If you only have one day in Telluride, Colorado, you might be wondering how to make the most of it. Well, you’re in luck because I’m about to tell you exactly how I would spend the perfect day in Telluride.
From grabbing coffee and breakfast in town to hiking to a waterfall, riding the famous Telluride gondola, exploring the shops on Main Street, and ending the day with dinner and a walk along the river, this Telluride itinerary packs a lot into one day without feeling completely rushed.
Here’s how I’d spend the perfect day in Telluride as a western Colorado local who visits the area at least a few times per year.
Coffee & Breakfast
Start your day by grabbing coffee and breakfast at Cowboy Coffee’s General Store in downtown Telluride.
This is the perfect place to fuel up before a day of exploring. They have bagels, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and plenty of coffee options to get you going. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’re definitely going to want to get the cinnamon roll. It’s delicious!
Since you’re going to be hiking later in the morning, I’d recommend actually eating breakfast rather than just grabbing a coffee and calling it good. You can also pick up some snacks for the trail, or grab some cute Cowboy Coffee merch.
Morning Hike to Bear Creek Falls
One of the reasons why I love Telluride is because there are a variety of hiking trails located right in town. Since the town is situated in a box canyon surrounded by mountains there are quite a few waterfall hikes to choose from.
After breakfast, walk over to the Bear Creek Trail and start making your way toward Bear Creek Falls. This is one of my favorite hikes in Telluride because you can access the trail directly from town, so you don’t have to worry about driving somewhere, finding parking, or figuring out how to get to the trailhead. It also has a really great payoff at the end.
The hike to Bear Creek Falls is just under 5 miles round trip with a little over 1,100 feet of elevation gain. The elevation gain is pretty consistent the whole way up to the waterfall, so it’s a solid workout, but the trail is easy to navigate and you don’t necessarily have to be a super experienced hiker to enjoy it.
The trail winds its way through the forest and along Bear Creek before eventually reaching the waterfall. It’s a great way to get out and experience some of Telluride’s incredible scenery without spending your entire day in the car.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace on the trail, which includes packing out all of your trash (including food scraps and dog poop bags), staying on the trail, and respecting wildlife.
Hot Tip: Hiking at Altitude
One big thing to keep in mind when hiking in Telluride is the elevation. The town sits at roughly 8,750 ft., so if you’re coming from a lower-elevation area, this hike may feel significantly harder than you expect. Even if you’re normally comfortable hiking five miles, don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping for more breaks than usual.
Make sure to bring plenty of water, take your time, and don’t be afraid to slow down. There’s no prize for getting to Bear Creek Falls as quickly as possible!
Gondola Ride to Mountain Village
A trip to Telluride wouldn’t be complete without riding the world famous gondola, and it’s also a pretty perfect way to relax after spending the morning hiking.
The Telluride Gondola connects the town of Telluride with Mountain Village, and the ride itself is an experience you don’t want to miss. You’ll get some incredible views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains as you make your way up the mountain.
It runs seven days a week from 6:30am-midnight. It operates during most of the year, but it does close for a few weeks during the spring and fall (it will be closed from October 26-November 19, 2026 ahead of ski season). The gondola is dog-friendly and also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Take the gondola all the way up to Mountain Village and spend some time exploring before grabbing lunch. On my most recent trip to Telluride we went to Crazy Elk Pizza and grabbed a couple of New York style pizza slices, which really hit the spot after our hike.
Shopping & Dinner in Downtown Telluride
After lunch, hop back on the gondola and ride it down into Telluride. Once you’re back in town, spend some time wandering around the downtown area, checking out the shops along Main Street.
Telluride is one of my favorite Colorado mountain towns because the town itself is incredibly charming, and there are tons of cute shops to pop into as you wander around.
One of my favorites stores is Hook, which sells home goods, bath and body products, unique gifts, and souvenirs. It’s the kind of shop where you walk in just to browse and suddenly realize you’ve found approximately five things you absolutely need.
There are plenty of other shops downtown, including clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, Western wear, outdoor gear stores, and souvenir shops, so give yourself some time to wander. Just a warning: you can really do some damage to your bank account if you’re not careful.
After spending the afternoon exploring downtown, wrap up your day with dinner at Smuggler Union Restaurant and Brewery. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Telluride and a great place to settle in after a full day of hiking and exploring. End your perfect day in Telluride with a walk along the San Miguel River, which is right in town.
FAQs About Visiting Telluride, Colorado
Where should I stay when visiting Telluride?
There are a variety of places to stay in both Telluride and Mountain Village. Mountain Village has more options to choose from, including a number of luxury hotels and condos. Be aware, like many mountain towns in Colorado, lodging in Telluride is pretty pricey. You can also find lots of camping in the area if you want a budget-friendly option.
Find a place to stay in Telluride!
When is the best time of year to visit Telluride?
Telluride is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. Summer is a great time if you want to go hiking and explore the outdoors. Fall is my favorite time of year to visit Telluride because it has some of the best fall colors in Colorado. If you’re interested in skiing and other snow activities, then you’re obviously going to want to plan a trip during the winter.
If hiking is your main priority, I’d plan your trip around the summer or early fall months. Truthfully, the only time of year I wouldn’t recommend visiting Telluride is in the spring during mud season.
What is the best way to get around Telluride?
If you’re spending a day in Telluride, plan to spend the day exploring on foot. The free gondola is also a great way to travel between Telluride and Mountain Village while enjoying some pretty incredible mountain views along the way. I would recommend renting a car if you’re flying into Montrose to visit Telluride since the drive takes about 90 minutes and there are a lot of things to see in the area along the way.
Other Colorado Guides You May Enjoy:
- The Best Hikes in Telluride
- Complete Guide to Visiting Telluride in the Fall
- The Best Things to Do in Ouray
- The Best Scenic Drives to See Fall Colors in Colorado
- What to Pack For a Hike in Colorado
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