Only One Day in Telluride? Here’s How to Make It Special
A Day in Winter or Summer in Telluride
Arresting mountain vistas abound in Telluride, but it would probably take an entire lifetime to get to know all of them like the back of your hand. However, if your visit to Telluride will only span the length of a day, what’s the best way to spend your time?
That’s a question we’ve got the answer to in today’s blog, where we’ll detail how to make the most of one day in Telluride both in the winter and the summertime. From winter mornings spent on the mountain to summer afternoons spent fishing and enjoying outdoor recreation, you’ll have more than enough activities to pack into your single day in the mountains of Southern Colorado.
A Winter Itinerary for One Day in Telluride
Morning on the Mountains
Sunrise in Telluride is a beautiful experience, and if you can wake up early enough during the chilly winter days, you’ll be able to gaze out of your windows and watch the sun cross over the tops of the mountains and greet the day in an awe-inspiring way. Once you’ve done that, it’s time for an early breakfast at The Butcher and the Baker, located on Colorado Avenue just across the street from the hardware store. This casual eatery opens at 7am and features delicious eats (with tons of healthy options) to fill your belly up before your mountain adventures start.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, gear up for a day spent skiing or boarding down Telluride’s best trails. Take the free gondola up to Mountain Village to access the chairlifts and start your mountain exploration for the day. When you’ve finished up, ski back into town for an afternoon spent exploring the shops and boutiques.
Afternoon Town Exploration
To make the most of your single day in Telluride, spend some time walking up and down the main drag to get a glimpse of the shops, boutiques, and art galleries that line Colorado Avenue. Be sure to check out the Gold Mountain Gallery, which has everything from local fine art and photography to furnishings and jewelry, or the Gordon Collection, which specializes in Native American jewelry, weaving, and other types of art.
You’ll likely be hungry by the time you finish your lap of Telluride, so head over to Floradora Saloon for some tasty comfort food. This spot is not only a Telluride staple since 1973, it’s also one of the best lunch spots in town, where you’ll find creative dishes like the Colorado Short Rib Poutine appetizer.
After a day packed full of mountain and town activities, you’re probably feeling a bit tired by now, so head back to your accommodation for a quick nap before heading to a fine-dining restaurant for dinner.
Evening Fine Dining Experience
Evening is a magical time in Telluride, when the sun disappears behind the spines of the mountains and the nightlife begins to get going. To end your day on an excellent note, take a trip over to La Marmotte for a refined and upscale French dining experience. If you are traveling with a spouse or loved one, this is one of the most romantic places in town to grab a bite after a long day of activities.
A Summer Schedule for a Single Day in Telluride
A Morning of Experiencing Telluride
The sun rises bright and early during the summer months in Telluride, so awake with the sun to get in all the Telluride experiences that you can. Start your morning with a trip over to The Coffee Cowboy, a converted horse trailer that serves some of the best coffee in town. Next, it’s time to wander the streets of Telluride, exploring all the shops, galleries, and boutiques that can be found there. One of the best parts of only having a day in Telluride is that the town is quite small, so it’s easy to see everything in one action-packed day.
After your exploration is finished, take a walk down the Telluride River Trail, which runs alongside the San Miguel River and provides arresting views of both the town and the mountains that surround it.
A Wild Afternoon in the Mountains
Summer is the perfect time for some outdoor activities in Telluride, and there are plenty of options for any personality. One easy activity that anyone will enjoy is a drive through the San Juan Scenic Byway–you don’t have to complete the whole circuit in one day to enjoy the views and the chance to see some alpine wildlife and wildflowers in bloom.
If spending time in nature is more your speed, take a quick hike down the Telluride River Trail and spend some time fishing in the waters of the San Miguel River. Here, you can catch fish such as brown and brook trout while enjoying the summer sunshine. Or, if a good hike is something you’re looking forward to, check out the Bear Creek Trail. This gorgeous hike is mainly uphill, but it ends with incredible views of the Bear Creek Falls.
Evening with the Stars in Telluride
For your final bit of time spent in Telluride, take advantage of the dark skies to do some stargazing. After grabbing a quick dinner over at Cornerhouse Grille, head up the free gondola and settle into Mountain Village. When the sun sets over the mountains and the stars begin to twinkle overhead, you’ll know you’ve landed in a magical place.
Explore More Telluride Fun and Activities
A single day is more than enough to be able to be able to experience much of what Telluride has to offer, whether you’re visiting during the winter or the summertime. Whether your adventures take you to the mountaintops for some unparalleled skiing and boarding or your summertime vacation brings you to the shores of the San Miguel River, you’re guaranteed to have a good time in Telluride.
Want to discover more ways to enjoy a vacation to the mountains of Southern Colorado? Take a look at our guide to the best hikes in Telluride or our recommendations for some day trips from the area.