Why Honeymoon in Telluride
Telluride packs a lot of drama into a small space. From the center of town you can see Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free falling waterfall in Colorado, at the head of the valley. Trails start right from the end of residential streets. The gondola carries you from the historic town to the ski area without a car.
The town itself is walkable and lively but not rowdy. It has a strong food scene for its size, good bars and galleries and a schedule of festivals in summer. Mountain Village, across the ridge, is newer and more resort like, with ski in, ski out hotels and spas.
For couples with different interests, there is plenty to share and plenty to do separately. One partner can tackle expert ski runs or a via ferrata while the other takes a gentle trail, enjoys a spa treatment or simply sits on a sunny patio. Evenings bring everyone back together.
When to Go
Telluride has two prime seasons. Ski season usually runs from late November or Thanksgiving to early April, with the best snow conditions in January through March. Holiday weeks around Christmas and New Year's are the busiest and most expensive.
Summer runs from late June through September. July brings wildflowers in the high basins, while August brings afternoon thunderstorms most days. September is a favorite for honeymooners, with golden aspens and crisp days, usually peaking in mid to late September.
The festival calendar is busy, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June and the Telluride Film Festival over Labor Day weekend. These fill hotels months in advance, so either plan around them or book early.
Spring and late fall, roughly mid April to late May and mid October to late November, are mud season. The gondola closes for maintenance in these periods and many restaurants and shops take a break.
Where to Stay
The town of Telluride has historic charm and the most restaurants and bars within walking distance. The New Sheridan Hotel, a historic building on Main Street, has stylish rooms and a classic bar. Many inns and condos in town are a short walk from the gondola and the town lift.
Mountain Village, up the gondola, is quieter and more resort focused, with ski in, ski out access. The Madeline Hotel and Residences is a well known luxury option there, with a spa, an outdoor pool and an ice rink in winter.
For something special nearby, Dunton Hot Springs, about 1.5 hours away, is a restored ghost town turned luxury resort with natural hot spring pools and cabins. It is pricey but memorable. Vacation rentals are plentiful in both town and Mountain Village; check whether a rental includes parking and gondola access, since parking in town is limited.
Romantic Things to Do
- Ride the free gondola between town and Mountain Village at sunset for views of the peaks.
- Hike or drive to the base of Bridal Veil Falls at the head of the valley, then continue to the overlook for a closer view.
- Ski or snowboard the San Juans, with long groomed runs for intermediates and steep terrain for experts.
- Join a guided jeep tour over Imogene Pass or another high mountain road between Telluride and Ouray.
- Climb the Telluride Via Ferrata with a guide, a cliffside route with fixed cables and dramatic views.
- Snowshoe or cross country ski on groomed trails in the valley.
- Drive the San Juan Skyway to Ouray for a hot spring soak and a meal in another historic mining town.
- Picnic in Town Park during a summer concert or festival.
Getting There and Around
Telluride is remote. Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about 67 miles and 1.5 hours away, is the most practical airport, with seasonal nonstop flights from several US hubs in winter and connections via Denver year round. Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), just outside town, has a small number of commercial flights from Denver and is prone to weather delays. Some couples fly into Durango (DRO), about 2.5 hours away, or drive from Denver, about six to seven hours.
Once there, you do not need a car. The gondola is free and connects the town and Mountain Village most of the year. The town also runs free buses. Many hotels offer shuttle service from Montrose airport, or you can book a shared shuttle. A car is useful for side trips such as Ouray or Dunton, but winter driving on mountain passes requires good tires or chains and experience on snowy roads.
Food and Drink
Telluride has an impressive number of good restaurants for a small town. Expect everything from upscale mountain cuisine to burritos and pizza. In winter, an on mountain lunch is part of the experience. Some restaurants serve dinner at the top of the gondola with views of the peaks.
Allred's, at the gondola's station between town and Mountain Village, is a popular choice for a special dinner with a view. Alpino Vino, an on mountain restaurant, is known for its high altitude setting, Italian food and wine.
In town, cafés and bakeries make easy breakfasts. Main Street bars range from historic saloons to cocktail spots. Colorado craft beer is everywhere. Remember that alcohol hits harder at altitude, so pace yourselves, especially on your first night. Dress is mountain casual, even at nicer restaurants; a clean sweater and boots are fine.
Honeymoon Tips
Altitude is the biggest factor. The town sits at about 8,750 feet and the ski area climbs past 12,000 feet. Drink lots of water, go easy on alcohol the first day or two and plan a lighter first day. If you have severe headaches, nausea or shortness of breath, descend and seek medical advice.
The sun is strong at elevation even in winter, so wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Summer thunderstorms often roll in by early afternoon, so start hikes early and get off exposed ridges by midday.
Check the gondola and festival schedules before booking. Winter flights into Montrose can be delayed by snow, so leave a buffer day before any important plans or connections. In summer, book jeep tours and via ferrata guides in advance. Finally, if you plan to ski, consider renting gear in town and storing it at the base, which saves carrying skis on the gondola.
