It’s the only game in town, but even if it weren’t, no one else could offer the little slice of golfing heaven you get at the Telluride Golf Club (970-728-2606, ), which starts at the edge of Mountain Village at the Peaks Resort. The 18 holes of this par 70, 6,574-yard course wind their way around the multimillion- dollar properties of the rich and famous of Telluride, as well as past streams and through the aspen woods that dot the gorgeous property. Make your way around the lush course on the GPS-equipped carts, which not only offer electronic input on the upcoming holes and send weather bulletins but also lets you order a sandwich to be waiting at the delightful Halfway House on the ninth hole. As at other high-altitude courses (this one’s at 9,500 feet), your ball will go farther, but this is one of the few that will give you Mount Sneffels as a backdrop. Green fees run $190 through Sept. 12. Kyle Wagner
STAY: The Peaks Resort & Spa (136 Country Club Drive, 970-728-6800, ) is a residence property that allows travelers to stay in its rooms and penthouses. With the Telluride Golf Club out the back door and a world-class spa (the largest in Colorado) downstairs with two pools and a water slide, you can’t beat the location (ski-in, ski-out too); the comfy rooms have mountain or Mountain Village views. The casually elegant on-site restaurant Palmyra, with its stunning panoramic views, serves exquisitely conceived dishes that balance rich flavors and healthy ingredients in creative ways. Summer rates start at $224.
DINE: Siam (200 S. Davis St., 970-728-6886) Lunch and dinner are available at this lively, colorful eatery, a locals joint within walking distance from the heart of town that nevertheless feels off the beaten path. Start with their taste-packed, soy- paper-based hand wraps (it’s fun to argue over the best, but trust me, it’s the asparagus with “Thailandaise” sauce) and authentically spiced curries loaded with fresh vegetables and organic meats that you can make hotter still with their trio of chiles and pastes. The tom kha soup is an excellent sweet-and-spicy take as well.
Telluride is 331 miles from Denver via U.S. 285, U.S. 50, U.S. 550, Colorado 62 and Colorado 145.
