Telluride Family Vacation Journey

Colorado’s four-seasons beauty is a can’t miss for any traveler’s bucket list. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, crisp mountain air, and both large and small towns that offer a unique experience everywhere you go. Choose Telluride, a place where four-seasons fun is the name of the game, with winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, to summer fun like festivals, white-water rafting, and hiking and biking through the mountains. A Telluride family vacation is the perfect place to find something for everyone in the family, from kids to kids-at-heart.

Day 1:

Telluride Historical Museum

Get the inside scoop on everything Telluride with a visit to the museum. Explore a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits depict Telluride’s past from Native Americans to Butch Cassidy’s first bank robbery – boasting a take worth over $817,000 today, to the history of the development of the town, and other local historic events. They also offer historic walking tours of the town and other educational programs, with something just right for everyone in the family.

Historic Telluride

Going hand-in-hand with the museum, wander historic downtown Telluride. Due to its significant role in shaping the history of the American West, the historic downtown area was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. Shop in stores and boutiques, many of which are housed in some of the original buildings that date back to the 1800s.

Day 2:

Shopping

You’ll no doubt want to do some shopping while you’re here, either for that perfect souvenir or to find the perfect locally made items. You’ll want to make sure to hit the many shops and boutiques in search of something only found in Telluride. You’re sure to find some interesting treasures and souvenirs to remember the trip.

There’s something for the whole family, so everyone can find a keepsake to remember the trip. Many of these stores are located inside the historic buildings of Telluride, dating back as far as the 1800s.

Restaurants

Enjoy the many tastes of Telluride! First, start by taking a ‘food tour’ of town, where you’ll be able to visit local establishments and taste their offerings before settling in for a full meal. Once you and your family have found your favorite locations on the tour you took, enjoy a larger meal.

There are many restaurants offering the most delicious food prepared by brilliant chefs. Deli selections like hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and more join pizza, burgers, authentic Italian or Thai cuisine, and more. No matter what meal of the day you’re hungry for, you’ll find it in Telluride. There’s a flavor to love and leave you satisfied until the next meal.

Day 3:

Hiking

Lace up your hiking shoes, grab your sun protection, and plenty of water and trail snacks. Hiking the breathtaking mountains of Telluride and the surrounding area is a must for every To Do List, and it’s also a great way for everyone of all ages to get in some exercise in the great outdoors. There is a myriad of trails that challenge every skill level from beginner to advanced. If you’re not used to thinner mountain air, schedule your hikes 2-3 days after arriving, so you can get used to the thinner air before strenuous exercise.

Parks

If you’d rather take it a little slower, take a stroll through the park. There’s hiking, too, but also plenty of open space, picnic areas, playgrounds for the kids, and more. If you brought the whole family – including your pup – many of these parks allow your furry friend to join in the fun.

Day 4:

Telluride Adventure Center

If you’re looking for adventure and outdoor activity without heading up a mountain, stick close to town. The center is right next to the ski and snowboard school in Mountain Village for those looking for a Telluride family ski vacation, with a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Kids’ activities include “snow camp” where they’ll experience outdoor adventures, and “happy hour” – a craft and art activity in the craft room.

Adults can look forward to a snowbike course or snowshoeing. For those who are looking for an adrenaline rush, you can set up a heli-skiing excursion through the center.

Day 5:

The Gondola

The free gondola provides a 13-minute ride full of the beautiful scenery of Telluride from over 10,500 feet. Access the many hiking and biking trails, as well as skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Load yourself and your gear onto the gondola in Telluride or nearby Mountain Village. The fully enclosed, climate-controlled cars take you on a ride all the way to the top. You can stop at the midpoint – Station San Sophia – for access to the hiking trails. Operating hours are daily, 6:30 a.m. – midnight. The gondola closes seasonally for maintenance, so make sure it’s open before making your plans.

Family Fun in Telluride

As you plan all of your must-do family activities, make sure to book a Telluride family vacation rental with Lodging In Telluride. We offer homes as large as six bedrooms so the whole family can stay together.

Prepare a home-cooked meal and keep your dog’s food on-hand in the fully equipped kitchen, then everyone can stretch out and relax in a private bedroom or open living space.