TRIP NOTES
As a Coloradoan, I have been to Telluride more than once, but my most recent trip was during the Covid pandemic in the Summer 2020 (summer of the road trip!). We drove from Denver and stayed in Silverton for one night and Telluride for three nights. The drive in between Telluride and Silverton is about 2 hours, but is very scenic. Part of the drive is on the famous Million Dollar Highway, and you can also stop in the beautiful town of Ouray. Just a note - we specifically stayed in Silverton for a night to complete a summer hike (a bucket list hike for me!) on nearby Ice Lake Trail, which allowed us to easily get an early start in the morning.
STAY
The Wyman Hotel (Silverton, Colorado) - The cutest 15-room boutique hotel! Located in a historical building on Greene Street, the hotel has been remodeled with modern furnishings and amenities. There is an adorable bar in the lobby and also in the adjacent outdoor courtyard, but both were closed when we were there due to Covid. Room service was available for beverages. We booked a corner suite (Suite 2), which had a small kitchenette and views of the town.
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Rent a Mountain House (Telluride, Colorado) - I'd recommend a cabin in the Telluride Mountain Village if you are looking to feel a bit secluded but also have easy access to the town. We went to the grocery store in the Mountain Village, stocked up on food, and did most of our own cooking on this trip.
EAT
Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory (Silverton, Colorado) - A treat for after hiking!
Brown Dog Pizza (Telluride, Colorado) - You can't come to Telluride and not eat the Detroit-style pizza at Brown Dog. A classic local favorite. My personal favorites are the 313 (pictured below) and the Prospector.
Last Dollar Saloon (Telluride, Colorado) - My favorite little corner bar. There is also a great rooftop deck during the day.
Note: Silverton is a very small town, and there are not many restaurant options. When we were there, most restaurants were actually closed, which may have been because we went during Covid. There is a nice little market at the beginning of Greene Street where we picked up sandwiches and some items for breakfast the next day.
ADVENTURE
Hike to Island Lake and Ice Lake (Silverton, Colorado) - Read my detailed post here.
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Explore historic Silverton (Silverton, Colorado) - The town is small and easily walkable. Wander around the Old Town area, and stop in a local saloon for a drink.
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Hang out on Colorado Avenue (Telluride, Colorado) - Lots of bars, restaurants and shopping to choose from. Stop into Telluride Trappings & Toggery - my favorite store in town with a great selection of clothes, accessories and the best Telluride t-shirts.
Take the Telluride gondola (Telluride, Colorado) - The FREE gondola is a fun way to travel between the Mountain Village and downtown Telluride, and offers spectacular views of the box canyon surrounding Telluride.
Bridal Veil Falls Hike (Telluride, Colorado) - A fairly easy hike (~4 miles) close to downtown Telluride.
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Fly fishing on the San Miguel River (Telluride, Colorado) - Get a local fly fishing guide, or go on your own. The fishing is great and the scenery is even better.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Montrose County, Colorado) - If driving from Denver to Telluride/Silverton (Highway 285 route), this is an easy stop on the way. The exit for the South Rim is in between Gunnison and Montrose. It is not a highly trafficked national park, so there were no lines to wait in, and we were able to drive to multiple view points and take some short walks in a little over an hour. Definitely stop at the Painted Wall View Trail (first picture below). FYI - If you are really afraid of heights, you may not want to be the one driving :)
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Drive on the Million Dollar Highway (Between Ouray and Silverton) - If you are driving to from Denver to Silverton, this is the road you will take. It is famous for its dramatic mountain views. Stop in the beautiful town of Ouray for lunch or coffee.
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PACKING LIST
What I packed in a small roller suitcase + backpack for a 5-day trip:
2 pairs of leggings
1 pair of jeans
2 casual long sleeve tops
1 cardigan sweater
1 crochet tank top / camisole
1 casual tank top
1 casual short-sleeve shirt
1 athletic/breathable tank top
1 athletic/breathable long sleeve top
1 athletic/breathable short sleeve top
Cozy pajamas
Lightweight hooded puffer jacket (great layer for early morning / high altitude hiking)
Lightweight athletic jacket
Fleece jacket
Fleece or faux fur vest
Low-heel booties
Hiking shoes
Tennis shoes
Flat leather sandals
Baseball cap
Wide brim straw hat
2 pairs of hiking socks
Gloves (if hiking at high altitude)
Backpack with CamelBak water pouch for hiking