Guide to Telluride, Colorado: Fall Edition

Three must-do activities in this otherworldly destination

Ridgway, Colorado

In the Fall of 2021, I spent 4 full days exploring this charming town little to know it would continue to mesmerize me to this day. The hype is oh so real, especially as the fall foliage begins to dominate the box canyon that houses this Victorian mountain community of 2,000 residents. Enjoy the snippets below and hopefully I greatly inspire your upcoming Telluride adventures!

Activity #1: Blue Lakes Hike in nearby Ridgway, CO

➡️For the more intrepid hiker, this chain of lakes journey will not disappoint if you are both mentally and physically prepared. After a thrilling 1-hour drive both on paved and unpaved roads, you’ll enter the Mount Sneffels Wilderness and find the parking lot. Assuming my Strava stats were accurate, the entire trek was about 14.60 miles with a 2,500’ elevation gain. Every ounce of energy exerted was completely worth it as the fallscape and snowscape that met my eyes came straight out of a dream. The turquoise hues of the lower lake were contrasted by the brown and snowy mountains rising high above. My recommendation is making this your lunch spot and from this stopping point. You can make a decision to venture onward to middle and upper lake or return back to the car lot. I carried onward and rising above this emerald gem on the trail gives one a front row seat to this cathedral of craggy peaks. Make sure to scan the precipices keeping your eyes peeled and ears open as chirping pikas scurry by. Above the timberline now, the middle lake rests along a flat stretch in the basin. Continue past the glistening waters and soon before your eyes, Upper Lake sits underneath a Fourteener named Mount Sneffels. The sound of falling rocks, wind whipping on the water’s surface, and croaking ravens encapsulate the senses high in the San Juan Range. What a successful day and if you're in the mood for a delicious liquid treat, Telluride Brewing Company can hook it up once back in civilization!

Activity #2: Bridal Veil Fall Hike

➡️This Telluride-based trail will take you up close and personal with the tallest free-falling falls in the state of Colorado. Bridal Veil Fall is 365 feet in height and the switchback trail to the top (a hydroelectric powerplant) is just over 2.5 miles. You’ll get to check out this force of nature from several different vantage points. Be very careful at the base of the falls as that perfectly captured photo might require scrambling on some slippery rocks. In total, this hike may take you a little of 2.5 hours and you can time it towards the latter half of the day to have the clouds and lighting polarize your surroundings. While meandering the out-and-back, be sure to take in the panoramic view of the valley floor decked out in yellow, green, and everything in between. The proximity to town makes this a must-do and yes, you’ll be able to make it back for a hot shower and any anticipated dinner reservations.

Activity #3: Gondola ride between Telluride and Mountain Village

➡️For the non-hiking crowd, this is going to be YOUR favorite activity! The communities of Mountain Village and Telluride are connected by a 13-minute ride on a free gondola. There are several stations that break up the magical ride through the aspen groves and steep ski runs. This mode of transportation is superior to driving in way too many ways. You can quickly get into town for a lunch reservation with friends, watch the snowy peaks flicker warming in the evening alpenglow, and even catch the stars dancing in the night sky to close out the evening. This quintessential Telluride joyride runs from 6:30am-12am during winter and summer months. I began to cherish each gondola ride during my stay as the constantly changing weather made for wonderful views and photographs. Leave that car behind at the hotel and take in the beautiful mountainscape via the gondola.