Exploring Telluride: A Guide to Three Must-Visit Breweries in Colorado’s Mountain Region
I always enjoy exploring the brewery scene when I visit small towns or cities, especially in Colorado, which is famous for its fantastic beer. If you're planning a trip to Telluride for the first time, I’d love to recommend a few wonderful breweries to check out during your stay in this charming town. And if you're feeling adventurous, you could even visit all three in one day for a fun brewery bar crawl—it's a great way to enjoy a lively and memorable afternoon in the San Juan Mountains!
Telluride Brewery Company
TBC (for short) is a wonderful starting point if you're thinking about a brewery bar crawl. You can start at their original spot in Lawson Hill, where a free shuttle bus awaits you in Telluride, or enjoy a scenic 12-minute free gondola ride (the G) to Mountain Village to visit their second location. Their beer and food always impress, and the lively atmosphere makes it truly special — a great mix of a Dead Head vibe from their colorful mural art and the warm, inviting feel of a Colorado Mountain town. I highly recommend trying their Ski In Ski Stout, Winter Ale, and Tempter IPA. For a delicious bite, go for the wings, South West Chicken Sandwich, chili, and their tasty tomato bisque soup!
Stronghouse Brew Pub
If you visit TBC in Mountain Village, you can take the G bus back to Telluride and then walk across the street to Stronghouse. I love this spot for its beautiful architecture, including exposed stone walls, charming wood accents, and elegant metal details. After its full restoration, it reopened as a lively brewpub in 2020. Inside, you'll see the authentic 1880s Brunswick bar, crafted from solid mahogany and extending 20 feet—ideal for enjoying a sip of their delicious Wrong Way IPA. If beer isn't your thing, that's okay! They also have a full bar and kitchen with great options like roasted beet hummus and salted Bavarian pretzels with their famous cheese sauce. In 2023, they were named the #1 Brewpub in America by USA Today! As their motto says, “Let’s Beer!”
Smugglers Brew Pub
Just a short walk from Stronghouse, you'll discover the last brewery on this tour! This cozy spot is a true gem of the town’s craft beer scene, boasting a changing selection of house-made beers that go from smooth lagers to bold seasonal ales. The laid-back pub atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to enjoy a beer flight, explore the art of brewing, and chat with other beer lovers. It’s a charming mountain brewpub that perfectly captures Telluride’s creative, relaxed spirit. I especially recommend trying their mushroom toast and elk rigatoni Bolognese!
As I mentioned earlier, you can easily enjoy this tour in an afternoon if you're excited for a fun, self-guided brewery crawl. Or, you might choose to take your time and visit each place for lunch or dinner, soaking in all the fantastic brewery vibes that Telluride has to offer. I’d love to hear from you—please share your favorites in the comments!