epic adventures all year round. I’ll share our best tips for a road trip or special getaway to this mountain paradise.
Getting There
There are a few different ways you can get to Telluride from Denver. We chose to do a giant circle and take as much in as we could! Driving across 70, through Glenwood Canyon is stunning! You will be in awe of the 1,300 feet canyon walls and spectacular red rock. If you aren’t in a time crunch, Glenwood Springs is a resort city and home to the world’s largest hot spring pool. Continuing through Grand Junction and Montrose, it gets quite dry and sparse, but keep going, the snow capped peaks are coming!
Where to stay?
While there are a number of different hotels and airbnb’s, we found ourselves at the Inn at Lost Creek. This picturesque boutique hotel and the central location to countless adventures, eats and entertainment was beyond our expectations. Private rooftop hot tubs and a short walk from the heart of Station Mountain Village, you are surrounded by it all. You can also hop on the free gondola which takes you up and over the mountain to downtown Telluride. The views at the top, wowza!
If you’re looking for a more off the grid experience, Sunshine campground is only about 15 minutes outside of Telluride. It is a smaller campground with less than 20 sites suited for tents and smaller RV’s. It is quiet, the views are stunning and you really can’t beat dinner on a campfire!
Things to do
There are numerous waterfalls in this area, the most well known is Bridal Veil Falls. Seen from downtown Telluride, it’s the tallest free falling waterfall in the state! There are hiking and 4x4 trails above and below the falls. There are a few off-the-beaten path waterfalls as well if you are hunting for them!
Trout lake, what a freaking dream! My husband and I are avid fishermen, so of course we had to check it out. Surrounded by mountains and not a soul in sight, we were speechless. Dropped in a line and caught dinner within a few minutes! This lake is calm and would be great for kayaking or a just nice picnic to enjoy the scenery.
Alta ghost town is located about 10 miles from Telluride on Alta Lake road. This well preserved ghost town has several original buildings from the old mining town that was active from 1877 to 1948. There are some great hiking and OHV trails in the area as well.
Ouray
Ouray is just about an hour from Telluride and nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”. Surrounded by mountains, natural hot springs, and an abundance of waterfalls, how could we resist! The town is popular with off roaders, jeep tours and other backcountry enthusiasts. Colorado West offers some great tour deals for side by side rentals during the spring months. Although not all of the trails are open yet, there is so much to do and see.
Places to eat
There
There is one of our favorite hidden gems in Telluride! Eclectic plates, great cocktails and exceptional service, this is not a place to miss. Be advised this is a small venue and reservations are recommended. Spicy duck buns, crispy cauliflower, pork belly carbonara and American wagyu - you will not be disappointed!
Tracks Cafe & Bar
Tracks Cafe & Bar is great for a quick bite and a beer. Their patio is great for people watching, seeing uber expensive mountain bikes, and you might be lucky to catch some live music in Mountain Village. We recommend the Italian sandwich, lemon drop shots (during the day), and some local brews. They have happy hour specials daily and all around good vibes.
Crazy Elk Pizza
Crazy Elk Pizza had some great pizza sandwiches and salads! Great food and a fun atmosphere. We recommend grabbing some pizza & beer and heading up to the rooftop hot tub at Inn at Lost Creek (Note: you must be a guest at the hotel & make a reservation for a time slot)
La Cocina De Luz
Traditional Mexican and southwestern cuisine, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, beer & margs - Cheers!
Heading back to Denver
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Making a loop from Denver is the best way to see much of the state. We took the southern route back to Denver to make sure we stopped at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park just outside of Montrose. Still a hidden gem and honestly, we were quite skeptical driving up. Where is this canyon they speak of?!
It comes out of nowhere and what a site to see! The seven mile scenic drive has 12 overlooks along the south rim of the canyon. Jawdropping views await you but there are some similar viewpoints, so no need to stop at all of them especially if there are crowds (parking can be pretty hectic as everyone moves in the same direction through the south rim). Tip: arrive in the morning, there is no shade and trails start to get busy.
Be sure to read our guide to the TOP 5 THINGS TO DO AT THE BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON. A quick 2-3 hour voyage through the park is plenty.
Back on the road, just in time for lunch! Biggies sandwich shop in Buena vista - Best sandwiches we’ve ever had, and that’s not something we say lightly! Hot or cold subs, fresh cut fries - YUM! - Double Thumbs Up - from Danny
Safe voyages to all!
Final thoughts
Highly recommend if you love a good road trip! The scenery is beautiful and there is plenty to do in the southwest. We hope you can check it out! Leave any comments or more recommendations for us - back to real life :)
“Its not the destination, its the journey” - Ralph Waldo Emerson