An Epic Road Trip From Denver To Telluride

With Alpine mountain views sprinkled with Old West charm, Telluride is a fantastic destination for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or simply enjoying the rugged views.

On an amazing road trip from Denver to Telluride, you will drive via Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Cañon City, Salida, Gunnison, Montrose, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This drive will take 7 hours and 20 minutes to cover 400 miles.

There is also another route that goes through Vail and Glenwood Springs. You won't want to miss out on anything during this trip on either route, so read on for some tips on where to go and what to do along the way.

To get a taste of what awaits you on either route from Denver to Telluride, you can check out the table below.

How far is Telluride from Denver and how long will the road trip take?

The road trip from Denver to Telluride is about 330 miles and takes roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes if you don't make a single stop. However, given how beautiful this part of Colorado is, we would encourage you to choose a more scenic option.

The Vail Route is a slightly longer option compared to the above, and spans 370 miles that will take you 6 hours and 30 minutes to drive nonstop.

There is another equally scenic option, the Colorado Springs Route, which is about 400 miles long and will take 7 hours and 20 minutes to drive.

To make this into a proper road trip, try to give yourself 3 days or more to check everything out. If you have the time for a long vacation, you can extend this trip and make it as long as you want, devoting a day or more to each stop on the itinerary.

Best road trip route from Denver to Telluride

Choosing which route to follow won't be an easy decision; this is Colorado we are talking about! You will be treated to one stunning view after another whether you choose the Vail Route or the Colorado Springs Route.

The Vail Route will take you to the heart of the Colorado Rockies. From the Victorian vibes of the mining hub of Georgetown to the alpine beauty of Vail, famous for its ski resort, there will never be a dull moment. How does taking a soak at a thermal pool in Glenwood Springs on the way sound?

You will get to learn about Colorado's mining and gold rush history, visit luxurious mountain resorts and simply take in the rugged beauty of the area.

The Colorado Springs Route starts with the majestic views of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, and then take you to Pueblo, where you can learn about many different cultures in one go.

If you are a thrill-seeker, you will love the zip-lining opportunities at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park near Cañon City. If that is not your thing, you can just admire the impressive beauty that surrounds the town.

Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you're after hitting the slopes before you even reach Telluride and float in healing hot springs, or if you'd like to learn more about the Colorado gold rush and the cultures that call this beautiful state home today.

Itinerary A: The Vail Route from Denver to Telluride

1. Drive from Denver to Georgetown

40 miles (50 minutes)

Ready for the ultimate outdoor lover's road trip from Denver to Telluride? Start your drive on US-6, which will merge onto I-70 as you drive west. If you haven't visited before, consider making a detour to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre as you leave the outskirts of the city.

Continuing on the interstate, you can stop at the beautiful Genesee Park in Golden to stretch your legs. As we have mentioned above, Colorado is famous for its gold rush history and you will find plenty of reminders of this history.

If you are interested, we recommend visiting the Argo Mill and Tunnel or Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, both easily reachable from the interstate as you are traveling west before reaching Georgetown.

Once you reach Georgetown, one of the first things we recommend doing is to book a seat on the Georgetown Loop Railroad if you haven't already done so. This popular ride sells out fast, so act quickly to avoid any disappointment.

Georgetown is a historic city, and you can see traces of a bygone era as you explore its streets. One of our favorite museums here is the Hotel de Paris Museum, which used to be a former French inn with an English-style interior built by Chinese artisans. Talk about eclectic!

2. Drive from Georgetown to Vail

60 miles (1 hour)

Shortly after you leave Georgetown on I-70, you will reach the Loveland Ski Area. This is your first chance to hit the slopes on this route. But don't worry if you don't have enough time to visit—there will be plenty more opportunities, we promise!

Past Dillon Reservoir, you can take a break to enjoy the beautiful Blue River Trail or continue driving on the interstate to Copper Mountain. Here, you can dip south to make a detour to Breckenridge or visit the nearby Copper Mountain Resort as you make your way to Vail.

Once you reach Vail, the first thing you should do is to just take in the beautiful views of the mountains from the town. If you are here for winter sports, we can only imagine how excited you might be to grab your skiing gear and head to the lift. But there is plenty to do in Vail year-round!

We recommend heading to the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame to learn about the sports legacy of Vail, and then you can enjoy a stroll in the beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, perfect plan for a sunny afternoon.

3. Drive from Vail to Glenwood Springs

60 miles (1 hour)

This part o the drive from Denver to Telluride mostly takes place on the interstate, so if you want a change of scenery, you can make a short detour on the popular Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway past West Vail, which goes south towards Leadville.

After the detour, you will return to the interstate and drive through Avon and Edwards. Just before you arrive in Glenwood Springs, take a break and hike the beautiful Hanging Lake Trail. The stunning views here alone will be worth taking an hour or two extra on the way.

Once you reach Glenwood Springs, we bet you cannot wait to take a soak in the relaxing Hot Springs Pool, especially after the long drive. However, if you are not ready to wind down yet, you can head to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park to keep the adrenaline pumping!

Once you have had your fill, you might want to check in to a hotel in Glenwood to rest up. One of the best places to stay here is the charming Hotel Denver. This hotel is a great choice for those looking for a historic hotel in a great location in Glenwood Springs.

4. Drive from Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction

90 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

The drive from Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction isn't a long one, so you can make a few detours if your schedule allows. If that's the case, the beautiful Rifle Falls State Park is just a short drive from the interstate.

You will soon start approaching Colorado wine country. Just before you arrive at Grand Junction, you will drive through Palisade, which is home to some great vineyards.

Once you reach Grand Junction, you can safely leave your car behind and enjoy some wine tasting. But before you wind down for the day, we recommend taking a short drive to the Colorado National Monument or visiting the Museum of Western Colorado.

5. Drive from Grand Junction to Montrose

60 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)

You will finally leave I-70 as you leave Grand Junction and hop on US-50. This highway is conveniently sandwiched between the beautiful Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.

After your visit to either (or both!) of these beautiful reserves, the road will take you southeast to Montrose.

Once you reach Montrose, get ready for stunning views and dramatic landscapes. Montrose is the perfect gateway to the majestic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is a must-visit on your way to Telluride.

6. Drive from Montrose to Telluride

70 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

You will be on the last leg of your drive as you travel from Montrose to Telluride. You might be eager to reach your destination, but we recommend taking your time and visiting Ridgway State Park en route.

Afterwards you can grab a bite at the characterful True Grit Cafe in Ridgway, which serves some of the most delicious burgers in a Wild West setting.

Once you reach Telluride, one of the top places to visit is the Telluride Ski Resort, which is one of the best in the country. However, if skiing or snowboarding is not your thing, or if you are visiting during warmer months, not to worry. Telluride has plenty to keep you busy.

From Telluride Historical Museum to beautiful trails at the Town Park, such as the Bear Creek Trail, you will find many new places to discover.

Once you are ready to check in, one of our favorite places to stay in Telluride is The Hotel Telluride. This cozy hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar. You can also book spa treatments and massage services, which will be welcome after your busy day at the slopes!

Itinerary B: The Colorado Springs Route from Denver to Telluride

1. Drive from Denver to Colorado Springs

70 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)

If you are looking to start your road trip in a thrilling way or are traveling with adventurous family or friends, you might want to check out EDGE Ziplines and Adventures. This fun adventure is located right off I-25, which will be the main road you will follow out of Denver as you head south.

Alternatively, you can take a short detour from Castle Rock to visit the beautiful Castlewood Canyon State Park. After spending some time here, the interstate will take you all the way to Colorado Springs.

Once you reach Colorado Springs, we highly recommend putting the stunning Garden of the Gods at the top of your list of places to visit. This awe-inspiring area offers one beautiful view after another. To make your planning easier, we have compiled the best photo spots in the Garden of the Gods.

Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum is another great place to visit, especially if you'd like to learn more about Colorado Springs' history.

2. Drive from Colorado Springs to Pueblo

40 miles (40 minutes)

The short drive on I-25 from Colorado Springs to Pueblo will take you past Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Fountain Creek Regional Park. You can take advantage of how short this drive is by visiting these beautiful local parks and enjoying a picnic.

Once you reach Pueblo, spend some time by the beautiful Arkansas River. The best way to do this is to follow the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, which winds its way through the city. You will also find the El Pueblo History Museum a block from this walk.

3. Drive from Pueblo to Cañon City

40 miles (45 minutes)

Leaving Pueblo, you will have a decision to make - whether or not to make a detour to the amazing Great Sand Dunes National Park. Unless you have time constraints holding you back, we highly recommend spending some time here, enjoying some sand sleighing.

After your visit, you will either have to trace your steps back into Pueblo or continue north on to Salida. You will miss out on visiting Cañon City if you do this, though.

So our suggestion is to drive back to Pueblo and head west on US-50. On the way, you will get to visit Lake Pueblo State Park and relax at Desert Reef Hot Spring, a true desert oasis in Florence.

Once you reach Cañon City, make your way to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park nearby. You can enjoy the breathtaking gorge views or even zipline your way across if you feel brave! If you are more interested in the area's rich history, the Museum of Colorado Prisons is the place to go.

4. Drive from Cañon City to Salida

60 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)

Another relatively short section of the drive, this section from Cañon City to Salida, is possibly the best bit to enjoy white water rafting. This part of the Royal Gorge region runs from Pinnacle Rock.

If you haven't packed your canoe or kayak, though, you can visit Arkansas River Tours in Cotopaxi to book a tour. This family-friendly activity is one of the best ways to admire the spectacular mountains from a different perspective.

Once you reach Salida, continue the adventure by visiting Captain Zipline. Our tip is to time your visit near the sunset because they offer sunset zipline tours that will stay in your memory for quite some time!

We also recommend spending a few hours in the historic Downtown Salida area, which is filled with art galleries, boutique stores, local restaurants, and wonderfully preserved Victorian architecture.

Our accommodation of choice is just outside of Salida. For the second half of your trip, Amigo Motor Lodge is located on the right side of town, perfectly positioned between Salida and Poncha Springs.

5. Drive from Salida to Montrose

130 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)

If you are following the Colorado Springs itinerary, this drive on US-50 is the longest section of your road trip from Denver to Telluride. To make the most of this drive, take as many breaks as your schedule allows. The Monarch Crest Tram Ride is a great way to take some time from being in the car.

If you are taking an overnight break, you can visit Gunnison Valley Observatory, which offers programs in the evening. Check the official website before you visit as they might not be offered every day.

Curecanti National Recreation Area is another great place to make a stop by the beautiful Gunnison River.

Once you reach Montrose, make your way to the awe-inspiring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Once you are ready to spend some time in town, Montrose Botanic Gardens is a great place to visit for a laid-back experience.

6. Drive from Montrose to Telluride

70 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

From Montrose, head south on US-550 and visit the beautiful Ridgway State Park, home to the scenic Ridgway Reservoir. This park is also very popular for camping if you are looking to spend a night or two under the stars.

Once you are back en route, we recommend grabbing a bite at the charming True Grit Cafe in Ridgway before you arrive in Telluride.

Once you reach Telluride, definitely check out the Telluride Ski Resort, it's among the best in the nation!

If you are traveling outside of the skiing season, or winter sports are not your thing, you can explore spots like the Telluride Historical Museum or take a stroll on some gorgeous trails at the Town Park, Bear Creek Trail included.

If you are looking for a homely stay in Telluride, look no further than Dunton Town House. This beautiful hotel offers rooms with balconies, some even offer stunning mountain views. You will also find a fabulous bar and a ski pass sales site at the hotel.

Best time to go on a road trip from Denver to Telluride

You can take a road trip from Denver to Telluride virtually any time of year, although there are a couple of things you'll want to keep in mind.

Telluride is great to visit no matter the season. While it's probably best known for its great skiing and snowboarding locations, with winter temperatures often hovering around 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the entire area has some incredible hiking, camping, and rock climbing spots.

In the summer, when temperatures can range from 60 to 75 degrees, the town hosts plenty of events, like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June. If you are traveling on the Vail Route, make sure to check out the Vail Dance Festival in July and August.

If you want to hit the slopes and see Telluride at its busiest, you could visit any time between November and early springtime, as this is the town's peak skiing period. The winter months can see temperatures dropping below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, especially at night.

That said, if you travel on the Vail Route in December, you will enjoy the festive atmosphere of Georgetown Christmas Market.

If you'd prefer a slightly quieter stay (although, again, this isn't the type of place that's ever congested), you can book a hotel room for a low price in September or October, when the temperatures can be cool, ranging from 45 to 65 degrees.

The catch is that many of the town's locales won't be working around this time. However, you will still get to enjoy events such as the Rockledge Harvest Festival in October if you are traveling on the Colorado Springs Route.

One thing you'll definitely want to take into consideration is the drive on both Vail and Colorado Springs Routes – while the trip by no means extreme, driving through mountainous terrain should be done with caution when it's snowy.

Colorado in general can get a lot of snow in early spring, with temperatures that can fluctuate between 30 and 60 degrees, so definitely factor that into your decision and pack accordingly.

Things to see on a road trip from Denver to Telluride

Considering how much of the Rocky Mountain Range is covered by this route, it should come as no surprise that there are countless places worth checking out along the way. If you have a couple of weeks to spare, you might just be able to cover all these spots in detail: