Telluride To Denver Road Trip: Top 15 Tips

Traveling from Telluride to Denver is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 362 miles of road trip from Telluride to Denver takes around 6 hours and 9 mins of driving without stops.

This article includes 15 top tips that turn your Denver trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Telluride to Denver, take your coffee and keep reading!

5 Best Hotels On The Way From Telluride To Denver

On the way from Telluride to Denver, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top five hotels on the Telluride – Denver route!

1. Ridgway Lodge and Star Saloon: Ridgway Lodge and Star Saloon are one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Telluride to Denver. Driving from Telluride to Ridgway Lodge and Star Saloon might take around 52 mins. Ridgway Lodge and Star Saloon offer visitors a variety of appealing attractions, including quaint towns, excellent hiking and skiing areas, and numerous opportunities to experience natural beauty. Check the Ridgway Lodge and Star Saloon, one of the best hotels in Ridgway, Colorado, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Super 8 by Wyndham Montrose: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Denver from Telluride is Super 8 by Wyndham Montrose. Located in Montrose, Colorado, the hotel is 66.8 miles away from Telluride, and it would take 1 hour and 23 mins to drive. All the guest rooms feature either one or two beds, a coffee maker, and cable TV. The Super 8 Montrose is new and renovated. The design and amenities ensure perfect comfort for guests. All guest rooms feature one or two beds, a coffee maker, and cable TV. If you want to learn more about the Super 8 by Wyndham Montrose, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and it’s 131 miles away from Telluride. You can arrive there in 2 hours and 33 mins of non-stop driving. While staying at La Quinta Grand Junction Hotel, take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, express check-in and check-out, and convenience store. The property also features a pool and complimentary breakfast. Free parking is available if you are driving to La Quinta Grand Junction Hotel. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction for more information.
4. Glenwood Springs Inn: If you are taking the road trip from Telluride to Denver, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Glenwood Springs Inn is one of the best hotels in town. It is Glenwood Springs Inn, 205 miles from Telluride, and it would take 3 hours and 36 mins to drive. The rooms at this establishment are clean and affordable, with major attractions like downtown Glenwood within walking distance. If you need more info about the price and availability of Glenwood Springs Inn, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Tivoli Lodge: Our next hotel is Tivoli Lodge, Vail, Colorado. It will take 4 hours, and 32 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Telluride. The Tivoli Lodge is a luxury ski resort located in the heart of Vail Village. The resort has been known for years for providing friendly, caring, and personal service. The resort has been rebuilt recently, and it now has European-style architecture. The new architecture blends perfectly into the surrounding natural environment. The resort has unobstructed views of Vail’s Golden Peak ski area. The resort is also within steps of the Vista Bahn ski lift. Check the Tivoli Lodge on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Tivoli Lodge for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Telluride to Denver. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the same Telluride to Denver route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Telluride to Denver. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Way To Denver From Telluride

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Telluride to Denver road trip. In this section, we list the five different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Telluride to Denver. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. True Grit Cafe: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Telluride to Denver with True Grit Cafe. True Grit Cafe is located in Ridgway, Colorado, 39.1 miles from Telluride. So it would take 49 mins of driving. True Grit Cafe has served tourists and locals for over 25 years, offering excellent and tasty ‘Cowboy Cuisine’ in a comfortable western environment. The friendly staff will make you feel like you’re part of the Grit Family. For more information about True Grit Cafe, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of True Grit Cafe.
2. Ted Nelson’s Steakhouse: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Denver from Telluride is Ted Nelson’s Steakhouse. Located in Montrose, Colorado, Ted Nelson’s Steakhouse is 66.6 miles from Telluride and would take 1 hour and 23 mins of driving. This dinner house specializes in steaks, proudly serving Certified Angus Beef®. They offer a variety of other choices on their menu to please almost any palate. They create tasty, new specials and change their weekly menu to accommodate new seasonal varieties. If you want to learn more about Ted Nelson’s Steakhouse, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Bin 707 Foodbar: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Bin 707 Foodbar. It will take 2 hours and 26 mins of car drive to take 125 miles from Telluride to Bin 707 Foodbar, Grand Junction, Colorado. Bin 707 Foodbar is proud to offer responsible sourcing from “local, Colorado & domestic sources” to create a unique, thoughtful, and accessible experience for all. As a Zero Foodprint member, a 2018 and 2019 Good Food 100 restaurant, and a James Beard Smart Catch “Leader,” Bin 707 Foodbar is committed to sustainability within the industry. For more information, you can check Bin 707 Foodbar on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
4. Riviera Scratch Kitchen: Riviera Scratch Kitchen deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The Riviera Supper Club and Scratch Kitchen is a landmark dining establishment located in historic downtown Glenwood Springs, CO. Glenwood’s multiple award-winning and top-rated restaurant; The Riv, offers guests a unique interior, extensive wine list, inventive cocktails, and a seasonal menu that is designed around fresh and local ingredients. Riviera Scratch Kitchen is 205 miles away from Telluride, and it would take 3 hours and 35 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Riviera Scratch Kitchen, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Swiss Chalet-Vail: If you enjoy dining, Swiss Chalet-Vail, would be an excellent choice in Vail, Colorado. It’s 265 miles from Telluride and would take 4 hours and 30 mins of car driving. Authentic regional dishes such as Schnitzel and delicious fondues make the Swiss Chalet a delectable dining experience rich in flavor and aroma. Their award-winning Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” list consists of over 1,000 selections. If you want to learn more about the Swiss Chalet – Vail, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Telluride to Denver. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 362 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Denver road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Telluride to Denver. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Way From Telluride To Denver

A unique experience awaits you in Denver. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations, like Ridgway, Colorado. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Denver route.

• Ridgway State Park: Ridgway State Park will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Telluride to Denver road trip. Located in Ridgway, Colorado, Ridgway State Park is 43.7 miles away from Telluride, and it would take 55 mins to drive. This park has a variety of amenities, including camping and boating, hiking, and fishing. The views are stunning, and you can take great photos of the Lake and river scenery. If you want to learn more about Ridgway State Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Museum of the Mountain West: Museum of the Mountain West, Montrose, Colorado, is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Telluride to Denver route. It’s 68.6 miles from Telluride, and it’ll take about 1 hour and 26 mins to drive. The Museum of the Mountain West (MMW) is committed to educating children and adults in the history and culture of the American West through the collecting, historic preservation, stewardship, restoration, and display of historical buildings and artifacts. If you want to learn more about the Museum of the Mountain West, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Downtown Grand Junction: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Telluride to Denver is Grand Junction, Colorado. And if you visit Grand Junction, Colorado, we suggest you visit Downtown Grand Junction. You can arrive at Downtown Grand Junction after 2 hours and 26 mins of driving. Here, you can enjoy the sights of public art, fountains, and historic buildings while indulging in local cuisine, doing some unique shopping, and spending time with your family. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Downtown Grand Junction for more information.
• Hanging Lake Trail: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on a trip from Telluride to Denver. Hanging Lake Trail is 214 miles from Telluride, and you can arrive there after the 3 hours and 45 mins of drive. While it may not be the first thing on your mind, now is the time to start planning your hike to Hanging Lake if you want to ensure you get your desired time and day. Hanging Lake is one of Colorado’s most beloved and popular trails. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Hanging Lake Trail before going there.
• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: Located in Vail, Colorado, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the Denver road trip. You must take 4 hours and 31 mins of driving to arrive at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. The Alpine Botanical Garden, located at the foot of Vail Mountain, is open to the public. This garden features beautiful flowers, informative signage, handicap accessibility, and family friendliness. If you want to learn more about Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Telluride to Denver

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Telluride to Denver drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Telluride To Denver?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 6 hours and 9 mins to drive. The distance between Telluride to Denver is 362 miles.
• If you want to make the Telluride to Denver road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be one day and 8 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Telluride-Denver route, you will have to walk for four days and 5 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Telluride To Denver?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Denver. Here we list five of them. For more information about the best places on the Telluride to Denver journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Telluride To Denver.

1. Ridgway State Park: 43.7 miles / 55 mins to drive from Telluride | 313 miles / 5 hours and 9 mins to Denver.
2. Museum of the Mountain West: 68.6 miles / 1 hour 26 mins to drive from Telluride | 269 miles / 4 hours and 51 mins of driving to Denver.
3. Downtown Grand Junction: 125 miles / 2 hours and 26 mins to drive from Telluride | 244 miles / 3 hours and 57 mins of driving to Denver.
4. Hanging Lake Trail: 214 miles / 3 hours and 45 mins to drive from Telluride | 156 miles / 2 hours and 35 mins of driving to Denver.
5. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: 266 miles / 4 hours and 31 mins to drive from Telluride | 97.1 miles / 1 hour 41 mins of driving to Denver.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Telluride To Denver?

There are many excellent hotels during your Telluride to Denver road trip. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Way To Denver From Telluride section.

• Ridgway Lodge and Star Saloon: 39.7 miles / 52 mins to drive from Telluride | 322 miles / 5 hours and 19 minutes to Denver.
• Super 8 by Wyndham Montrose: 66.8 miles / 1 hour 23 mins to drive from Telluride | 297 miles / 4 hours and 49 mins of driving to Denver.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction: 131 miles / 2 hours and 33 mins to drive from Telluride | 242 miles / 3 hours and 50 mins of driving to Denver.
• Glenwood Springs Inn: 205 miles / 3 hours and 36 mins to drive from Telluride | 157 miles / 2 hours and 36 mins of driving to Denver.
• Tivoli Lodge: 266 miles / 4 hours and 32 mins to drive from Telluride | 97.2 miles / 1 hour 44 mins of driving to Denver.

Where To Eat Between Telluride to Denver?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Telluride to Denver journey, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Way From Telluride To Denver.

1. True Grit Cafe: 39.1 miles / 49 mins to drive from Telluride | 323 miles / 5 hours and 22 mins of driving to Denver.
2. Ted Nelson’s Steakhouse: 66.6 miles / 1 hour 23 mins to drive from Telluride | 297 miles / 4 hours and 50 mins of driving to Denver.
3. Bin 707 Foodbar: 125 miles / 2 hours and 26 mins to drive from Telluride | 245 miles / 3 hours and 56 mins of driving to Denver.
4. Riviera Scratch Kitchen: 205 miles / 3 hours and 35 mins to drive from Telluride | 157 miles / 2 hours and 36 mins of driving to Denver.
5. Swiss Chalet – Vail: 265 miles / 4 hours and 30 mins to drive from Telluride | 96.6 miles / 1 hour 40 mins of driving to Denver.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Telluride to Denver. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the way. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your trip from Telluride to Denver as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Telluride to Denver? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Telluride to Denver and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.