Telluride is a picturesque mountain town nestled deep within a box canyon in Colorado’s San Juan mountains. Between the golden aspen groves, waterfalls, and jagged mountains, visiting Telluride in the fall is a truly magical experience that will take your breath away (if the altitude doesn’t first!).
Downtown Telluride has all of the hallmarks of a traditional Colorado mining town (how Telluride got its start), complete with a bustling main street and historic homes. Telluride is also an extremely popular, world-class skiing destination. The town of Mountain Village, located above Telluride, provides easy access to the resort along with additional housing and lodging for the area.
Telluride and Mountain Village are connected by a FREE, dog-friendly gondola that takes 13 minutes to ride. The gondola takes you directly over an aspen forest, providing spectacular views during the fall. The gondola is open through October 20, 2024, and reopens for the winter season on November 15, 2024.
Table of Contents
- When to see fall colors in Telluride.
- Where to see fall colors in Telluride.
- What’s the weather like in Telluride in the fall?
- How to get to Telluride.
- Recreating responsibly in Telluride.
- Best fall hikes in Telluride.
- Best scenic drives for fall colors in Telluride.
- Fall events in Telluride.
- Where to stay in Telluride.
- Camping in Telluride.
- Best restaurants in Telluride.
- Where to shop in Telluride.
When to See Fall Colors in Telluride
The aspens around Telluride typically begin changing in mid-September, peak in late September-early October, and linger until mid-October. The exact timing of when peak fall colors will occur in Telluride changes year to year.
During years with a wet monsoon season the colors typically peak a little later in the season and stay vibrant longer. During periods of drought the aspens start to change and peak earlier. An extra wet or cold start to the fall could also cause the aspens to lose their leaves just as quickly as they change. You’re really at the mercy of mother nature when it comes to fall colors in Telluride!
Planning a trip during the last week of September or first week of October should be a safe bet to catch the best fall colors in Telluride. I’d personally rather visit an area a little bit early, than past peak fall foliage conditions!
Where to See Fall Colors in Telluride
Aspen trees provide the best fall colors in Telluride, although scrub oaks also provide orange, red, and golden hues. Aspens can grow anywhere from 6,500-11,500 ft. in elevation. Since Telluride sits at 8,750 ft., it’s a prime location for aspens to take root. The fall colors in Telluride are often considered some of the best in Colorado!
You’ll find groves of aspens throughout downtown Telluride, Mountain Village, and in the surrounding mountains. It’s hard to miss them! There will be no shortage of fall colors in Telluride if you visit during peak fall foliage. Even if you’re a little early or late in the season, it’s not hard to find a pocket of aspens at their peak.
What’s the Weather Like in Telluride in the Fall?
The weather in Telluride in the fall is generally pleasant. You’ll find mostly sunny skies and highs in the 60s during the day, with lows in the 30s and 40s at night. Monsoon season is over by the time peak fall colors roll around so afternoon thunderstorms aren’t a huge threat.
Of course, Colorado weather can be unpredictable and you might experience all four seasons in one day! While most fall days in Telluride will typically bring bluebird skies, be prepared for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or even snow during early fall. Snow at higher altitudes isn’t uncommon in September and October, but you can expect most hiking trails near town to be clear.
How to Get to Telluride
Driving to Telluride
Telluride is approximately 6 ¼ hours from Denver; 6 hours from Colorado Springs; and 2 ½ hours from Grand Junction.
From Denver:
To get to Telluride from Denver you can either take I-70 or U.S. 285. Without traffic, I-70 is about 10 minutes faster, but westbound traffic on I-70 is a very common occurrence, so it can be risky. If you take I-70, you’ll exit in Grand Junction to take U.S. 50 south towards Montrose.
If you take U.S. 285, you’ll turn onto U.S. 50 in Poncha Springs and head west towards Montrose. Be aware, there is currently a bridge closure on U.S. 50 near Gunnison. Hopefully the bridge will reopen before fall, but there are currently detours in place that will add time to your drive.
Once in Montrose drive south on U.S. 550 towards Ridgway where you’ll make a right at the stoplight onto CO-62. Follow the highway for 23 miles, taking in stunning views of the Dallas Divide along the way. Make a left onto CO-145 south and continue driving until you reach the town of Telluride.
From Colorado Springs:
To get to Telluride from Colorado Springs you’ll take U.S. 24 west out of Colorado Springs. Once you reach Antero Junction, get on U.S. 285. Continue driving southwest before turning right onto U.S. 50 in Poncha Springs to head west towards Montrose. Be aware, there is currently a bridge closure on U.S. 50 near Gunnison. Hopefully the bridge will reopen before fall, but there are currently detours in place that will add time to your drive.
Once in Montrose drive south on U.S. 550 towards Ridgway where you’ll make a right at the stoplight onto CO-62. Follow the highway for 23 miles, taking in stunning views of the Dallas Divide along the way. Make a left onto CO-145 south and continue driving until you reach the town of Telluride.
From Grand Junction:
To get to Telluride from Grand Junction, Colorado, head south out of town on U.S. 50 and drive towards Delta and Montrose. Continue on U.S. 550 south of Montrose to the town of Ridgeway. Take a right at the stoplight in Ridgeway onto CO-62. Follow the highway for 23 miles, taking in stunning views of the Dallas Divide along the way. Then make a left onto CO-145 south and continue driving until you reach the town of Telluride.
Flying to Telluride
Telluride is home to the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX). This is a very small airport that only offers limited commercial flights via Denver Air Connection. Most flights in and out of the Telluride Regional Airport are private.
The next closest airport is in Montrose, Colorado, 1 ½ hours away. The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) offers direct flights to Denver, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, and Dallas during the summer and fall. There are more direct flight options into Montrose during ski season, including locations like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Recreate Responsibly in Telluride
Telluride is a popular Colorado mountain town destination in the fall, and with so many visitors enjoying the natural beauty of the area, it’s important that everyone does their part to minimize their impacts on the environment.
Appreciate the Aspens
Please do not carve into the aspen trees. Not only does this hurt the tree, but it also makes them more susceptible to disease and fungus. Because an entire grove of aspens share a single root system harming one tree hurts them all. It’s also worth noting that aspens are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, and many groves in the area are suffering from long term impacts of drought. Please treat the trees respectfully so they can continue to thrive with vibrant fall colors!
Dogs in Telluride
Telluride is arguably one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country and has some of the best dog-friendly hikes in Colorado. Leashes are required in certain areas of Telluride like Main Street, Town Park, and in Mountain Village, but there are many places where dogs are allowed to be off-leash (but still under control), including on local trails.
The majority of the hiking and biking trails around Telluride are either on land owned by the town of Telluride, Telluride Ski Resort, or in Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests. National Forest regulations requires dogs to be under control at all times. Under control can include being on-leash (the preferred method) or under vocal command. You will likely see dogs off-leash on the trails I’ve included in this guide.
Leave No Trace
Practicing Leave No Trace on the trail is the best way to help minimize your impact while enjoying the outdoors. Here’s a refresher of the 7 Leave No Trace principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare. Make sure you dress and pack appropriately for any hike that you do.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stay on developed trails.
- Properly dispose of waste. This includes packing out all of your trash as well as pet and human waste!
- Leave what you find. Don’t take natural objects, or carve into trees or rocks.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Check for fire bans before having a campfire. Make sure campfires are always attended and out completely before leaving (the ashes should be cool to the touch).
- Respect wildlife. Maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Remember uphill hikers have the right of way. Keep your voice low and don’t play music over speakers while on the trail.
The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
The Best Hikes in Telluride in the Fall
Telluride is one of the best Colorado mountain towns for hiking because there are a wide variety of trails in town and at the ski resort. Telluride Ski Resort also has a bike park if you want to put your mountain biking skills to the test.
All of the hiking trails that I’ve included in this post can be accessed right in town and provide the most bang for your buck when it comes to the difficulty vs. the views. There are a ton of additional hiking trails in the greater Telluride area if you’re willing to drive a bit out of town.
Altitude Awareness
Keep in mind that Telluride sits at 8,750 ft. and many of these hikes gain a fair amount of elevation. If you’re visiting Telluride from sea level or a low elevation area, try to spend a day or two in a lower elevation city like Grand Junction or Montrose before heading up to Telluride.
If you’re not acclimated to hiking at high altitudes, prepare to take things slow and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Issues with coordination
If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, safely get back down to a lower elevation. If altitude sickness is left untreated it can develop into a more serious problem like HAPE (high-altitude pulmonary edema) or HACE (high-altitude cerebral edema), both of which can be fatal.
Here are some of the best hikes in Telluride to do this fall:
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is visible while driving or walking through downtown Telluride, but it’s worth the hike to get up close and personal with the 365 ft. waterfall. The trail to Bridal Veil Falls was recently constructed, so it’s in great shape, but it is fairly steep and challenging. This hike is not for beginners.
The trail quickly begins gaining elevation right from the trailhead, taking you through the forest past aspens and coniferous trees. You’ll pass 2 additional waterfalls on the way to Bridal Veil Falls. There are signs along the trail marking the spur trails for the waterfalls. After 900 ft. of climbing through the forest you’ll reach your destination- the magnificent Bridal Veil Falls. While it’s a popular location, there are a lot of boulders near the base of the waterfall so people can spread out and take in unique vantage points.
If you don’t enjoy hiking, you can drive up to Bridal Veil Falls with a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle. You can also hike the road instead of taking the trail, for a longer, but less strenuous hike.
Trailhead Location: Google maps
There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate. Parking is located at the Idarado Mine. Since the hike is very popular and the parking lot is fairly small, it fills up quickly. There is additional parking along the road, but be sure to obey any signs and closures.
Distance: 2.4 miles out-and-back including stops at the other waterfalls along the way
Elevation Gain: 900 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate-difficult. The trail is steep and rocky the entire hike up to Bridal Veil Falls.
Estimated Hike Time: 90 minutes-2 hours
Permits/Fees: None
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Mountain Bikes: No
See Forever Trail
The See Forever Trail is located at the Telluride Ski Resort, so access to the trailhead is right off the gondola at San Sophia Station. While the trail is steep, the views of Telluride and Mountain Village from the top are well worth the effort.
The beginning of the See Forever Trail takes you through an aspen forest where you’ll be fully immersed in the fall colors. You’ll eventually climb out of the aspens, but the views aren’t over yet. The hike to the top of the See Forever Trail involves a steady climb with 1,700 ft. of elevation gain. Once you reach the top of the trail you’ll have expansive views of the mountains and fall foliage in Telluride.
Be aware, the ski resort occasionally closes certain trails depending on the conditions. Be sure to check the board at the gondola station to verify that the See Forever Trail is open!
Trailhead Location: Google maps
There is a bathroom near the gondola station at the beginning of the trail.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy. You can park in either Telluride or Mountain Village and take the gondola to the trailhead.
Distance: 5.5 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,700 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate-difficult depending on fitness levels & acclimation to the elevation.
Estimated Hike Time: 3-3 ½ hours
Permits/Fees: None
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Mountain Bikes: Yes, except for a section near the beginner. There’s a bypass for mountain bikes.
Jud Weibe Memorial Trail
The Jud Weibe Memorial Trail takes you through an aspen forest on the east side of Telluride. The trail is very popular during the fall because it packs great views of Telluride along with stunning foliage, so getting an early start is recommended. While the trail is relatively short, it packs some fierce elevation gain. Come prepared ready for a workout!
There are a couple of overlooks along the trail that provide panoramic views of downtown Telluride and the surrounding mountains. The Jud Weibe Memorial Trail is a great option if you want to be fully immersed in fall foliage because the trail stays in aspen forest for the majority of the hike.
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Difficult. The trailhead is in a residential area, so you will need to park downtown and walk.
Distance: 3 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate-difficult depending on fitness levels & acclimation to the elevation.
Estimated Hike Time: 1 ½-2 hours
Permits/Fees: None
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Mountain Bikes: Yes
Bear Creek Falls
The hike to Bear Creek Falls begins on the west side of town, a short walk from the gondola. Bear Creek Trail begins gaining elevation immediately and consistently climbs up to Bear Creek Falls.
While the trail is popular, it’s also wide and well-maintained so it’s easy to navigate and pass other hikers. The final push to Bear Creek Falls is steep and narrow. There’s a large boulder that you can scramble on top of to get an expansive view of the waterfall. You can also continue hiking up closer to the falls, but be prepared to get sprayed with water and watch your step because the rocks can get slippery.
Trailhead Location: Google maps
There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy. There is no official parking lot for Bear Creek Trail because it starts in the middle of downtown Telluride. You can either find street parking or park in Mountain Village and take the free gondola down to Telluride. The trailhead is a short walk from the gondola.
Distance: 4.5
Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Estimated Hike Time: 2-3 hours
Permits/Fees: None
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Mountain Bikes: Yes
Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Telluride
Just driving into Telluride is a scenic fall drive in itself, but there are also a number of roads in the area that are truly magical to drive during the fall. I’ve included descriptions for some of my favorite scenic drives to see fall colors around Telluride.
In addition to the roads that I’ve included, there are a number of old mining roads that require a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle and experience to access. These roads provide gorgeous views during the fall, but typically take you out of the aspen trees. They’re also dangerous, and may contain steep, exposed sections, or areas with loose rocks. Driving up to a high mountain pass should only be undertaken with a proper vehicle and capable driver. Also remember that uphill drivers have the right of way. OHVs are not allowed on city streets in Telluride.
4×4 Roads Near Telluride
!!FOR EXPERIENCED DRIVERS WITH CAPABLE VEHICLES ONLY!!
- Black Bear Pass (be aware, you can only drive east-west into Telluride)
- Imogene Pass
- Ophir Pass
Last Dollar Road
The initial stretch of Last Dollar Road as you leave Telluride drives through private property past jaw-dropping luxury mountain homes. While you may not be able to afford the 8-figure price tag for one of these homes, you can still enjoy the best views that money can buy from Last Dollar Road.
Last Dollar Road gets pretty rough in a number of areas, and a high-clearance vehicle with AWD or 4WD is required to drive the entire road. If you have a passenger vehicle you can drive up to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Wilson range from Telluride, but I wouldn’t recommend driving further than that. If you have a capable vehicle, you can take Last Dollar Road from CO-62 as you’re driving to Telluride in lieu of taking the highway in.
Divide Road
Divide Road is one of Colorado’s best kept secrets when it comes to the best scenic drives for fall colors. The road goes over the Uncompahgre Plateau, north of Telluride. It begins off of CO-62 prior to turning to go to Telluride. While the road isn’t in Telluride, it’s worth making a detour for.
Divide Road winds through an aspen forest, so it’s perfect for viewing fall colors. Because of its somewhat remote location, it’s not heavily trafficked like other popular scenic fall drives in Colorado. The entire road is over 70 miles long, but you don’t need to drive the entire length for incredible fall foliage.
If you take a scenic drive along Divide Road from Telluride, plan to be out for at least half of the day. Also be sure to fill your gas tank before leaving town!
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway
The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway loops through the San Juan mountains connecting the towns of Ridgway, Telluride, Rico, Dolores, Manco, Durango, Silverton, and Ouray. While the entire 236-mile loop is worth driving, during your fall trip to Telluride focus on the stretch of highway between Telluride and Rico (CO-145).
The drive along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway will take you past aspen forests and provide stunning mountain views, including Lizard Head Peak and 3 Colorado 14’ers (Mount Wilson, El Diente Peak, and Wilson Peak). Because this is a major highway it’s easily accessible for passenger cars and low-clearance vehicles.
Fall Events in Telluride
Telluride is well known for its festivals and fall brings some of the best to town. Here are some fall events in Telluride to keep on your radar:
- Telluride Film Festival If you’re a film buff, plan your trip to Telluride during the Telluride Film Festival. Films showing at the festival aren’t published in advance, but with almost 40 to choose from there’s sure to be something for everyone. Dates: August 29-September 2, 2024
- Telluride Blues & Brews Festival The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival kicks off just as fall colors start appearing in Telluride. Listen to an eclectic mix of musical artists and enjoy some of the best craft beers in the country. This year’s lineup features Gary Clark Jr., Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals, and Joe Bonamassa. Dates: September 13-15, 2024
- Telluride Autumn Classic Formerly known as Cars and Colors, the Telluride Autumn Classic brings together car enthusiasts from all over the world to enjoy the foliage in Telluride. Dates: September 26-28, 2024
- Corvettes & Colors This event is for Corvette owners looking to enjoy peak fall colors in Telluride. Dates: September 30-October 2, 2024
- Telluride Horror Show The Telluride Horror Shoe is a unique film festival featuring movies from across the horror genre. Dates: October 11-14, 2024
Where to Stay in Telluride in the Fall
Hotels
*This section contains affiliate links, which means if you click a link & make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.*
Wake up to crisp mountain air, surrounded by mountains and fall foliage just outside of your window when you stay at a hotel or resort in Telluride. From boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, Telluride offers a range of accommodations that will elevate your autumn escape and provide an unforgettable experience.
Many of the resorts in Mountain Village offer suites that resemble condos and include amenities like a kitchen and washer/dryer.
Popular hotels in Telluride:
- The Hotel Telluride (pet-friendly)
- Hotel Columbia (NOT pet-friendly)
- The Victorian Inn (NOT pet-friendly)
Popular hotels in Mountain Village:
- The Peaks Resort & Spa (pet-friendly upon request)
- Fairmont Heritage Place (pet-friendly)
- Mountain Lodge at Telluride (pet-friendly)
Ski season is prime time in Telluride, and hotels tend to be more affordable during shoulder season in the fall. However, you may notice a slight increase in rates during peak fall colors in Telluride. Keep in mind that Telluride in general is a pricey place to visit!
Vacation Rentals
There are a variety of vacation rental options available around Telluride. Most vacation rentals are condos, but you can also find entire homes and cabins available on Vrbo.
It’s important to acknowledge that Telluride is experiencing a major affordable housing crisis, like most mountain towns in the West. The conversion of long-term units to short-term rentals has exacerbated this problem. The people who work in town and serve visitors can’t afford to live in the area, which is having major ripple effects in the community.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t stay in a vacation rental. I completely recognize that everyone has different needs and preferences. However, I think it’s important to consider our impacts on a community when traveling. Renting an entire luxury home probably isn’t going to be taking away from affordable housing, but renting an in-law suite might be. If you’re debating between a hotel room or vacation rental, I’d recommend going with the hotel room. Many offer suites if you need multiple bedrooms or kitchen space.
If you are looking to splurge on a luxury home or cabin for your fall trip to Telluride, here are some options worth considering:
- 5-Bedroom Home in the Aspens Average Cost: $1,400/night
- 5-Bedroom Luxury Home With Views Average Cost: $2,050/night
- 8-Bedroom Luxury Home in Mountain Village Average Cost: $1,250/night
Camping in Telluride in the Fall
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Telluride’s vibrant fall foliage than with a good old fashioned camping trip. Telluride offers a range of camping options including developed campgrounds and dispersed camping.
Be aware, temperatures at night drop considerably in the mountains. You may even encounter snow while camping in Telluride depending on the weather and your elevation. Be prepared with the proper gear that you need to stay warm while camping in Telluride in the fall.
Campgrounds Around Telluride
Town Park Campground
Nestled in the heart of downtown Telluride, the Town Park Campground is the most convenient campground to stay in during a fall trip. Enjoy alpenglow on the mountains each morning and evening, while still being a stone’s throw away from Telluride’s vibrant culture. Amenities include water, restrooms, and showers.
Reservations for the Town Park Campground between September 16-October 6, 2024, go on sale on August 5 at 9:00am MST. Since this is during peak fall colors in Telluride, sites will likely sell out quickly, so be prepared.
Closing Date: October 6, 2024
Fees: $28/night for walk-in tent site; $39/night for a standard site; $49/night for a premium site. Senior discounts available.
Matterhorn Campground
The Matterhorn Campground is located off of CO-145 at the base of the Lizard Head Wilderness. Reservations for the Matterhorn Campground can be made in advance on rec.gov through September 15, 2024. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis from September 16-September 30, 2024.
Closing Date: September 30, 2024
Fees: $26/night or tent only or standard nonelectric site; $40/night for an electric site
Sunshine Campground
Located near the San Miguel River along CO-145, the Sunshine Campground is a great place to spend the night near Telluride during the fall. The campground is nestled in an aspen forest, making it a great choice during the fall, and many sites provide views of the campground’s namesake, Sunshine Peak.
Closing Date: September 29, 2024
Fees: $28/night
Dispersed Camping Around Telluride
There is dispersed camping available near Telluride in Uncompahgre National Forest and San Juan National Forest. Generally speaking, the further you get from Telluride the better luck you’re going to have with finding a dispersed campsite. Remember to only camp in existing campsites- good dispersed campsites are found, not made!
The main benefits of dispersed camping are that it’s free and provides more solitude than camping in a developed campground. The downside is that there are typically no amenities. Keep in mind if you’re planning on dispersed camping, you need to be prepared to be fully self-sufficient. This includes packing out ALL of your trash, and disposing of human waste properly. You also likely won’t have cell phone service while dispersed camping around Telluride, so be sure to download any maps you need.
Areas to look for dispersed camping around Telluride include:
- Alta Lakes. 20 designated campsites. The road to get up to Alta Lakes is very rough. Trailers & RV’s aren’t recommended. Pit toilets available.
- Last Dollar Road. Dispersed campsites along Last Dollar Road are somewhat limited and tend to fill up early on weekends. Be sure to respect private property and camp only on public lands. Sections of the road require a high-clearance and AWD or 4WD vehicle.
- Lizard Head Pass. Dispersed camping is available on the east side of the pass. The road up to Lizard Head Pass is rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle.
- Priest Lake. 9 designated campsites. Fishing available at Priest Lake. Pit toilets available. No trailers.
The Best Restaurants in Telluride
Telluride has a wide variety of dining options ranging from casual fare to high-end eateries. The following recommendations are based on my own experience dining in Telluride, but you can find plenty of other delicious (and higher-end) restaurants depending on what you’re craving.
As I previously mentioned, Telluride is experiencing a major affordable housing crisis, which has impacted local restaurants. Remember these businesses are doing their best! You may experience longer than usual wait times and prices may be higher than what you’re accustomed to (which is typical in any mountain town). Try to be patient and be sure to tip your servers generously!
For Brunch:
The Butcher & The Baker. For a fresh, farm to table brunch, look no further than The Butcher & The Baker. This popular counter-service restaurant offers baked goods and breakfast fare like avocado toast and a zucchini and kale breakfast sandwich. The Butcher & The Baker also has a deli, and serves lunch and dinner.
For Coffee:
The Coffee Cowboy. Located near the gondola station in downtown Telluride, The Coffee Cowboy serves up classic drinks and specialty coffees, like the Annie Oakley, which is a latte with caramel and cinnamon.
For Baked Goods:
Baked in Telluride. If you’re looking for the best pastries and baked goods in Telluride, then you have to stop at Baked in Telluride. In addition to baked goods, Baked in Telluride also has pizza, sandwiches, soups, and pastas, if you need to grab a quick bite to eat while exploring downtown.
For a Burgers & Beer:
Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery. Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery offers an elevated brewery experience with a delicious menu. This is the number one restaurant in Telluride that my husband and I go to for a post-hike meal. The menu changes regularly and most items are made in-house with natural ingredients. They also brew their own award winning beers.
For Pizza:
Brown Dog Pizza. Located on Main Street in downtown Telluride, Brown Dog Pizza is the place to go if you’re looking for a post-hike pizza and beer. With a menu that includes subs, burgers, and pizza (including American and Detroit style pizza), there’s something for everyone. Brown Dog Pizza also has a patio, making it a great, dog-friendly restaurant in Telluride.
For a Quick Post-Hike Burger:
Steamies Burger Bar. Steamies Burger Bar puts a healthy spin on classic American fare like burgers and fries by steaming all of their menu items instead of frying, grilling, or charbroiling them. The outcome is a delicious meal that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy and bogged down. Steamies also sells shakes and a number of unique boozy drinks.
For Fine Dining:
La Marmotte. If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience in Telluride head to La Marmotte. La Marmotte serves French-inspired cuisine and wines in an intimate setting. Reservations highly recommended.
For Something Sweet:
Telluride Truffle. If you’re craving local, handcrafted chocolates, head to Telluride Truffle. This chocolate shop includes unique flavors with names inspired by the mountains, including Alpenglow (dark chocolate flavored with Cabernet Sauvignon) and Powder Day (white chocolate infused with almond). Telluride Truffle also sells ice cream.
Where to Shop in Telluride
Telluride has a bustling Main Street and downtown area with a long list of stores and boutiques. Whether your style is trendy and modern, or you prefer Western vibes, you’ll find something you love in Telluride.
Major outdoor retailers in Telluride include Patagonia, The North Face, Burton, and FP Movement.
Here are just a few local shops in Telluride to visit:
- Between the Covers Bookstore (books)
- Camp Bird (custom hats)
- Jagged Edge Mountain Gear (locally-owned outdoor gear shop)
- Two Skirts (upscale women’s boutique)
- Hook (home decor and gifts)
- PET Telluride (pet supplies)
Enjoy Your Trip to Telluride in the Fall!
Other Colorado Fall Adventures You Might Like:
- Crested Butte in the Fall
- Grand Junction in the Fall
- Where to Find the Best Fall Colors in Colorado
- What to Wear Hiking in the Fall in Colorado
- 15 Breathtaking Scenic Drives to See Fall Colors in Colorado
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