We rave about how hard it is to get to Telluride. Yep. This perfect little box canyon isn't exactly on the way to anywhere. But that's part of the magic. Once you're here, you'll find that even a quick weekend trip feels like a real escape. Whether you're coming for hiking, skiing, or just soaking up the mountain town vibe, here's how I'd spend 48 hours.

Day 1: Friday Arrival

Afternoon: Fly into Montrose Regional Airport if you're coming from out of state, and plan 75 minutes by car or shuttle. If you're driving from Denver, Albuquerque, or Salt Lake, plan for a 6–7 hour road trip (or more in a winter storm). Check in at your hotel, Airbnb, or Mountain Village condo. If you're staying in town, you can walk everywhere. If you're in Mountain Village, the free gondola connects you straight into Telluride in 11 minutes. Just remember to stay in the car at the top.

Evening: Grab a casual dinner at Brown Dog Pizza for Detroit-style pies or La Cocina de Luz for incredible Mexican food (careful with the top shelf margaritas if you are coming from sea level). Or head to The Grand or The National for upscale mountain cuisine. If you've got energy left — and seriously be careful with the hangover and dehydration at 10,000 feet — stop by New Sheridan Bar.

Day 2: Saturday Adventure

Morning: Fuel up with coffee and breakfast burritos at The Butcher & The Baker or Baked in Telluride. For just coffee, I recommend the newest coffee shop in town: The Telluride Company. Then get outside.

  • Summer/Fall: Hike Bear Creek Trail — a mellow 5-mile round-trip to a waterfall right from town. Or, for a bigger day, tackle the Sneffels Highline, a tough but jaw-dropping 13-mile loop. If you plan to do Sneffels, start early to avoid the early afternoon monsoons.
  • Winter: Take Lift 4 from Mountain Village or Lift 7 from town, then head over to Lift 5 for a blue square warm-up.

Afternoon: Lunch on-mountain if you're skiing (Goronno's or Giuseppe's), or try La Cocina or Oak in town. Spend the afternoon wandering the historic district. If you are bored skiing, go get drinks during happy hour at Allred's.

Evening: Dinner at 221 South Oak — an institution run by former Top Chef contestant Eliza Gavin, with a dedicated vegetarian menu — or Floradora, a second-generation upscale American restaurant on Main Street. Cap the night with live music at the Sheridan Opera House (fancier) or Fly Me to The Moon (grungier).

Day 3: Sunday Wind-Down

Morning: Grab a quick breakfast and one last adventure. A few options:

  • People watch on Main Street from The Telluride Company or Butcher & Baker.
  • Stroll or cross-country ski the Valley Floor, a flat trail with wide-open views of the box canyon.
  • If it's ski season, sneak in a few more runs before heading out.

Afternoon: Pack up and start the journey back. You'll leave tired, probably a little sore, and already scheming your next trip.

Pro Tips

  • Skip the rental car: If you're staying in town or Mountain Village, you won't need it.
  • Book early: Lodging fills fast for festivals and ski weekends.
  • Altitude matters: At 8,750 feet, hydrate more than you think, and watch the alcohol on night one.