Some of the country’s most celebrated chefs, now call Telluride home. Whether you’re looking for a fresh pizza, foie gras, or free-range steak, Telluride has everyone’s taste buds covered.

Condé Nast readers ranked Telluride in their Top 20 List of Best American Cities for Foodies. And Fodor’s ranked Telluride in the Top 10. At night, wander Main Street for some saloon hopping, live music, or tuck into a wine bar. Stop by La Marmotte for Refined French dining & notable wines inside a quaint, 19th-century cabin with a patio. Cosmopolitan and Sidework offer more traditional American fare, with an elevated twist. For excellent sandwiches and mountain-inspired cocktails, check out the Butcher & the Baker.

Please visit the Telluride Dining Guide for more details.

Hiking is, by far, the most popular activity in the summer season. Surrounded by an abundance of scenic nature trails, expansive jeep roads, as well as plenty of less-traveled paths, you can choose from a quick afternoon jaunt to summitting a 14,000 foot peak (14er) to a multi-day cross-country excursion activity in the summer season in the area.

View hiking trails

Whenever exploring the outdoors in mountain locations, weather can change quickly, and we recommend hiking prepared. Please carry water, sunscreen, a first aid kit, appropriate trail maps, and extra layers for hikes of all durations. Bug spray is also recommended in the summer months.

With over 90 hikes, and historic walks around town, the Telluride Hiking Guide provides maps, descriptions and histories of the hiking trails of the area.

To view a hiking map, click here.

With some of the finest trout streams in the Rocky Mountains, and a variety of lakes, ponds and alpine creeks, Telluride is an angler’s paradise. To make the most of your fishing outing, we recommend learning the waterways and surrounding terrain with the help of a local guide. With an outfitter, you can also choose a float fishing trip or access private waters.

Fishing Etiquette:

● A fishing license is required in Colorado and can be purchased at most sporting good shops.

● Most lakes and rivers on Colorado’s Western Slope have a zero to four possession limit depending on species of fish. Ask for the “Colorado Fishing Proclamation” in local sporting good shops for details.

● Protect river corridors. Avoid trampling plants and causing erosion of banks as it affects fish habitat.

● Avoid trespassing. River corridors that cross private property cannot be accessed without permission from the landowner.

● Please learn local regulations, including bait restrictions and catch-and-release sections of the river. To catch and release, buy barbless flies or flatten the barbs on your hooks. Handle fish with wet hands and avoid sunscreen and insect repellent, which can damage the trout’s protective coating.

Click here to view more information on fly fishing and to book a reservation.

Horseback riding in the beautiful San Juan Mountains couple easily be one of your most memorable Telluride experiences. Spectacular mountain vistas and wide open spaces will rejuvenate your spirit. With your choice of a chuck wagon dinner ride, overnight trip, or an afternoon horseback trail ride, find yourself on a guided horseback outing where you’ll be riding through aspen forests and alpine meadows.

Click here for more information and to book at reservation.

The rich mining heritage left a legacy of intertwined jeep roads, providing access to some of the area’s highest mountain passes. Travel to Telluride's high country to view beautiful mountain vistas, alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, ghost towns and mining ruins. From moderate overpasses to extreme roads, there is nothing like a 4x4 adventure ride on some of Colorado's most breathtaking mountain roads. Tour Imogene Pass, one of the most popular mountain passes, connecting Telluride to Ouray or explore one of the many other off-road routes such as Bridal Veil Falls, Last Dollar Road, Ophir Pass, Alta Lakes or Black Bear Pass (one way East to West, advanced drivers only). Choose from a full-service guided adventure or rent a 4x4 vehicle for a self-guided trip. Mountain driving experience is highly recommended for all visitors venturing out on their own.

Please be aware of runners, hikers, and mountain bikers while driving.

Trails:

● Bridal Veil Falls (4.2 miles one-way to top of falls)

● Alta Lakes (5 miles one way)

● Black Bear Pass (3.6 miles one way from Red Mountain Pass to Bridal Veil Intersection)

● Illium Road/Ames (6 miles one way)

● Ophir Pass (6 miles one way from Hwy-145 to top of pass)

● Tomboy Road, Town of Tomboy & Imogene Pass (5 miles to ghost town of Tomboy)

Click here for more information on trails and rentals

Every spring, Telluride’s substantial snowpack gives way to trickling streams and free-flowing rivers. From wild river rapids to a leisurely float, the Telluride area offers water sports second to none. The rafting season typically starts in late May and continues through October on the Colorado, Animas and Gunnison Rivers.

Experienced outfitters lead a variety of rafting trips down the San Miguel River, down the Dolores River, or through the famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. Choose from half-day or full-day adventures and try one of the most refreshing activities in the region.

Take your own river trip by floating down the San Miguel River, which runs through town, in a tube (purchase at Timberline Ace Hardware or rent from various outfittters).

The San Juan Mountains provide a variety of terrain perfect for riding. From the town of Telluride, find challenging trails that explore old mining roads and basins high above the box canyon. For longer, moderate trails, mountain bikers can link several former railroad tracks throughout the valley and to the west. When the snow melts, the Telluride Ski Resort transforms into a biking playground with plenty of trails that meander through aspen groves and lush meadows.

The free scenic gondola cabins are outfitted with bike racks in the summer. From San Sophia Station, access bike trails for both Telluride and Mountain Village.

Road riding is also popular along the scenic San Juan Skyway. The region offers technical and challenging routes for skilled road riders featuring many mountain passes and substantial elevation gains.

Click here for the Mountain Village Biking Trail Map.

To thoroughly explore the San Juan Mountains, backpacking and camping is the ideal method. Outdoor enthusiasts can gear up for a multi-day backpacking outing and explore the many peaks in the surrounding mountains. Camping also offers an affordable way to enjoy the greater Telluride region. In-town camping is perfect for family outings or groups gathering for a festival. Designated campsites are available in Telluride Town Park, as well as in surrounding areas within a twenty-minute drive from town. In addition, there are other private campgrounds in the area located in Ridgway, Montrose and along the Dolores River next to Highway 145.

RVs are welcome in Town Park but the maximum length allowed is 30 feet; that number must include the length of the vehicle pulling it. Sorry, no electrical hookups or RV dump stations are available on-site. The RV dump station is at the wastewater treatment plant at Society Turn.

Camping Etiquette

● Please camp in established sites

● Contact campground hosts, USFS or BLM to learn if campfires are allowed

● Avoid camping in riparian habitats. If you plan to drink water from streams or lakes, treat it with a filter or chemicals. Waters in the San Juans often contain heavy metals and bacteria.

● Keep human waste 200 feet from lakes and streams

● Pack out trash. Black bears and other scavengers sometimes visit camp sites. Don’t leave garbage or food scraps around your camp site. Take your garbage to the dumpster regularly. If you do see a bear, remain calm. If the bear approaches you, make noise. Don’t run.

● Be prepared for sun, rain and cold. Remember, thunderstorms are common, and it can snow any time of the year.

● Telluride is surrounded by public lands. Please use these lands and avoid private property.

Click here for more information.

According to science, golf balls fly further at elevation. See for yourself on the Telluride Golf Course.

Telluride Golf Course

This par 71, 6,739-yard, 18-hole, mountain resort course is surrounded by the highest concentration of 14,000-foot mountains in the United States. Perched 9,300 feet above sea level, the elevation works to your advantage as Telluride's thin air creates less resistance against the golf ball during flight, translating to 15 percent more distance. The course offers meandering fairways that wind through aspen groves and towering pines and beside mountain ponds and sparkling streams.

The Telluride Golf Course was constructed in 1992 and serves as a private club for members, as well as a public course for locals and guests. The Pro Shop and Clubhouse are located at The Peaks Resort in Mountain Village.

Key Features:

● Course is typically open from May to mid-October (conditions permitting)

● Luxury golf carts come equipped with state-of-the-art Global Positioning System (GPS)

● Private instruction and clinics are available daily from PGA professionals

● Facilities include full practice range, complete with chipping and putting greens

● Full service pro shop is open daily between 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. offering state of the art clubs and

shoes for rent.

● Twilight and sunset rates are available

● Reservations are highly recommended. Please call the Telluride Golf Club Pro Shop at (970) 728-7302 for details.

Stand-up paddle boarding (also known as SUPing) can be experienced on still water at Alta Lakes, Woods Lake or the Down Valley Park, and once you get more advanced, head to the San Miguel River.

Click here for more info on rentals.

For powersports fans, the greater Telluride region offers plenty of terrain to tour. Ride the scenic San Juan Skyway on motorcycle and take in the spectacular scenery. Or, head out onto dirt trails and play in the woods on an ATV. From the vast network of trails, access mountain lakes, rivers and streams and explore alpine meadows, high altitude passes and historic mining sites.

Telluride Outfitters offers half-day and full-day ATV and Razor tours.

Please observe all signage regarding motor vehicle access. Also, please use caution when you encounter runners, hikers, and mountain bikers.

The jagged peaks and extensive wall faces of the San Juan Mountains provide a variety of climbing and bouldering routes. Legendary climbers, from Lynn Hill to Charlie Fowler, have explored the area and help put the San Juan Range on the map as a climbing destination. From classic routes on Ophir Wall to moderate climbs on Pipeline to the Via Ferrata, the climbing is diverse and plentiful.

Warm up at Adventure Rock in Mountain Village. This manmade climbing boulder is located in Conference Center Plaza and is open daily during (weather permitting) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer. Various problems offer challenges for novices to expert climbers.

For those learning the sport or seeking local expertise, a number of guide services are available. Find local trail maps, route information and gear at one of the many sport shops.

Click here for more information on Rock Climbing options.

As you run trails in Telluride and Mountain Village, you’ll find your eyes wandering from the path as you take in the surroundings. There are trails that start right from your doorstep, whether you’re an athlete training at altitude or a cardio fan out for a leisurely run. Choose from nature trails that meander through forests and lead to waterfalls or head out onto the paved bike path that follows the valley floor.

Click here to view the best running trails in Telluride.

Not every adventure has to be hard core. Pack a basket with goodies or grab prepared food from one of our local eateries and head out for a picnic. The Butcher and the Baker, Baked in Telluride,

and Cindybread offer tasty menus that are ideal for a picnic. Stroll along the San Miguel River Trail, ride the gondola up to San Sophia Ridge or head to Town Park until you find the perfect spot for lunch.

Soar above the beautiful Telluride valley during a tandem paragliding session with with USHPA certified instructors. It is an unforgettable experience you won't soon forget! From an aerial perspective, details of every peak, valley, meadow and alpine lake come to life.

Click here for more information on paragliding.

If you are bringing along children with you to Telluride that are under the age of 13 here is a local babysitting service we recommend.

https://www.telluridesitters.com/

Babysitting, Toy & Baby Gear Rentals, Child Care for Special Events in Telluride, Colorado

Telluride Sitters offers toy and baby gear equipment (Our gear), as well as child care services. Tellurdie Sitters builds lasting relationships with each child through play and genuine care, while working with you to create a smooth transition each time we care for your child. Our staff only includes professionals who are over 21 and CPR/First Aid certified. You can even request a male babysitter if your kids need one!

Because our babysitters come to you, there is no need to worry about transportation – even for equipment and toy rentals, which we set up for you prior to delivery. We are a Licensed, Insured and Bonded company that is locally owned and operated right in Telluride. As a trusted, local babysitting service, we work directly with hotels in the area to provide even more convenience for you during your holiday. Let us take care of it – you’re on vacation!

Cancellations within 24 hours are assessed a $75.00 fee. Cancellations less than 4 hours before initial booking will pay the full sitting times initially booked. Please try and book 48 hours in advance. Same day reservations may incur elevated pricing. Rates are subject to change at any time.

SICK CHILD POLICY: We do NOT care for sick children and reserve the right to end the service in the event a child becomes sick, while in our care.

To Reserve Sitters: CLICK HERE and download the SitterPro app.

Email: dannicicero@gmail.com

Call or Text: 267-614-4449