
A historic town nestled in the Southern San Juan Mountains
Telluride, a former Victorian mining town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is set in a box canyon amid forested peaks at the base of a popular ski-and-golf resort. The town’s historic district houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House, a performing-arts venue originally built in 1913, and the Telluride Historical Museum, which showcases local history in a converted hospital built in 1896.
Fun facts about Telluride
Town elevation: 8,754′
Telluride has the second-highest airport in North America 9,078′
Telluride is tucked into a box canyon surrounded by 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks. The town is just eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long.
The name 'Telluride' was chosen as the element tellurium was used an indicator of gold and silver lodes (though, interestingly enough, there was little or no tellurium in the Telluride area).
A portion of Telluride's historical fame is due to the fact that legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy committed his first bank robbery at the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride, making off with $24,580.
Telluride has the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado - Bridal Veil Falls. At 365 feet, this stunning cascade is Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall.
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Air Travel
Airports
Located in SW Colorado, Telluride is tucked into the San Juan Mountains and close to a few regional airports.
Montrose (MTJ) — direct flights from Houston, Phoenix, Charlotte, LA, Dallas, Salt Lake City & Denver on United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta and Alegiant (1hr 20 minute drive to Telluride).
Durango (DRO) — direct flights from Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago & Houston on United Airlines & American Airlines (2hr drive)
Cortez (CEZ) — direct flights from Denver & Phoenix on Boutique Air (1 hr 24 minute drive).
Denver (DIA) - All major airlines (6 hours 15 minutes)
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Car Rentals / Driving
Airport Shuttles
There are some shuttle companies in Telluride that can provide airport transfers if you need to arrange those:
Telluride Express
Tellurides
Telluride Car Services
Telluride Private TransportationRentals
If you’d like to rent a vehicle, there are national car rental companies located at or near all of the regional airports listed. Please let us know if you need any help securing a rental vehicle.
Driving
Located in SW Colorado, close to the Four Corners, driving distance from many regional cities.
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Directions
Telluride is nestled in the San Juan Mountains but easy to get to from the North and South if you’re making a road trip adventure:
From Denver (6 hours 15 minutes)
From Durango (2 hours)
From Montrose (1 hour 20 minutes)
From Salt Lake City (6 hours 20 minutes)Make a trip out of it!
We can help you make a fun road trip out of it from wherever you are thinking of driving from. There are many beautiful landscapes, national parks and natural attractions from all of the areas listed above.