Telluride, Colorado Travel Guide + Packing Tips

Tucked away in a stunning box canyon in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride is not just another ski town. It’s a preserved National Historic Landmark District that has famously (and proudly) resisted the overdevelopment of its peers. There are no stoplights here. There are no chain restaurants on its historic main street.
What you’ll find instead is a staggering concentration of natural beauty, a fiercely independent spirit, and a unique layout—the historic Town of Telluride and the modern Mountain Village—that are connected by one of the most spectacular commutes in the world. This is a complete guide to making the most of your trip.


Telluride vs. Mountain Village: What to Know

The first thing to understand is that your Telluride experience is split between two distinct areas, connected by the free gondola.
Town of Telluride (Elevation: 8,750 ft): This is the historic heart. The town is nestled in a box canyon, lined with colorful Victorian homes and the original main street (Colorado Avenue).
Vibe: Authentic, historic, walkable, and charming. This is where you’ll find the majority of restaurants, bars, and local boutiques.
Stay here if: You want to be in the center of the action, walk to dinner and bars, and love the “Old West” historic charm.
Mountain Village (Elevation: 9,545 ft): This is the modern, European-style ski resort, built in the 1990s. It sits up on the mountain above the town.
Vibe: Upscale, modern, and convenient. It’s built around the ski lifts and golf course, with large hotels, luxury rentals, and plazas.
Stay here if: Your main priority is ski-in/ski-out access, you prefer modern luxury resort amenities, or you’re visiting with a family and want a self-contained experience.

The Free Gondola: Your Best Friend

This isn’t just a ski lift; it’s the official public transportation system.
It’s 100% FREE: For everyone, including skiers, hikers, diners, and sightseers.
It Connects Everything: It runs from a station in Telluride (Station Telluride) up to the mid-point (Station San Sophia, at 10,540 ft, with access to hiking and ski trails), and then down into the Mountain Village core (Station Mountain Village). A second, smaller gondola connects Mountain Village to the Market Plaza and parking garage.
The Ride is an Attraction: The 13-minute ride provides absolutely breathtaking views of the town, the canyon, and the surrounding 13,000-foot peaks. It runs daily from 6:30 a.m. to midnight (with extended hours for special events).


Getting There & Getting Around

Telluride is beautifully remote, which is part of its charm.
By Air:
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): This is the primary airport for Telluride. It’s a scenic 1.5-hour drive away. In winter and summer, it has direct flights from over 10 major U.S. hubs (Denver, Dallas, Chicago, LA, NYC, etc.). This is your best bet.
Telluride Regional Airport (TEX): Only 10 minutes from town, but it’s one of the highest-elevation airports in North America. It’s served by a few smaller airlines and is notoriously weather-dependent, leading to frequent cancellations.
Denver International Airport (DEN): This is a 6-7 hour drive. It’s a beautiful road trip but a long one.
Getting Around:
You don’t need a car. Once you arrive (via an airport shuttle from MTJ), the town is entirely walkable.
Gondola: Your free ride between Telluride and Mountain Village.
Galloping Goose: A free shuttle bus that loops around the Town of Telluride.


What to Do: By Season


Summer & Fall (June – October)

This is the season of festivals and epic mountain adventures. The “shoulder seasons” (May and October/November) are very quiet, with many restaurants closing for a break.
Hike Bear Creek Trail: The most popular and accessible hike in town. It starts right at the end of South Pine Street and is a 5-mile round trip on a wide, gentle trail leading to a beautiful waterfall.
See Bridal Veil Falls: At 365 feet, this is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. You can hike or (with a 4×4) drive the rugged road up to the top for incredible views.
Ride the Telluride Bike Park: Take the gondola up and ride thrilling downhill trails back into Mountain Village.
Request-A-Hike Stroll & Shop on Colorado Avenue: Explore the historic main street, popping into the independent bookstores, art galleries, and shops.
Attend a Festival: Telluride is famous for its summer-long festival schedule. The big ones include the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June), the Telluride Film Festival (Labor Day), and Blues & Brews (September).
Try the Via Ferrata: For the truly adventurous, this “iron path” involves hiking and climbing along the canyon wall while clipped into a steel cable. Not for the faint of heart, and a guide is highly recommended.

Winter (November – April)

This is when the town transforms into a world-class ski destination.
Ski & Snowboard: Telluride Ski Resort is renowned for its stunning views and diverse terrain. It has a fantastic beginner/intermediate area and some of the most legendary, steep expert terrain in the country (like the Plunge Lift).
Snowshoe or Nordic Ski: Explore the groomed trails in Town Park or on the golf course in Mountain Village for a different kind of winter workout.
Après-Ski: The tradition is strong here. In Mountain Village, grab a drink at the base. In Town, hit up historic spots like the New Sheridan Bar (Telluride’s oldest) or The Butcher & The Baker.
Dine On-Mountain: Telluride has incredible on-mountain restaurants. Make a reservation at Allred’s (at Station San Sophia) for a fine-dining experience with the best view in town, or enjoy the European-style cabins like Alpino Vino or Bon Vivant.


The Ultimate Telluride Packing List

Packing for Telluride means preparing for high altitude, intense sun, and (even in summer) cold nights. The vibe is “mountain chic” or “Telluride casual”—jeans and a nice fleece or sweater are perfectly acceptable even at the fanciest restaurants.

The Non-Negotiables (Year-Round)

☐ Layers, Layers, Layers: The key to comfort.
Base Layer: (Silk, wool, or synthetic)
Mid Layer: (Fleece or a puffy vest/jacket)
Outer Layer: (A waterproof shell/rain jacket)
☐ High-Altitude Sun Protection: The sun at 9,000+ feet is no joke, even when it’s cloudy.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
SPF Lip Balm (Crucial in the dry air)
Sunglasses (Polarized are best)
☐ Reusable Water Bottle / Hydration Pack: The most important item for combating altitude sickness is to hydrate constantly.
☐ Comfortable Walking Shoes: You will be walking everywhere.
☐ Daypack: To carry your water, layers, and sunscreen.
☐ Moisturizer / Lotion: The high-desert mountain air is incredibly dry.

For a Summer / Fall Trip

☐ Hiking Boots: Waterproof with good ankle support.
☐ Wool or Synthetic Hiking Socks: Avoid cotton.
☐ Rain Jacket: Afternoon thunderstorms are a daily occurrence in summer. Don’t leave home without one.
☐ Hiking Pants or Shorts
☐ T-shirts
☐ Warm Hat (Beanie) & Gloves: Yes, even in August. As soon as the sun drops behind the canyon wall, the temperature plummets.
☐ Swimsuit: For hot springs or the hotel hot tub.

For a Winter / Ski Trip

☐ Full Ski Kit:
Ski/Snowboard Jacket
Ski/Snowboard Pants
Goggles
Helmet
Waterproof Gloves or Mittens
☐ Warm Base Layers (Top & Bottom): Merino wool is the best.
☐ Warm Mid-Layer(s): Puffy or fleece.
☐ Warm Wool Socks: (Multiple pairs).
☐ Warm, Waterproof Boots: For walking around town. The streets will be snowy and icy.
☐ Beanie / Warm Hat: For off-slope wear.
☐ Hand and Toe Warmers: A lifesaver on cold days.
☐ Swimsuit: For the essential post-ski hot tub soak.
☐ Goggle Wipe / Microfiber Cloth

Final, Critical Tip: Acclimatize!

Altitude sickness is real and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The Town of Telluride starts at 8,750 feet.
Hydrate: Start drinking extra water 1-2 days before your trip. Continue to drink 2-3 times your normal amount while there.
Take it Easy: Do not do strenuous exercise (like a big hike or skiing) on your first day. Walk, explore the town, and let your body adjust.
Limit Alcohol: Alcohol hits much harder at altitude and is dehydrating. Take it very slow the first 24-48 hours.
Eat Carbs: Complex carbohydrates can help your body use oxygen more efficiently.