A dark-wood lodge style building is set beneath tall red-rock cliffs dotted with pine trees. The Colorado building and cliffs have a layer of snow on them.

The Bivvi Telluride

Tucked into a San Juan mountains box canyon, Telluride is a year-round playground beloved for its craggy peeks and silver-boom architecture. Summer is all about wildflower hikes and biking adventures with panoramic views of massive mountain ranges. In winter, hop on the gondola and hit the slopes or strap on snowshoes to uncover pine-scented trails. Whether you're tearing down ski runs or trekking up summits, The Bivvi is your perfect basecamp to explore Colorado’s southwest corner.

“Bivvy” means “small tent or shelter,” and that’s definitely an understatement for this hostel-slash-hotel. Featuring private rooms and shared dorm-style spaces boasting backcountry-lodge vibes, this spot (which also has a location in Breckenridge!) accommodates all kinds of adventurers. Everyone — from solo travelers to friend-filled crews and lovey-dovey couples — will feel at home here.

Buttery leather couches, cushy Western chairs, cool antler chandeliers and a warm crackling fire welcome you in the rustic-chic lobby. Order a pint from Telluride Brewing Co. at the bar, then challenge a buddy to a round of pool. When it’s time to settle in, visitors can hop in their sturdy bunks and sleep soundly knowing their belongings are safely stowed in the in-room lockers.

What makes it special?

We’re going with The Bivvi’s shared community spaces. Normally, you probably wouldn’t feel compelled to chat with neighbors or plan an impromptu mountain-bike outing over breakfast. But here, things like that happen all the time — that’s the beauty of The Bivvi. The hostel rooms push people toward communal areas, where gathering together is part of the draw. This is a true hangout spot.

Three people share the downstairs community space at The Bivvi Telluride in Colorado. One works on their computer in a blue, white and black-striped nook the other two sit and chat around a dark coffee table.

Two bunk beds made of thick, dark wood face each other across a white-painted room in Colorado.

Two people sit in the communal space at The Bivvi Telluride in Colorado a laugh together. The room features brick walls, a striped corner nook and thick leather couches with accent pillows.

The most Colorado thing about this place

It’s The Bivvi’s proximity to world-renowned Telluride Ski Resort. Picture this: You're chilling downtown, sipping cocoa, and suddenly you decide it's time to trade the streets for the slopes. Gear up and head to the free gondola to sail up to Mountain Village to carve down some snowy descents. That’s right — you can access the resort right from town. And yes, it’s open in summer, too, for those looking for a quick lift to wildflower hikes dotted with baby-blue lupine and wispy paintbrush.

Top sensory encounter you’ll experience

It’s gotta be sitting in The Bivvi’s steaming hot tubs for epic mountain views — especially after a day of zipping through powdery tree runs or splashing down the San Miguel River on a raft.

Luckily, the outdoor patio at The Bivvi is the best place to chill out and soak your sore legs after a 2-mile hike up to nearby Bridal Veil Falls. And you might need a little extra time in the water if you bagged a fourteener like neighboring Mount Sneffels. Once you’re perfectly pruney, towel off and take a seat by the outdoor fire and order a glass of wine to cap off the night. When it’s totally dark, peek up and enjoy the mountain-town magic of the starry night sky up above.

Clear, blue-tinged water bubbles gently in one of two hot tubs underneath a stand of pine trees outside The Bivvi Telluride in Colorado.

Quirkiest thing to expect

A short SMART bus drive to downtown Telluride will have you feeling like a cowpoke in an Old West movie. So dust off your boots and step into a handmade leather-goods shop or a custom hatter to complete your look.

With zero chain restaurants in town, you’ll only find local haunts like the Floradora Saloon. Take a seat and take a bite out of the Colorado Short Rib Poutine, with crispy french fries covered in saucy short ribs, savory gravy, squeaky cheese curds and cheddar. Or head just up the street to the New Sheridan Hotel’s Historic Bar — open since 1895 — to listen to live music, sip a whiskey cocktail and soak up some history. You might even spot some silver-boom age bullet holes in the walls.

Our favorite traveler review

“I travel tons — hands down this is the best value I have seen in a six-week road trip across six states. I was only supposed to stay for two nights ... which became five. It is more boutique hotel than hostel. The private rooms are huge, most face or have verandas onto the very large garden. The entire place is less than two years old. The mattresses are amazing, and the place is sparkling clean (way cleaner than hotels I have stayed in in other places). Everything smells new and clean, and they take a lot of pride in classic, gorgeous, relaxing interiors.” — Dawny L., Tripadvisor

A turquoise and brown Native American-inspired blanket lies folded in half atop a thick mattress covered in white linens at The Bivvi Telluride in Colorado.

Things to see & do nearby

Gear up for some serious fun just a stone's throw away from your overnight digs. Summer thrill-seekers can conquer the technical challenge of the Via Ferrata, traversing a rugged cliffside above a narrow canyon. Or soar over those summits during a paraglide lesson. Learn the ropes on a training hill and then sail through the sky attached to a colorful kite.

In autumn, get a little more grounded on a RZR or Jeep rental, which gets you off-road and among the bright-yellow trees. Then, when the snow starts falling, swap the wheels for skis or a snowboard for a full day at Telluride Ski Resort. When you’re ready for some time away from the slopes, get in touch with Idarado Sled Dog Adventures to “mush” your way through the snowy trails atop a sled with Alaskan huskies leading the way.

Photos courtesy of The Bivvi Telluride

Booking Info

970-797-3404

thebivvi-telluride.com