Telluride is a romantic getaway in Colorado that invites you and your partner to explore the outdoors in any season. Telluride and the San Juan mountain area are one of Colorado’s hidden gems. Everyone knows about the Rocky Mountains, but once you’ve been here, you will feel like you found a secret paradise.
On your first trip to Telluride, start with riding the gondola from Mountain Village into Telluride for your first impression and marvel at the breathtaking views of the San Juan mountains.
Hike or bike to breathtaking waterfalls and mountain vistas, you will find plenty of adventure in Telluride. In the winter, other than skiing, you can also spice up your trip with ice climbing, dog sledding, sleigh riding, and off-roading in the San Juans. (Click here to skip below to things to do in Telluride)
Telluride is more than just a nature lover’s paradise. It is also a cozy and walkable town with much history and culture. You can stroll and shop on the main street, savor the local cuisine, catch a show at the historic Sheridan Opera House, or enjoy one of the many festivals that showcase film, music, and art. Whether you choose adventure or relaxation, Telluride is the perfect setting for you and your partner to connect.
You will want to stay longer than a day in this magical place, so we have selected some of the best places for couples to stay in the area. You will have a memorable experience in Telluride, and you will want to come back again and again.
If you are looking for a great location and amazing views, check out our first pick:
1. Penthouse by the Gondola at Ore Sation Lodge Airbnb Telluride
Unbeatable location, less than a block from the gondola at Ore Station with amazing views!
Thoughtful hosts have designed this rental with intention and attention to every detail. Comfortable beds, a steam shower, and humidifiers to combat the dry Colorado air. This is genius and not something you see a lot with rentals.
There is a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops that is fully equipped for you to prepare your food. The hosts offer to arrange grocery delivery to have your condo stocked with food upon your arrival for a small fee. You can also arrange extra cleaning if you are staying longer.
The entry has a spacious mudroom entry for you to store your gear. You’ll park your car in your own covered private parking space and have access to the community hot tub.
The beautiful San Miguel River flows through Telluride. You can stay right on the river at:
2. Viking Lodge Condo 212 by the Riverside Telluride
Condo 212 overlooks San Miguel River with a private balcony. Located on Telluride Riverside Trail, enjoy peaceful and tranquil views and the trail is perfect for biking or an easy stroll through Telluride.
You are located a four-minute walk to Lift 7 as well as Clarks Market for groceries and a seven-minute walk to the gondola.
This rental has a fully equipped kitchen and rain shower. Enjoy a heated pool and hot tub on the property.
Another great property with riverside views of the San Miguel River:
3. Riverside Bright Light Sanctuary Telluride
This newly remodeled condo is filled with bright natural lighting and holds views from every window. You are also very close to the gondola in this property.
Enjoy a cozy electric fireplace at night and relax with the sound of water just off your private balcony.
Also with an outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
If you enjoy natural lighting, check out:
4. Telluride Alpine Escape Modern Condo
This modern vacation rental is decorated with work from a local artist and features lots of huge windows that brighten each room.
Enjoy your morning coffee outside on the private deck with beautiful mountain views. This space is perfect for alfresco dining. The location is across the street from Clarks Grocery store if you’d like to cook in the fully stocked kitchen.
A unique feature of this property is a record player with an assortment of vinyl for you to enjoy as you unwind by the fireplace at night. You can also enjoy the community’s indoor and outdoor hot tubs.
If you like being downtown where all the action is, a great rental to check out is:
5. Romantic Rustic Studio Loft Downtown Telluride
This cozy getaway was designed for couples to help you relax and unwind. The studio is decorated with a lovely mountain rustic theme.
This location is perfect for walking to local restaurants, shopping, and the gondola. One parking spot is reserved for you and you may not want to drive anywhere.
Enjoy views of Ballard Mountain and Bear Creek from the private deck and the community hot tub.
For couples who desire a more remote location but you don’t want a long drive, a great option is:
6. Deep Creek Mesa Romantic Getaway near Telluride
Three couples have gotten engaged on this property so far, could you be next? Or maybe you have an anniversary or special occasion to celebrate.
This private studio is situated off the main house on a 15-acre working horse ranch property 10 minutes outside Telluride. Experience breathtaking sunset views with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
The remote location offers an amazing opportunity to view wildlife such as herds of elk and other creatures who share this mesa as their home as a wildlife corridor. Experience peace and serenity but still be close to town.
The studio has a separate entrance and its patio with a BBQ and does not share any main walls with the house. Roads are plowed consistently in the winter.
Lastly, another fantastic location and all the details you would want in a rental property we found:
7. Luxury Airbnb Condo at Telluride Lodge
Get pampered in this luxury condo with amazing views and a great location in Telluride within walking distance of restaurants, 5 blocks from the Gondola, near ski lift #7 and the Riverside Trail.
Stay warm with the in-floor radiant heat so you can walk barefoot comfortably, even in the winter. Cozy up to the gas fireplace on cold days. This unit also includes a gourmet kitchen and a spacious bar area.
Rejuvenate with options: a steam shower and deep-footed jacuzzi in one bathroom and a two-person jacuzzi shower in the other.
On-property shared hot tubs and steam room available in the community as well.
Things to do in Telluride:
Telluride is not only a ski town, but also a water lover’s dream. The San Miguel River flows through the town, providing opportunities for rafting, kayaking, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Alta Lakes consists of three beautiful high alpine lakes in the mountains past the ghost town of Alta.
Telluride has plenty of trails for hiking and biking in the area that will reward you with majestic mountain scenery year-round.
Bridal Viel Falls, an iconic waterfall, is the tallest freefalling waterfall in Colorado you can hike or bike to see. Bridal Veil Falls is a popular place for ice climbing in the winter.
Bear Creek Trail is one of the most popular and easy trails leading to a waterfall. You really can’t go wrong with any of the amazing trails near Telluride.
In the winter there are plenty of places to ice skate, ice climb, go fat biking, backcountry skiing, or snowshoeing. You can even go dog sledding in the San Juans., horseback riding or take a one-of-a-kind adventure on a sleigh ride.
Off-roading is also popular in this beautiful scenic area, with majestic views and 14,000+ feet passes. Black Bear Road is a notorious jeep trail nearby and others such as Lost Dollar Road, Ophir Pass, and Tomboy Road which was previously an old mining road between Telluride and Ouray.
Telluride is a walkable town, it is eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long. Telluride’s main street, Colorado Avenue, is a lively and charming place to shop in local boutiques and souvenir shops, dine at cozy cafes and local restaurants, and enjoy mountain town charm.
Catch a show at the historic Sheridan Opera House, or attend one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Telluride Film Festival, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, or the Telluride Jazz Festival.
Whether you want to be active with your partner or to relax with some quality time, Telluride is the perfect mountain town for romance. We hope you enjoy your next trip!
Cheers! Leah & Jorge
