Best Spots For Instagram Photos. For decades, Telluride enjoyed the luxury of being a small mountain town frequented only by those who were lucky enough to know of its existence. But now, the secret is out, and Telluride is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after mountain destinations in Colorado.
The good news? Telluride hasn’t lost its small-town charm, which is all the more reason to pack your bags and check out this endearing mountain destination for yourself!
Do you want to give your family, friends, and followers serious FOMO during your trip to Telluride?
Check out these 10 scenic spots in Telluride for Instagram-worthy pictures!
1.) Bridal Veil Falls
Photo Credit: Matt North via Flickr CC2.0
It’s no surprise that Telluride’s most popular outdoor attraction tops our list of the most scenic spots. As the tallest freefalling waterfall in Colorado, Bridal Veil Falls is a prime spot to snag a selfie while exploring the great outdoors. The falls are an impressive 365 feet tall and are surrounded by stunning rock formations and natural mountain landscape. You’re sure to ‘wow’ your fans with a few pics at this picturesque location.
2.) Downtown Telluride
Photo Credit: Robbie Conaway via Flickr CC2.0
Downtown Telluride is bursting at the seams with historic charm and Instagram-worthy selfie spots. Main Street is the place to go if you want to frame your pictures with a beautiful mountain backdrop, while the local shops and cafes showcase the vibrant local community. In the summer, the downtown area comes to life with vibrant wildflowers and bright blue skies. In the winter, downtown is blanketed with snow and bustling with activity. You’re sure to snag a great shot no matter the time of year!
3.) Alta Lakes
Photo Credit: Nick|Allen via Flickr CC2.0
The crystal blue waters and stunning scenery make Alta Lakes an absolute ‘must’ for any Telluride photo bucket list. Located on the back side of Telluride Ski Resort, Alta Lakes is comprised of three individual lakes surrounded by majestic alpines and the San Juan Mountains. This destination is perfect for action shots of hiking, paddle boarding, fishing, and more! Be sure to capture your great outdoor adventures at Alta Lakes.
4.) San Juan Skyway
Photo Credit: Kent Kanouse via Flickr CC2.0
Instagram enthusiasts looking to hit several spots on a single excursion will definitely want to peruse the San Juan Skyway. This scenic and historic byway travels through nearby mountain towns like Durango, Ouray, and Silverton, with plenty of pristine backdrops along the way. The entire loop is 200+ miles but you certainly don’t have to explore the entire distance to find several Instagram-worthy gems. A few photogenic spots include downtown Ouray, mountain lakes near Dolores, and the Narrow Gauge Railroad in Silverton.
5.) Wilson Peak
You can’t beat a classic mountain backdrop, and Wilson Peak is just the place if this style photo piques your interest (see what we did there?). If this particular mountain looks familiar, you might recognize it from the now iconic Coors Light beer can. The summit stands just over 14,000 feet tall and makes for a stunning mountain backdrop during any season.
6.) Last Dollar Road
If you’re searching for wide-open mountain shots, look no farther than Last Dollar Road. This now-famous scenic drive originally served as a mining supply route in the 1800’s. The adventurous mountain road winds through valleys and around the very mountains that surround Telluride. The drive features several stunning scenes that are well worth the trip! Mountain vistas, peaceful ranches, endless fields of wildflowers, and much more. Do note that Last Dollar Road is not paved, so an off-road vehicle is recommended.
7.) Bear Creek Falls
Accessible only via a 2.5-mile hike or bike, snagging a few pics at Bear Creek Falls is well worth the effort. These absolutely gorgeous falls cascade effortlessly over jagged cliffs and peaceful alpines for a magnificent backdrop. Even the trip to the waterfall is scenic, with views of wide-open meadows and plenty of mountain flora. A trip to Bear Creek Falls is the ideal route to capture your Telluride hiking adventure.
8.) The Butcher and The Baker
Downtown Telluride is home to several cozy restaurants and cafes that offer striking interiors and equally ‘grammable gourmet. The Butcher and The Baker is one such locale, with a rustic/contemporary interior design and craft coffee creations that keep visitors and locals alike coming back for more. Stop in to snag a snack and sneak in a few pics of your Telluride coffeehouse creation!
9.) Ski Tree
Are you looking to ‘gram something truly unique that captures the eclectic mountain vibe of Telluride? If so, we’ve got just the spot. The well-known ‘ski tree’ in Elks Park just up the street from the free gondola provides an awesome pic during the winter season. The funky, hand-made artwork is just the place for a fun group photoshoot or a solo selfie as the tree charming tree is decked out in holiday lights throughout the winter season.
10.) Telluride Gondola
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Photo Credit: Kim Olson via Flickr CC2.0
What could be more FOMO-inducing than capturing a thrilling ride up the mountain? Whether you’re heading up the mountain for a few hours of fun in the snow or you’re just along for the scenic ride, you can’t beat the mountain views from inside the cozy cabin of a gondola. For an affordable ride, check out the free gondola at Telluride Station. The 8-mile, 13-minute ride offers incredible panoramic view of the San Juan Mountains and is open throughout the year for perfect pictures during any season.
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There you have it, our roundup of the top 10 most Instagrammable spots in Telluride! Which locations are on your photography bucket list?
Be sure to check out our official Telluride blog for even more vacation inspiration!