Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or just an intimate weekend getaway, the town of Telluride offers no shortage of activities that will get the sparks flying.
From scenic tours of the mountainside via a horse-drawn carriage to cozy fireside dining, love is most certainly in the air in Telluride.
If you’re looking for guidance on planning a romantic couples’ escape, we’ve got 10 activities to add to your bucket list.
Romantic Telluride Attractions & Activities
Spend a little quality time with that special someone at a few of these romantic Telluride activities and attractions.
Sleigh Ride
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Looking for a way to cozy up in Telluride? If so, a sleigh ride is just what the (love) doctor ordered. More than just an activity enjoyed in Christmas movies, a sleigh ride is a magical and memorable winter activity. Excursions typically last 30 minutes or an hour and might also include blankets, hot chocolate, and snacks. Sit back and enjoy the pristine mountain views as the horse-drawn carriage takes you through a scenic ride in the countryside.
Here are a few top-rated sleigh ride providers:
Telluride Gondola Ride
Photo Credit: Kim Olson via Flickr CC2.0
Address: W San Juan Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
Hours: Seasonal
The famous Telluride Gondola Ride is an absolute must for any visitor, but especially couples seeking an intimate and scenic ride. Begin your journey at the Telluride Station and enjoy sweeping views of the valley as you ascend and descend the mountain. The gondola travels to the summit of 10,540 feet and stops at the San Sophia Station. Hop off here for a spectacular view of town or keep riding over the mountain and do a little exploring in Mountain Village. The best part is—the gondola is free to ride!
Sheridan Opera House
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Address: 110 N Oak St, Telluride, CO 81435
Phone: (970) 728-6363
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday
Website: http://www.sheridanoperahouse.com/
Enjoy live entertainment in just about any form at the Sheridan Opera House, Telluride’s premier theater. The lavish venue hosts a wide array of concerts, performances, recitals, movies, and more throughout the year and is the ideal spot for a romantic date night. Visit the opera house website for a complete schedule of events and to purchase tickets.
Stroll Main Street
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Situated in the heart of downtown Telluride, Main Street is a natural place for couples to explore. Start the morning off right with brunch and shopping or hit Main Street after hours for dinner and drinks. No matter the time of day, Main Street is a prime spot for people watching, restaurant hopping, or simply soaking up the surroundings.
A few noteworthy spots to mention along Main Street:
- The Butcher & The Baker
- Telluride Gallery of Fine Art
- HOOK boutique
- Baked in Telluride
- Cosmopolitan
- Smuggler’s Brewpub
- Telluride Truffle
- Telluride Historical Museum
- Box Canyon Bike Rentals
Waterfall Hunting
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Couples that enjoy a good adventure will feel right at home in Telluride. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers easy access to well over 100 mountain trails. Though exploring local trails by hiking or biking is adventure enough, explorers can add a little romantic flare by hunting for hidden waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls are the most famous falls in the region, and it’s not hard to figure out why! The trek clocks in at an easy four miles (round trip) with an elevation gain of just over 9,000 feet. The falls drop 365-feet and provide a stunning backdrop for pictures and mountain exploration.
Tip: Check out this guide to Telluride waterfalls for more scenic inspiration!
San Juan Balloon Adventures
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Address: US-550, Ridgway, CO 81432
Phone: (970) 626-5495
Hours: Seasonal
Website: https://www.sanjuanballoon.com/
What could be more romantic than a private hot air balloon tour of Telluride? You can enjoy just that with San Juan Balloon Adventures. Locally owned and operated, Gary and Carolyn Woods offer more than 30 years of experience. Their service is unmatched and they go above and beyond to provide a personalized experience. The flight experience includes a safety lesson, a one-hour flight above the Ridgeway Valley, a champagne brunch during flight, and a post-flight celebration.
Snow Activities
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Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Colorado mountains without indulging in a few snow activities. Telluride is famous for skiing and snowboarding, though there’s truly an activity for every skill level and budget. Snowshoeing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, and sledding are also readily available. And of course, the best part of hitting the slopes is the fireside drinks after!
Tip: Check out these popular snow activities in Telluride.
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Romantic Telluride Restaurants
Top off your romantic day exploring Telluride with a romantic evening of wining and dining. If you’re wondering where you can go to really set the mood, we’ve got you covered.
Allred’s
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Address:
Phone: 970-728-7474
Hours:
Website: http://www.allredsrestaurant.com/
Enjoy a scenic gondola ride to the top of Station San Sophia and then a scenic meal at Telluride’s premier mountain top dining experience. Enjoy a drink and hors d’oeuvres in Allred’s cozy bar and then settle in for an exceptional five-star dinner. Allred’s menu features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with favorites including the porcini mushroom soup, bourbon marinated elk, and 12-ounce wagyu strip steak—to name just a few mouthwatering selections. Aside from the intimate atmosphere, Allred’s is known as a romantic destination for their unbeatable mountain sunsets, known as ‘Alpenglow’.
Tunnel
Photo Credit: thetunneltelluride.com
Address: 700 W Colorado Ave #242, Telluride, CO 81435
Phone: (970) 708-3663
Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Wednesday – Friday (seasonal)
Website: https://thetunneltelluride.com/
A true fine dining experience, Tunnel is an homage to the 1920’s prohibition era. This intimate dining experience seats up to 12 guests, and guests will need a password to enter the hidden trap front door. Once inside, visitors are treated to a themed cocktail and then an exquisite 6-course chef’s tasting menu. Tunnel is truly one of the most unique and sought after dining experience in Telluride, so be sure to reserve your spot well in advance!
Alpino Vino
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Address: 12100 Camels’ Garden Rd, Colorado 81320
Phone: (970) 728-7560
Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., On Mountain Dining, Winter Only
Website: https://www.tellurideskiresort.com/events-activities/dining/alpino-vino/
Another unique Telluride dining option, Alpino Vino boasts the crown of the highest elevation fine-dining restaurant in North America, sitting at an impressive 11,966 feet. The warm, welcoming atmosphere offers an upscale casual dining experience with a European hutte flair. The menu changes seasonally, but guests can count on an antipasti course, a handmade pasta dish, a few high-quality and locally sourced protein options, and plenty of mouthwatering desserts. Alpino Vino is the perfect spot to end your romantic evening on a high note—literally!
Check out our Telluride Dining Guide for more culinary inspiration.
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Of course, you’ll need a romantic cabin to host your romantic getaway, and we’re here to help.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy mountainside condo in the heart of town or a secluded vacation home with a private hot tub, we’ve got you covered.
Peruse our expansive inventory of romantic vacation rentals and start planning your Telluride escape!
