Car

Driving to Telluride in summer is easy.  To drive here in winter, you should be comfortable driving in snow.  If you have never driven in snow, please don't have your first experience be exhausted, on an unfamiliar mountain road, with your entire family.

To plan your route in detail, go to http://www.mapquest.com/ and ask for directions from your starting point. 

To drive to Telluride you will first go through either Rico, Norwood or Ridgway.  Read below about what each of these neighboring towns can offer you on your way in or out of Telluride.

Rico is located south of Mountain Village and Telluride and is on the other side of Lizard Head Pass, which receives very heavy winter snowfall.  If you are driving through Rico and it's snowing hard, consider spending the night at the Rico Hotel.  The Rico Hotel is home of the Argentinian Grill, which offers four star Argentinian cuisine in a laid-back San Juan setting.  To book a room at the Rico Hotel, go to the "plan your trip" tab or give us a call at 888-376-9770.

Norwood is to the west of Placerville, which sits at the entry to the canyon into Telluride.  If you're driving through Norwood, check out Two Candles, an art gallery/coffee shop/restaurant.  Staff is friendly and the food is fresh and delicious.

Ridgway is to the east of Placerville and is on the way from Montrose to Telluride.  Ridgway is a bigger town and has many delicious restaurants and interesting shops.  Our favorite restaurants include Kate's Place, the Galloping Goose, True Grit and Thai Paradise.  The natural grocery store off the Main Street is definitely worth visiting.  Orvis Hot Springs, a decadent treat for those who love to soak, is located just outside Ridgway, towards Ouray.

If you're on your way from Placerville and are hungry, consider stopping at the Blue Jay, located inbetween Placerville and Sawpit.  The Blue Jay offers an outside patio, an indoor seating area and a sports bar with more seating.  The food is consistently delicious and served with a smile.  The Blue Jay offers a down valley alternative for lodging as well.

Our recommendation for Colorado's friendliest gas station is the Shell San Miguel Country Store, where "you're always welcome", located along the Valley Floor as you're coming into town.  

If you are driving in the winter, please check local forecasts and make decisions accordingly.  Pack your car with extra warm clothing, extra water, food, gravel or kitty litter and a shovel.  If you get stuck, you'll be very happy to have planned ahead. 

In the snow, your best rule is to go slowly.  For a local weather update and forecast, please go to our "weather" tab.