Day Itinerary
9 Activities
Day 1
139 mi0.5 mi
The Mountainous Peaks of Colorado to Telluride
Today's adventure adventure goes from Durango to Telluride, exploring the most charming towns in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Stop in Silverton, once a mining boomtown, and take a tour into the Old Hundred Gold Mine. You'll take an old steam train on a 3 hour tour through the San Juan mountains. Next, you'll stop in Ouray, a mountain town known as the "Switzerland of America," where you'll explore the Box Canon Waterfall. You'll spend the night in Telluride, named Budget Travel's Coolest Small Town in 2021 and explore this alpine paradise.
Hermosa Cafe
First stop: breakfast. Hermosa Cafe has one of the highest rated breakfasts in Durango. You'll find this charming cafe full of personal touch. You'll be driving through the mountains for the rest of the day, so make sure you eat a good, healthy breakfast.
Monday – Sunday: 6:30AM – 7PM
Monday – Sunday: 6:30AM – 7PM
57 mi
2 hrs
Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
You'll spend two hours driving through the beautiful San Juan National Forest before reaching your destination - the Old Hundred Gold Mine. Here, you can take a guided tour 1/3 of a mile into a 13,000 foot mountain to see how gold is mined. You'll even get to ride in a vintage mine train (electric powered, of course!), and pan for your own gold.
Reservations are not necessary, and tours depart every hour.
Tours run 10AM – 4PM (hours might change seasonally)
Reservations are not necessary, and tours depart every hour.
Tours run 10AM – 4PM (hours might change seasonally)
8.4 mi
50 min
Avalanche Brewing Company
Stop for lunch and a Colorado microbrew at the Avalanche Brewing Company, which serves up tacos and pizza - a winning combination for the mountains! Enjoy the view from the outside seating and soak up the fresh mountain air.
Monday – Sunday: 11:30AM – 9:30PM
Monday – Sunday: 11:30AM – 9:30PM
23.2 mi
50 min
Box Cañon Falls Park
Stop for a quick out and back hike to Box Canyon Falls. Walk about a half mile to see an 85-foot waterfall surrounded by rock walls and spectacular rock formations. The waterfall is easily accessible and mostly flat. Dogs are not allowed on this trail, so leave Fido at home.
0.7 mi
5 min
Ouray
Your next drive is the 25 miles between Silverton and Ouray, known as the Million Dollar Highway as part of the San Juan Skyway. This drive is considered one of the most beautiful in the whole country. You'll want to make sure you drive safely as the road twists and turns through the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Be warned - during rainstorms, this stretch of road can see some waterfalls along the highway.
46.4 mi
1 hr
EV Connect Charging Station
Here you can charge your car
Type: CCS 2 stations, 2 plugs Power: 75 kW
Type: CCS 2 stations, 2 plugs Power: 75 kW
3.8 mi
15 min
Free Gondola - Telluride Station
The absolute first thing you must do in Telluride is hop on the spectacular (and free!) gondola that runs between Mountain Village and Telluride. At the top of the mountain, spend some time exploring the resort on foot before taking the Gondola back down.
Monday – Sunday: 6:30AM – Midnight
Monday – Sunday: 6:30AM – Midnight
0.1 mi
5 min
221 South Oak
Telluride is full of top class restaurants, and you'll find something delicious in every price range. My recommendation is 221 South Oak, the brainchild of Top Chef Season 10 contestant Eliza Gavin. The menu custom changes to the season and showcases the best flavors of Colorado.
Monday – Sunday: 5:30PM – 9:30PM
Monday – Sunday: 5:30PM – 9:30PM
0.5 mi
10 min
The Hotel Telluride
Your stop for the night is the Hotel Telluride. This boutique hotel is designed with the chalets of Europe in mind, and has everything you could ever need while tucked into the mountains.