Top 4 Stunning Day Trips from Telluride
Telluride: More Than Just The Mountains
Chances are, if you’re visiting Telluride, you’ll see plenty of beautiful landscapes on your drive in, whether that’s all the way from Denver or all the way from Albuquerque.
However, if you just cannot get enough of the ever-changing mountain landscapes in Southern Colorado, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best day trips from Telluride. Come along with us as we explore the top 4 best day trips to take while you’re staying in this beautiful mountain town.
#1: Step Back into Colorado’s Past at Mesa Verde National Park
Just an hour and a half southwest of Telluride’s gorgeous mountain landscape lies one of the most underrated national parks in the United States: Mesa Verde National Park. The drive to the park down the beautiful winding roads of CO-145 alone makes the trip worth the effort, but once you come within view of the gorgeous flat-topped mesas that the park was named after, you’ll be even more awed by the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
That’s not the only treat you’re in for, either, since Mesa Verde is packed with Native American history as well, and it’s easy to hike within view of the world-famous Spruce Tree House. Though this famous Ute landmark is not accessible due to the instability of the overhanging rocks, there’s a few other cliff dwellings to visit in the park, like the Long House and Step House. There’s also plenty of day hikes to enjoy while you’re at the park, such as the incredible Petroglyph Point trail, which features steps carved into stone and a stunning endpoint where you’ll be able to get a close view of the petroglyphs the trail was named after.
#2: Spend a Day in Driving Through Ouray, Silverton, and Durango
If you’re looking for a drive that will give you a great overview of the mountain beauty that surrounds Telluride, take an amazing day trip down US 550 to visit the gorgeous mountain towns located along this highway. Ouray is the first stop on this mountain-appreciation tour, and we recommend stopping there for a delicious breakfast and some incredible views before heading down to Silverton.
Silverton is a high-elevation town that’s surrounded on all sides by mountains, and its history is as rich as the mines that once filled this entire area. If you’re taking this trip during the wintertime and you want to try out some expert-level backcountry skiing, you can also head over to Silverton Mountain for some heli-skiing that will get your adrenaline pumping.
The last stop on this day trip is Durango, a town with a long railroad history attached to it. There’s plenty to do in Durango on a sunny day, such as exploring the downtown area, taking the Narrow Gauge Railroad up to Silverton, or strolling along the nearby Animas River. There’s also tons of winter recreation located nearby as well, with Purgatory Resort just a short drive away.
#3: Visit the Gorgeous Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The other national park within driving distance of Telluride is yet another underrated gem: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This park, located around an hour and a half north of Telluride, features some of the oldest and most stunning crags and spires in all of Colorado, and within its bounds visitors are able to explore over 2 million years of geologic history.
For those looking for a gorgeous scenic drive, the 7-mile trip down South Rim Road features a variety of overlooks for you to stop and admire the deep walls of the canyon. If you’re hoping for a bit more adventure, check out the East Portal Road, which leads to the Gunnison River by way of a steep and curvy route that’ll get anyone’s adrenaline pumping. There’s also plenty of opportunities for hiking at this national park–we highly recommend the moderate Rim Rock Nature Trail, which gives hikers a chance to view the canyon without dealing with the steep inclines of other, more strenuous trails.
#4: Head to Moab and Arches National Park for Incredible Scenery
Looking for a total change of scenery from the verdant mountain valleys and meadows of Telluride? Head over to Moab, Utah, just a two and a half hour drive away. Not only is this funky desert town worth visiting for some delicious food, outdoor recreation, and incredible views, but Arches National Park is located just down the road to make your day trip even more memorable.
Arches National Park is aptly named–this gorgeous park offers visitors access to over 2,000 sandstone arches, each of which frame the landscape in their own unique way. Travel down the 18 mile scenic route for a great overview of the park’s offerings, or hike down one of the numerous trails in the park to get an up close and personal view of these amazing geological formations. The Delicate Arch Trail, just a half-mile long, is a popular trail for visitors who don’t have much time to spare before getting back on the road to Telluride.
Make Your Next Trip to Telluride One You’ll Remember Forever
Telluride may feel isolated, but it’s not too far from some of the most varied landscapes in the entire country. Whether you’re feeling up to a road trip to the desert or you’d rather take in even more mountain vistas than Telluride alone can provide, these day trips are a great way to enjoy everything that southern Colorado and the surrounding area have to offer. Next time you’re taking a trip to Telluride, think about stopping at some of these incredible spots to make your vacation an unforgettable experience.