Travel
A Mountain Paradise
Telluride is nestled in box canyon in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. Whether you are flying into the region or venturing on a road trip, Telluride offers a unique journey marked with unmatched scenery, heritage and charm. We recommend arriving as early as possible the day before your workshop begins. Once you arrive, it is very easy to familiarize yourself with our mountain paradise. In the meantime, these FAQs might be helpful.
Air Travel to Telluride
The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the primary airport for Telluride, and is a scenic 65 miles away. During the winter months, guests can take advantage of nonstop flights from 10 major hubs, and summer offers nonstop service from 5 major U.S. cities. Telluride Science participants are eligible for discounted shuttle service to and from the Montrose airport with Telluride Express; however, the discounted rate is only available when a reservation is made prior to your arrival with the code TSRC. Rental cars are also available at the Montrose Airport, but we recommend the ground transportation option because you do not need a car in Telluride. Some of the lodging providers also charge for parking. The Telluride Airport (TEX) is located 10 minutes from the town of Telluride. Denver Air Connection offers service from Phoenix and Denver to Telluride and partners with United Airlines, which enables travelers to book and connect through the global United network. There are two other regional airports that are two to three hours by car away from Telluride: Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and Durango Regional Airport (DRO). However, the shuttle service from these airports tends to be quite expensive and typically requires a car rental. View the 2024/2025 Winter Flight Schedule and the Summer 2024 Flight Schedule.
Driving to Telluride
Driving through the American West is a very special experience. It is a wonderful way to see the pastoral farmlands, red rock deserts, high sagebrush plains, and the high alpine environments. Telluride is approximately six to seven hours from Denver, Salt Lake City, and Albuquerque, and eight hours from Phoenix. If you would like to carpool with other Telluride Science participants from various cities and airports, you can use our Ride Sharing spreadsheet to coordinate your transportation. Please note, the Telluride Science staff does not administer the ride-sharing spreadsheet. You must contact participants and arrange all transportation on your own.
Getting Around Town
Telluride is twelve blocks long and eight blocks wide, making it a walking friendly town. The scenery is stunning and all hotels are within walking distance to all Telluride Science venues. The towns of Telluride and Mountain Village are linked by a spectacular, 13-minute ride on a free gondola—the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the United States. The Gondola is open daily 6:30 am to midnight, with extended hours until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays from December 16-April 2. The Galloping Goose is a free bus service that makes a loop around Telluride every 15 minutes.
Is Telluride Family Friendly?
Yes! Many scientists bring their families with them every year. Telluride Science aims to be as family-friendly as possible, with family members welcome for breakfast and at the group BBQ on Wednesday nights.
There are many excellent programs for children that will give them a great experience in the mountains while you attend your workshop. Discounts are available with many providers. Please inquire if interested, and we will provide discount codes or other information and support when available.
If you need additional information about bringing your family to Telluride, please contact Sara Friedberg, and please see below for lots of kid options.
All-Day Care, Children under 7 years old
The following local providers accept drop-in students during the summer months.
Please contact the providers as soon as you know your dates of travel as child-care fills up, especially during the busy summer months.
daycares & camps
Cubs Camp Nursery at Telluride Ski Resort offers care for children 2 months-4 years old and is the most likely option for drop-in care for just a few days.
Other Daycare Providers: Occasionally, these day care providers will open up spots to visiting children if space is available.
Rascals (1-3 yrs) • Rainbow Preschool (3-5 yrs) • Rockies (5-7 yrs); Mountain Sprouts (Ages 3-5); Telluride Preschool (Ages 3-5); Mountain Munchkins (Ages Infant-5)
Summer Camps: These include all day, Monday-Thursday, 1/2-day, single day and multi-day options.
Telluride Academy; Pinhead Institute, A Smithsonian Affiliate; Ah Haa School for the Arts; Eco Adventures; Telluride Skate Camp; Telluride Adventure Center
Programs, Activities, babysitting
Programs or Activities for Kids/Teens:
Telluride Historical Museum; Telluride Town Park; Wilkinson Public Library; Boot Doctors-Paragon Sports; Mountain Village Bike Park; Ride with Roudy; Telluride Outside; Stellar Tours (Paddling Boarding, Mountain Biking/E-Biking, and Hiking Tours)
Babysitting:
Telluride Sitters or call 970.708.0170
Annie’s Nannies or call 970.728.2991
Once You are Here
Hiking in Telluride
Easy
River Trail – The path along the San Miguel River is just outside the Depot’s back door. You can walk west toward the Valley Floor or east all the way to the end of the valley where you’ll see Bridal Veil Falls. (The longest free-falling waterfall in Colorado.)
Village Trail – Ride the Gondola to the San Sophia Station, and walk down to the Mountain Village core. You can ride the Gondola back up and over into Telluride.
Medium
Bear Creek – A wide path up to a waterfall. Nice for groups as the path allows for more side-by-side walking.
Telluride Trail to Gondola – Relatively strenuous hike up, but with access downhill via the Gondola. Nice for groups because of the wide path. You can also ride up the Gondola and walk down if that’s more appealing.
Boomerang – Follow the River Trail east and take the first path heading uphill. It will take you to a lovely view in Mountain Village where you can head back down the way you came or go west on Jurassic Trail. Jurassic can be an out-and-back as far as you like or you can connect it to Big Billies, then Meadows, then back into Telluride on the River Trail.
Bridal Veil Trail – A new trail winds its way up to the top of Bridal Veil Falls rather than taking the road. You can drive to the end of the valley and start there, or walk as a group on the river trail from town to the end of the valley. There people can choose to walk back or continue on to Bridal Veil Trail.
Hard
Jud Wiebe – The loop takes you through varied terrain and beautiful vistas right from town.
Liberty Bell – Starting from the Oak Street side of Jud Wiebe via Tomboy Road, you continue north up into a beautiful basin. Trail also features many remnants from the mining era of the past.
Sneffles Highline – Classic summer hike. Really beautiful, but long and strenuous.
Wasatch Loop – 6-8 hours, difficult but beautiful.
Deep Creek – Starts outside of town, but lovely.
Ballard Mountain – Challenging and steep
$$$
221 South Oak – For years, 221 South Oak has been renowned for its intimate atmosphere, incredible food, extensive wine list, friendly service and uncompromised quality. Chef and owner Eliza Gavin serves cuisine classified as New American with an eclectic blend of flavors and styles.
Siam (Town of Telluride)/Talay (Mountain Village) – Authentic Thai food based on recipes that have been passed down generation after generation.
Rustico Ristorante – Offers a taste of Italy in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.
The National – Their menu is all about embracing the seasonal ingredients from local purveyors and vibrant flavors inspired by the Mediterranean region.
The Chop House – A classic “steak house” with traditions of mountain western game allied with western aged beef and bison.
La Marmotte – Our menu features a carefully crafted menu that blends classic French culinary traditions with modern twists, local ingredients, and a colorful Mediterranean flair.
Side Work – Our menu features delicious Spanish American cuisine and includes tapas-style shareable plates, fresh salads, and full entrees.
Kazahana – An authentic Japanese restaurant serving up traditional sushi, nigiri and an Omakase experience.
Wood Ear – Telluride’s whiskey lounge and ramen noodle bar. Texas smokehouse classics meet Japanese cuisine at this whiskey centric cocktail bar.
The Cosmopolitan – Offers fine dining with generous portions and whenever possible, locally sourced ingredients.
There Bar – The menu features a mix of new American dishes, and is inspired by different types of cuisine, the seasons and our purveyors.
Petite Maison – A modern chalet with a cozy chic interior specializing in contemporary french haute cuisine.
$-$$
Best for groups – pay at the counter/separate checks
Oak – Great for large groups. Oak is the place to find home-cooked food: BBQ, bourbon and beer.
La Cocina de Luz – Serves regional Mexican and Southwestern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Organic, free-range and locally grown ingredients are prepared with traditional recipes, including many vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
The Cornerhouse Grille – A local hotspot that serves burgers, salads, hot sandwiches and iconic tater tots.
Uno Dos Tres Tacos + Tequila – Serving up delicious tacos and drinks in a family-friendly environment.
Liz – Mediterranean rice bowls and acai bowls. Our mission is to redefine convenience by delivering an exceptional to-go dining experience.
Butcher and the Baker – Fresh baked goods are made on the premises, and they have a simple daily breakfast menu and lunch offerings that range from sandwiches and salads to pizza or ever-revolving daily specials.
Baked in Telluride – A bakery, casual dining and pizzeria restaurant.
Steamies Burger Bar – A contemporary burger joint serving up the American classic.
with a healthy twist.
Caravan – Middle-Eastern food on the La Cocina de Luz patio. Serves many vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu items.
Clark’s Market – Grab and go items for lunch. Great fresh daily made options.
Table Service $-$$
Brown Dog – Brown Dog Pizza is known for their Detroit-style pizza, and offers a great selection of subs, salads and pastas.
Strong House Brew Pub – Our menu features pub favorites for whatever you’re craving throughout the day.
Smuggler Union Restaurant and Brewery – Serving delicious food and handcrafted beers brewed onsite.
Floradora Saloon – If you’re also looking for delicious cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, you’ll love Floradora Saloon.
Pescado Sushi – Full sushi bar, our hot kitchen provides an array of seaweed salads, house made kimchee, veggie tempura or Ramen noodle bowls.
Esperanza’s – Serving traditional Mexican cuisine. Offers delicious lunch, dinner and housemade margaritas.