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Telluride

Telluride travel guide

Home rule town in Colorado, United States

Best time to visitJune
Nearest airportTEX · 5 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−6
Population2,561

About Telluride

Telluride is the county seat and most populous town of San Miguel County in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Colorado. The town is a former silver mining camp on the San Miguel River in the western San Juan Mountains. The first gold mining claim was made in the mountains above Telluride in 1875, and early settlement of what is now Telluride followed. The town was founded in 1878.

Places to visit in Telluride

  1. Telluride Historic District

    Historic

    Telluride's compact downtown of colorful Victorian buildings sits in a box canyon surrounded by peaks, and Colorado Avenue is lined with shops, galleries and restaurants.

  2. Telluride Gondola

    Viewpoint

    A free public gondola links the town of Telluride with Mountain Village, providing spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains on the way over the ridge.

  3. Bridal Veil Falls

    Nature

    A tall waterfall at the east end of the canyon, topped by a historic hydroelectric power plant, reachable by a steep hike or rough road from town.

  4. Telluride Ski Resort

    Telluride Ski Resort

    Nature

    Known for challenging terrain and dramatic scenery, the ski area rises directly above town and is reached by lifts and the gondola, with mountain biking and hiking taking over in summer.

  5. Telluride Historical Museum

    Museum

    Housed in a former miners' hospital, this small museum tells the story of Telluride's mining boom, its colorful characters and its transformation into a ski town.

Best time to visit Telluride

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Telluride is June, when average daytime highs are around 70°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 2° – 29° 12
Feb 8° – 36° 10
Mar 12° – 39° 13
Apr 19° – 47° 10
May 27° – 54° 13
Jun 40° – 70° 11
Jul 45° – 74° 15
Aug 46° – 73° 16
Sep 38° – 65° 13
Oct 32° – 57° 9
Nov 17° – 42° 8
Dec 12° – 39° 5

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Telluride weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 54° 42° 82%
  • Thu 22 Oct 46° 42° 98%
  • Fri 23 Oct 52° 36° 98%
  • Sat 24 Oct 56° 36° 38%
  • Sun 25 Oct 50° 34° 15%
  • Mon 26 Oct 55° 33° 11%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/DenverUTC−6
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Telluride

These are the airports closest to central Telluride. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • TEX Telluride Regional Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Telluride

Getting around Telluride

Public transportation abounds in Telluride and Mountain Village. It is recommended not to drive to most locations as there is ample free bus service around town, as well as a free Gondola service between Telluride and Mountain Village.

Telluride travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Telluride?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Telluride is June, when average daytime highs are around 70°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.

What is the weather like in Telluride?

July is usually the warmest month in Telluride, with average highs of 74°F (23°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 2°F (-16°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 82 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Telluride?

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Telluride.

What time zone is Telluride in?

Telluride uses the America/Denver time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Telluride?

Public transportation abounds in Telluride and Mountain Village. It is recommended not to drive to most locations as there is ample free bus service around town, as well as a free Gondola service between Telluride and Mountain Village.

What are the best places to visit in Telluride?

Top sights in Telluride include Telluride Historic District, Telluride Gondola, Bridal Veil Falls and Telluride Ski Resort. Telluride's compact downtown of colorful Victorian buildings sits in a box canyon surrounded by peaks, and Colorado Avenue is lined with shops, galleries and restaurants.