Day Trips from Telluride
← All Telluride day tripsDay Trips from Telluride: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Telluride, CO. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.
12 scenic drives near Telluride
Sunset View
CO 81415, USA
Just 1 hr 52 min from Telluride, rated 5.0 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Silver Thread Scenic Byway: Blue Mesa Overlook
Colorado 81230, USA
Just 2 hrs 18 min from Telluride, rated 5.0 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Cold Shivers Point Overlook
Grand Junction, CO 81507
Just 2 hrs 41 min from Telluride, rated 4.9 stars by 267 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Molas Overlook
Durango, CO 81301
Just 1 hr 56 min from Telluride, rated 4.9 stars by 180 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
Cedaredge, CO 81413
Just 2 hrs 24 min from Telluride, rated 4.9 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Red Mountain Overlook
CO 81432, USA
Just 1 hr 26 min from Telluride, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
San Juan Mountains Scenic View
Ridgway, CO 81432
Just 39 min from Telluride, rated 4.9 stars by 121 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Switzerland of America Lookout Point
Ouray, CO 81427
Just 1 hr 6 min from Telluride, rated 4.8 stars by 438 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Lizard Head Peak Vista Overlook
CO 81301, USA
Just 25 min from Telluride, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Montezuma Valley Overlook
Mancos, CO 81328
Just 1 hr 50 min from Telluride, rated 4.8 stars by 146 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway
Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514
Just 2 hrs 10 min from Telluride, rated 4.6 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Scenic overlook
Ridgway, CO 81432
Just 1 hr 13 min from Telluride, rated 4.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from Telluride
What are the best scenic drives near Telluride, CO?
The best scenic drives near Telluride include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.
How long are the scenic drives from Telluride?
Most scenic drives near Telluride range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.
What is the best time of year for scenic drives near Telluride?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Telluride, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.
What should I bring on a scenic drive from Telluride?
Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.
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