Telluride

Telluride, a former Victorian mining town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is set in a box canyon amid forested peaks at the base of a popular ski-and-golf resort. The town’s historic district houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House, a performing-arts venue originally built in 1913, and the Telluride Historical Museum, which showcases local history in a converted hospital built in 1896.

The origin of the exceedingly distinctive name of this Colorado community is uncertain, but there are two popular interpretations. The first is that telluride is derived from the term "tellurium," a nonmetallic element (typically associated with the existence of gold resources) that drew so many pioneers to the area. Many locals, though, would tell you that the name is just an abbreviation for "to hell you ride"—a creative explanation that accentuates the lethal ski slopes that entice many a winter vacationer each year. Powder hunters will discover over 2,000 skiable acres suitable for beginners, specialists, and everyone in between. "To hell, you ride" also refers to the region's rowdy atmosphere.

Residents and visitors alike regularly gather in Town Park or at Telluride's bars for a foot-stomping good time. In the end, it doesn't matter where the name comes from — all that really counts is the great experience you're bound to have here.

The Best Things to Do in Telluride:

• Telluride Ski Resort
• Mountain Village
• Hiking

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
• 2 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
• 3 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
  

Rating:

• 3 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
  

Address: Telluride, Colorado 81435, USA