After years of hearing about its magic, I finally made it to Telluride, Colorado—a jewel tucked deep within a box canyon, ringed by the majestic San Juan Mountains. This former mining town has a reputation for dazzling scenery, layered history, and a lively, artistic soul. I think we can all report: it lives up to the hype!
Downtown Telluride seems straight out of a storybook—designated a National Historic Landmark District, it’s bursting with colorful Victorian homes, charming clapboard storefronts, one-of-a-kind boutiques, cozy cafés, and galleries that beckon art lovers.
After strolling the town, we hopped aboard the free gondola (yes, free!) and soared up to Mountain Village. Built in the late 1980s with ski-lovers and luxury seekers in mind, Mountain Village is Telluride’s high-altitude (@ 9500 ft.) cousin—sleek, scenic, and very European-alpine-chic (unfortunately, with prices to match!!) Think slope-side lodges, golf greens, and wide plazas perfect for apres-anything.
The gondola is a 13-minute ride with jaw-dropping views—the only free public gondola in North America! It effortlessly connects the heart of historic Telluride to the modern Mountain Village core, and we enjoyed every moment of sightseeng suspended between the two.
0nce in Mountain Village, we stopped for lunch at one very expensive restaurant (only to learn that EVERYTHING here is very expensive!).
We spent time just wandering the unique and delightful Village—part alpine elegance, part laid-back mountain charm. The air was crisp and clean, with sweeping views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. This is really a spectacular mountain setting!
Our visit coincided with the legendary Telluride Bluegrass Festival, now in its 52nd year. This four-day celebration of bluegrass, Americana, and folk draws music lovers from far and wide. Concerts were held in both Mountain Village and Telluride.
We caught a free concert in Mountain Village called “First Grass”! The performers were Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms. This was our first exposure to live bluegrass and it was really enjoyable.
This music grew out of Appalachian folk traditions in the 1940s and blends some Irish, Scottish, English folk, African-American blues, and gospel. We did not have much exposure to it in the midwest, so now was my chance! The banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and upright bass all help create the energetic, toe-tapping, and lively sounds. Here is one example:
The following day, we braved an all-day event at the park in Telluride. But, we lasted only about five hours under a sizzling sun before we surrendered! Even good music and interesting people can not outlast direct sunlight at that altitude at our age!
The evening show was tempting, but with an hour-long drive back to our AirBnB and the mountain roads in mind, we opted out. Still, what a joy it was to be part of this vibrant, musical gathering under the open sky.
This region is a playground for hikers and bikers. Trails wind everywhere, for every ability level. Sadly, our group was split on stamina and all were affected by the altitude, so we didn’t take full advantage. But wow, the possibilities, especially if we were younger!
And Telluride? It’s a stunner and I am so grateful to finally have the experience. Even my so-so photography skills couldn’t hide the good side!
June, 2025 traveling Colorado with the Bairds and Pauls