When real life is overwhelming and the views from your living room windows aren’t of mountains and snow—or mountains and great expanses of green grass and tall trees—the only solution to your problem is a trip to Telluride, Colorado, where you will find all of the above and so much more. But what if you only have 24 hours to explore Telluride? Obviously, you won’t be able to do, see, and experience all the wonderful things our mountain town offers, but it is a start, and we at Accommodations in Telluride are proud to offer the accommodations that will offer the most comfortable way to end your 24 hours in our Colorado paradise!
Sunrise Over the Mountains
The first adventure we want to explore will probably be your last adventure in Telluride because we know you aren’t going to swoop into town before dawn, but since every adventure should start with the rising of the sun, we are slipping a sunrise over the mountains into the beginning of our tale of 24 hours. First though, we must warn you, that no matter what season your journey brings you to our doorstep, it will be cold when you step out the door and onto the balcony, so don’t forget to bundle up. The cold air will take your breath away, but so will the sight of the world awakening around you, the dark skies lightening, the colors ranging from pastel to fire. The sounds of birds greeting the new morn with happy chirping, the feel of cold mountain breezes bringing color to your cheeks, and the scent of fresh mountain air will delight your senses and bring you joy.
Both Roads Lead to the Same Place
Our next adventure will delight another sense, that of taste, but you may not take the most direct route to a breakfast at the Butcher & Baker Café. After the sky turns azure and the sun shines its golden orb down on your still awestruck countenance, you may find yourself returning to the warm cocoon in which you slept, pulling the blankets over your shoulders and the pillow over your head, happily seeking a few more minutes of rest. After a refreshing “nap,” you may wake up to a stomach grumbling over its empty state, toss on some clothes, and head out to the restaurant that has become your favorite breakfast spot. Or instead of climbing back into the most comfortable beds in the state, you may head directly to Butcher & Baker Café, located at 201 E Colorado Avenue, ready to fuel your body for the adventures that lie ahead. Both “roads” lead to the same destination and the same conclusion, a stomach filled with hearty comfort food!
A Journey of Two Seasons
Now that breakfast is finished and you have stepped back out into the brisk mountain air, perhaps with a coffee in a to go cup in hand, it is time to decide the next direction your journey will take you, and that will depend on the season. Yes, there are four seasons on the calendar, but for today’s purpose, we are narrowing it down to just two: the warm season and the cold season. It should be of no surprise to learn that your day trip will look vastly different depending on the season you are here, so we will discuss activities and adventures for each season, offering a peek into the beauty of Telluride during your 24 hours of excitement and fun.
Frosty Fun in Telluride
Winter visitors will most likely find themselves heading to the slopes of Telluride Ski Resort, happy to spend the day schussing down the mountain and riding the chairlifts back up to the top of your favorite trails. Although you don’t really have time for it, should you choose to come back at a later date for a longer time, you may appreciate the refresher lessons they offer, divided into private or group classes as well as into age groups, so adults don’t have to worry about being shown up by the much faster learning smaller skiers! When lunchtime arrives, you won’t have to leave the mountain to refuel your tank, as the mountain always provides, offering a selection of restaurants and casual dining spots that will conquer the appetite your activities have aroused.
Gay Ski Week, February/March
In our minds, there are two times of the year that are extra special when it comes to ski season: opening week (usually around Thanksgiving), and Gay Ski Week (end of February, beginning of March), and if your journey brings you here during Gay Ski Week, we KNOW you will be tempted to return again next year so as to enjoy the entire week, not just the event or two you can squeeze into your day trip. Enjoy ski and après ski events, horse drawn carriage rides (the Gay Sleigh), historical walks, as well as parties that you will never forget, including the world famous White Party, in which everyone wears shades of white. Their annual Burlesque show and Glitter Show are two more events we look forward to every year and may be something you will want to plan on returning to see again next year!
Idarado Sled Dog Adventures
Not everyone is a skier, but almost everyone loves dogs and snow, and Idarado Sled Dog Adventures combine both in the best of ways! Offering sled tours that last about four hours and take you through the National Forest in a sled connected to a team of sled dogs, we can promise there are very few places on earth that offer an adventure like this; it is definitely worth taking up four hours of your abbreviated time in Telluride!
Après Ski
The best part of après ski is the realization that even if you don’t spend the day skiing, you can still participate in the activity that can be considered the best part of a winter day. Head to places like Gorrono Ranch, located mid mountain and offering frosty margaritas and live music, or Tomboy Tavern, which is equally famous for its Bloody Marys and its large patio. People gather around firepits outside, sit near fireplaces inside, and commune together over drinks and a shared love of the sport.
Warm Weather Wonderful
Telluride during warmer weather offers an entirely different experience while still reflecting the joy that a Telluride day or night brings. Your outdoor experiences will still be as exhilarating, just a little warmer, and in the summer you would have to really time your visit just right to avoid the many popular festivals that occur here in this carefree season. Summer moves at a slower pace, and as you hike, bike, or cast your line into calm waters, you will feel the underlying tranquility that makes our mountain town one that everyone should visit at least once in their lives.
The Waterfall That Will Wow
There is a magic that is associated with waterfalls, and in the warmer months, hiking to the many waterfalls that can be found in the area may be your favorite activity. The tallest free-falling waterfall in our state is Bridal Veil Falls, standing 365 feet in height and offering a relatively moderate hike that can be accomplished in the short time you have available. You can drive to its base and opt out of a hike altogether, taking selfies and family pics with the spray at your back, but you will miss out on the views from the top if you stop there. And although we are at the warm weather portion of our day trip tale, it is worth acknowledging that witnessing Bridal Veil Falls in the winter months when the tumbling water freezes in place is a sight worth returning for at a later date.
Fly Fishing on the San Miguel River
Even if you don’t want to return to wherever your journey originated with a cooler full of fish, you may still enjoy a morning of fly fishing on the San Miguel, catching and releasing and feeling the rhythm of the sport lower your blood pressure and slow your heart rate. The sound of the river flowing, the sight of trees, mountains, and maybe wildflowers blooming all around you are just a regular part of Telluride life and may end up being the part of your day trip that you will remember forever.
Shop ‘til You Drop
The best vacations are often the ones in which you fill the empty spaces in your luggage with treasures found in local gift and souvenir shops, and although Telluride is perhaps more well known for its natural adventures, spending an afternoon dipping in and out of the shops offers a more urban experience. Sublime Telluride, 126 W Colorado Avenue, is a popular boutique offering women’s clothing and accessories. HOOK, 226 W Colorado Avenue, has souvenirs, gifts, and toys. Enchanted Forest, 150 W Pacific Avenue #C, is a toy store that almost rivals FAO Schwartz. These are just a few of the shops you will want to visit during your time in Telluride.
Everything Art
The most beautiful towns in the world often attract the most talented artists in the world, and Telluride is no exception. You may have noticed some particularly lovely pieces adorning the walls of your Accommodations in Telluride retreat and might have wondered where you could pick up similar pieces. The galleries and shops of Telluride are probably where they came from, including Telluride Arts (135 W Pacific Avenue) and Gold Mountain Gallery (135 W Colorado Avenue), but any local gallery or art shop will definitely be worthy of a visit.
Telluride Jazz Festival, August, Telluride Town Park
There are easily over a dozen festivals that take place in the warmer weather months in Telluride, ranging from the all-American Telluride Baseball Festival to the quirky Telluride Mushroom Festival, but it is the Telluride Jazz Festival we want to talk about today. Generally held the second weekend in August, this three-day music festival takes place in the shadow of the canyon walls, offering music, food, and a variety of extracurricular activities including yoga, history walks, and so much more. This is one of our favorite summer festivals, and if you are in town over the weekend, it really is one you will be happy to attend.
A Meal to Remember
As day turns to evening, it is only natural that you will want to enjoy a fine meal to celebrate your day trip in Telluride, and although there are many wonderful options, today we want to invite you to explore the culinary landscape of the Grand. Located at 100 W Colorado Avenue, its short but sweet menu is wonderful reading material, leading you to a meal you will remember forever. Serving pasta, seafood, and the juiciest steaks you have ever devoured, the Grand is the ideal ending for an idyllic Colorado getaway.
Come Home to Accommodations in Telluride
It’s just one night in a lifetime of nights, but your time in our Accommodations in Telluride vacation rentals may be the night that stands out, shining brighter than most others. Luxury and comfort stroll hand in hand throughout our homes and condos, and even as it is just one night, you may be tempted to try out everything they have to offer. Watch movies in the home theaters, play pool in the game rooms, and of course, soak in hot tubs resting on decks that overlook the mountain landscape. Reserve your favorite vacation rental in Telluride from Accommodations in Telluride today and come home to comfort, luxury, peace, and tranquility after a long day of Telluride adventures.
