The Best Things To Do In Telluride During Summer
Telluride is a historic mining town and popular mountain getaway in Colorado. It sits at 8,750 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by a picturesque box canyon and towering peaks.
While Telluride may be known as a top ski destination, a whole new world opens up in the warmer months. As the snow melts, it reveals hidden alpine lakes, lush meadows, and a wealth of wildlife surrounding Telluride.
As a long-time Colorado resident who’s explored most of the state’s mountain towns, I can say with confidence, Telluride sets the standard. And that’s saying a lot, considering the abundance of stunning towns here.
A summer trip to Telluride will quickly reveal why this is one of Colorado’s best destinations. Read on for the top things to do in Telluride during summer!
The Top Things To Do In Telluride During Summer
Spend A Summer Day Hiking Near Telluride
Colorado has no shortage of exceptional hiking trails and many of the best are in the San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride. The area has nearly 100 trails to enjoy!
These hikes feature everything from waterfalls, towering mountain tops, turquoise lakes, and incredible wildflowers. Hiking is definitely one of my favorite things to do in Telluride during summer.
With so many options around Telluride, you’re sure to find a trail for just about any skill level.
Below I’ve listed a few of my favorite hikes in and near Telluride.
Hikes In Telluride
For hikes right at the edge of town check out:
- Bear Creek Falls Trail – 4.5 miles
- Cornet Creek Falls – .6 miles
- Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail – 3.1 miles
- San Miguel River Trail – 7.9 miles
Hikes Near Telluride
For beautiful, and more challenging, trails just outside of Telluride check out:
- Blue Lake via Bridal Veil Trail – 5.9 miles
- Wasatch Trail – 15 miles
- Silver Lake – 2.9 miles
- Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes – 8.7 miles
- Hope Lake – 4.8 miles
- Sneffels Highline – 12.4 miles
Whether you’re heading up to 14,000 feet, exploring Uncompahgre National Forest, or staying close to town, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, proper footwear, and extra layers.
Ride The Telluride Gondola
Be sure to ride the gondola while visiting Telluride during summer. The gondola connects the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village in a quick 13 minute ride. It also happens to provide pretty incredible views of the surrounding valley.
The gondola’s core purpose is a free public transportation system. Twenty years ago, it was the area’s solution to traffic and air quality issues.
Today, it’s more than just a means of transportation. It’s a special feature of the town, offering stunning views of the surrounding area while providing convenience for locals and visitors alike.
Did You Know? The Telluride Gondola is the United States’ first and only free public transportation system of this kind.
Gondola hours vary seasonally, but it typically operates from 7 am – midnight. The gondola is pet-friendly, handicap accessible, and always free.
Free gondolas are not the norm in Colorado resort towns, so this definitely something to take advantage of.
Tip: Be sure to stop and check out the panoramic views from San Sophia Overlook, off the San Sophia Gondola Station.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Telluride Bluegrass Festival is a highly popular music festival held in Telluride since 1974. The festival, not surprisingly, focuses on bluegrass music but also features a variety of performers from related genres.
Attendees watch from their lawn chairs and blankets in Town Park, where the main stage performances take place. The event also includes master workshops, band and songwriting contests, and Nightgrass concerts.
The festival is 4 days long and typically held in late-June. Tickets are required and need to be purchased well in advance. This is one of the most popular things to do in Telluride during summer.
Summer Festivals In Telluride
Be sure to also check out much-loved summer festivals such as:
- Telluride Wine Festival
- Telluride Yoga Festival
- The Telluride Film Festival
- 4th of July Parade
- Telluride Balloon Festival
- Ride Festival
- Telluride Jazz Festival
- Telluride Mushroom Festival
- Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Yes, there are many festivals in Telluride throughout the summer. There’s a good chance one is going on during your visit, check out Visit Telluride Events for an upcoming list.
Kayak Or Stand Up Paddle Board Near Telluride
Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding (SUP) are excellent activities when visiting Telluride in summer. For a relaxing experience on calm water, kayak or SUP at Trout Lake or Alta Lake, each of which are located about 30 minutes from town.
Those with more experience can paddle the San Miguel River running alongside town. This is not for beginners, but anyone can watch from the San Miguel River Trail!
For rentals, check out Telluride Outside or Mountain Adventure Equipment.
Explore The Town Of Telluride
Telluride may only be eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long, but it’s packed full of cute boutique shops, restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and museums.
While exploring the shops and restaurants, be sure to check out the town’s historic architecture. Telluride is a National Historic Landmark District thanks to its preservation of mining boom-town architecture. The historic district includes most of Colorado Street, Telluride’s ‘main street.’
Fuel up at Cowboy Coffee and spend an afternoon shopping and wandering the surrounding quaint neighborhoods.
Tip: If you’re up for more walking after exploring the downtown area, go for a stroll along the San Miguel River Walk.
Bridal Veil Falls – The Tallest Waterfall In Colorado
Seeing Bridal Veil Falls is a must on your trip to Telluride.
Bridal Veil Falls is a 365′ free-falling waterfall — Colorado’s highest of its kind — situated at the end of a box canyon overlooking Telluride. Next to the falls is a historic power plant built in 1907.
The power plant is the second-oldest AC power plant in the United States. Today it supplies about a quarter of Telluride’s electricity!
How To Get To Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is close to Telluride and not too difficult to access. Plan to hike or drive a high clearance vehicle.
To get here, drive east through Telluride on Colorado Avenue for a little over two miles, pass the Pandora Mill where you’ll find a large unmarked parking lot just before the switchbacks begin. If you plan to hike, this is where you’ll park.
Note: The hiking trail is really a dirt road, so you will be walking with cars.
If you have a high clearance vehicle and are comfortable driving the narrow dirt road, you can drive the entire 5 mile route. Whether you drive or hike, the route has some amazing views of Telluride, so have your camera ready.
The base of the waterfall is located at a hairpin curve on one of the switchbacks. You won’t miss it, it’s clearly visible from the road. The waterfall is a spectacular sight and there will be plenty of others gaping at the waterfall too. Park your car along the side of the road wherever you can find a safe spot.
From here, you can follow the switchbacks another .8 miles. This will take you to the top of the falls for more great views of Bridal Veil Falls and Telluride Valley. The road ends ends at the green gate located near the falls.
Important Note: If visiting during peak times, the narrow road can get very busy and congested. Expect to park your car early and walk a portion of the way.
Spend A Summer Day At Ridgway State Park
Ridgway Reservoir is a 5 mile long reservoir excellent for boating and water recreation on a warm summer day.
Bring your boat, kayak, or paddle board and enjoy the beautiful lake surrounded by terrific mountain views. There are also beaches, area’s designated for open swimming, as well as SUP rentals on site. For those who prefer land-based activities, the park offers 14 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Ridgway State Park is located about an hour north of Telluride and open 24/7 with a vehicle fee of $10.
Traverse Telluride’s Via Ferrata
Does traversing a sheer cliffside above Telluride sound fun to you? Great! The Telluride Via Ferrata is for you.
A Via Ferrata, translated as “Iron Road” in Italian, is a narrow trail along an exposed cliffside with cables and iron rungs to guide climbers.
Telluride’s route is just over 2 miles long with about 30% of the hike utilizing wire cables. Portions of the climb are on a narrow, cliffside path without being harnessed. The trek typically takes about 4 hours to complete.
Unless you are experienced in this arena, you will need a guide: Telluride Via Ferrata Guide.
If you can’t get enough of this cliffside adrenaline rush, Telluride’s neighboring town, Ouray also offers a Via Ferrata: Ouray Via Ferrata.
Go Rock Climbing
Prefer rock climbing to the Via Ferrta? The majestic San Juans, with jagged peaks and sheer rock faces, offer an abundance of exciting climbing and bouldering routes.
For lessons or local expertise, check out the following business:
Telluride Historical Museum
Telluride Historical Museum, located in a restored miners hospital dating back to 1896, offers interactive displays showcasing the area’s history. They explore Telluride’s geological past, Ute Native People, rise and fall of Telluride’s mining industry, and its eventual rebirth as a popular ski town.
The museum also offers a historian-guided walking tour through historic downtown Telluride. The tour details Telluride’s architectural history which paints a picture of the area’s fascinating past.
The museum is $9/adult, hours vary seasonally.
Go White Water Rafting In Telluride
Up for white water rafting?
Spend a morning on Colorado’s San Miguel River with this half-day rafting tour through Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours (voted the “best rafting company” by USA Today).
With an experienced rafting guide, you’ll paddle through Class II and Class III rapids, taking in the beautiful red rock walls and pine trees along the narrow San Miguel River.
Mountain Bike In Telluride
The area surrounding Telluride is excellent for mountain biking. The San Juans offer diverse trails through aspen groves and meadows or along old railroad tracks and abandoned mining sites. The huge variety of options lends itself to all skill levels.
Some popular trails in the area are Galloping Goose, Jurassic Loop, and Boomerang Trail. Telluride Ski Resort also transforms into a bike park come summer, with plenty of beautiful trails accessible by ski lift.
Visit A Brewery In Telluride
While spending your summer vacation in Telluride, cool off with a refreshing craft beer.
Telluride has three local breweries to choose from, which is pretty impressive for a town of only 2,500 residents.
Local breweries include: Stronghouse Brewpub, Smuggler’s Union Restaurant & Brewery, Telluride Brewing Co.
Stronghouse and Smuggler’s Union are both centrally located in downtown Telluride. Telluride Brewing Co. has two locations, one in Mountain Village and one just a short drive from both downtown Telluride and Mountain Village.
For more information on each brewery, check out my full guide: The Best Breweries In Telluride.
Tip: For small-batch spirits, check out Telluride Distilling Company located in Mountain Village.
Paragliding
Is Telluride’s 8,750 foot elevation not enough for you? Then how about some paragliding?
Paragliding is a thrilling and breathtaking experience for adventure seekers and offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the area.
Soar high above the ground with a tandem paragliding session or a full week of lessons.
Telluride Paragliding LLC is the only commercial tandem paragliding company in Telluride.
Go Fly Fishing
The beautiful high country rivers, streams, and lakes of the San Juans make for excellent fly fishing during the summer months.
Fly fishing in Telluride can yield a variety of species, including brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, and panfish. Some high country creeks may also contain brookies and cutbows.
Please remember, a fishing license is required in Colorado and most lakes and rivers in the area have a 0 to 4 possession limit depending on species of fish. Anyone over the age of 16 will need a fishing license.
If you’d prefer to head out with a guide, check out Telluride Outside or Telluride Fly Fishers.
Alta Ghost Town
Alta Ghost Town is the remnants of an old mining town active from 1877 to 1948. Gold was discovered in the area, resulting in about 100 or so people making a home here. Eventually, a fire to the mine’s mill closed the operation and sent everyone packing.
Today, a few wooden buildings are left behind, some of which are surprisingly well-intact. The artifacts, combined with impressive mountain backdrops at this gorgeous 11,800 elevation foot site, makes this worth a quick visit from Telluride.
The deserted town sits about 10 miles from Telluride on Alta Lakes Road, the last bit of the drive requires traversing a dirt road. Once you’ve arrived, the ghost town is just a short walk from the road.
Note: You’ll pass this ghost town on your way up to Alta Lake. Alta Lake is popular for camping, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding.
Enjoy A Spa Day
After a long day of exploring Telluride, relax and unwind with a spa day.
Telluride spas, with stunning mountain views, luxurious amenities, and world-class treatments, offer the perfect chance to relax. From massages and facials to body wraps and aromatherapy baths, you’ll have no problem finding the ultimate spa experience here!
There’s tons of spa options, below are a few in the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village.
Popular Spas In The Town Of Telluride:
- PURE Beauty & Wellness Spa / Telluride Salt Cave
- Aveda Telluride Spa
- Telluride Spa @ Element 52
- Healthy Glow Face & Body
- Alessandra Massage
- Telluride Massage Company
Popular Spas In Telluride Mountain Village:
- The Peaks Resort & Spa
- Breathe Skin & Body
- Rolling Relaxation Massage & Bodywork
- The Spa at Madeline Hotel & Residences
Hot Springs
If you prefer to recharge in nature, consider visiting some hot springs instead. While there are no hot springs in Telluride, there are a few nearby.
Hot springs are rich with high concentrations of minerals and are known to possess healing properties that can improve physical and mental health. There’s something so delightful and rejuvenating about a warm soak on a summer day.
The nearest hot springs to Telluride are:
- Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway – 50 minutes (41 miles) from Telluride.
- Ouray Hot Springs in Ouray – 1 hour (50 miles) from Telluride. (There are a total of 4 hot springs to choose from in Ouray, check out The Best Best Hot Springs In Ouray).
- Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa in Durango – 2 hours, 20 minutes (220 miles) from Telluride.
Telluride Adventure Center
The Telluride Adventure Center is an adventure park perfect for families visiting Telluride. The adventure center is only open summer – fall and is ran by the Telluride Ski Resort in Mountain Village.
Summer activities include biking, ropes courses, a bungee trampoline, games for kids, and hiking.
There are also zipline tours, which offer stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, through the Adventure Center’s Canopy Adventures.
Additionally, Telluride Ski Resort offers access to tennis and racquet courts, disc golf, even kids summer camps.
Visit Telluride Mountain Village
Looking for more things to do in Mountain Village?
Telluride Mountain Village is centered around Telluride Ski Resort, so you’ll find it in full swing during winter months. In the summertime, however, this is still a great spot for outdoor activities.
For starters, you can hike or bike the many scenic trails in the area. Additionally, there’s a golf course, easy access to fishing, restaurants, bars, and shops which remain open in summer. All with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
During the evening, there are plenty of spots to enjoy sunset views or beautiful starry skies. Mountain Village also offers special events, such as free outdoor movies through the summer, check out the schedule: Movies Under The Stars.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding can be a lovely way to see the stunning mountains surrounding Telluride.
In addition to incredible mountain views, experience the wide expanse of lush meadows and abundant wildlife that call the San Juans home.
Whether you’re in search of a sunrise ride or looking for an afternoon adventure, horseback riding in Telluride is a great way to explore the great outdoors.
For tours, check out:
Telluride Farmers Market
During the summer months a visit to the Telluride Farmers Market is a must.
San Miguel County locals provide fresh quality produce and prepared food, plus handmade crafts and shopping. This is a great opportunity to browse local goods and pick up a tasty treat or ingredients for a homemade meal.
The farmers market is located on South Oak Street in downtown Telluride and runs on Fridays from early-June through mid-October.
Be sure to check their website for up-to-date hours: Telluride Farmers Market.
Take An Art Class
Looking for indoor things to do in Telluride during summer? Maybe it’s rainy or you simply need a break from outdoor activities, either way, Ah Haa School For Arts is a great place to spend an afternoon in Telluride.
This local business has been a community staple for over 30 years, offering courses in ceramics, drawing, painting, jewelry making, and even culinary lessons.
They offer classes for both children and adults, check their schedule here: Ah Haa Art & Culinary Classes.
Go For A 4×4 Off-Road Adventure
Heavy mining, which was once prevalent in the area, left its mark in many ways. Routes once used as old mining roads are now popular for recreation. The most common uses are hiking and biking trails, previously mentioned, but there’s also 4×4 and off-roading trails.
There’s a good variety of trails in the area which offer extreme or moderate rides, perfect for beginners and intermediates alike.
Imogene Pass is one of the most popular mountain passes, connecting Telluride to Ouray. Those with experience can head out on their own, those looking for a guided tour, check out:
Day Trips From Telluride
Spending more than a weekend in Telluride and want to explore the surrounding area? Telluride is located near a handful of beautiful towns and national parks. Below are some of the best day trips from Telluride:
- Ridgway – 50 minutes (40 miles) from Telluride
- Ouray – 1 hour (50 miles) from Telluride (check out my Ouray One Day Itinerary)
- Montrose – 1 hour, 20 minutes (65 miles) from Telluride
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – 1 hour, 35 minutes (77 miles) from Telluride
- Mesa Verde National Park – 1 hour, 35 minutes (83 miles) from Telluride
- Silverton – 1 hour, 45 minutes (73 miles) from Telluride (check out my Silverton, CO: Day Trip Itinerary)
- Moab, UT – 2 hours, 40 minutes (132 miles) from Telluride
- Arches National Park, UT – 2 hours, 35 minutes (137 miles) from Telluride
For more ideas, check out The Top Day Trips From Telluride.
Drive The Million Dollar Highway
If planning to visit Ouray or Silverton, a scenic drive along The Million Dollar Highway is a must.
The famed portion of this drive stretches 25 miles along US 550, between Silverton and Ouray.
Driving from Telluride through Ouray, and onto Silverton will take about 1.5 – 2 hours in each direction. You’ll want to allow extra time for stops and to explore the towns of Silverton and Ouray.
The drive is incredible and absolutely worth the experience! This is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. It’s also one of the most dangerous thanks to hairpin turns and no guardrails. Before heading out, check the Colorado Department of Transportation’s COTrip for up-to-date road conditions and closures.
For more information, check out Driving The Million Dollar Highway Stops: Everywhere I Stopped.
Restaurants In Telluride
Telluride is home to a wide selection of delicious restaurants, with something for every type of palette. You’re sure to find something you enjoy, from cozy cafes and casual digs to upscale, fine dining.
Below are just a few of the many popular restaurants in Telluride:
- The Butcher & The Baker (Casual cafe/ breakfast)
- Caravan (Middle Eastern)
- La Cocina de Luz (Mexican)
- La Marmotte (French)
- Siam (Thai)
- Pescado Sushi (Sushi)
- there (Global dishes)
- New Sheridan Chop House (Steak house)
- 221 South Oak (Upscale American)
- Allred’s Restaurant (Upscale American)
- Brown Dog Pizza (Pizza)
- Smuggler’s Union Restaurant & Brewery (Brewery & casual American)
For a nightcap, consider the New Sheridan Historic Bar, or a local brewery.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Telluride during summer, enjoy your visit and have the best time!
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Colorado guides or head on over to Visit Telluride!
More Information For Your Trip To Telluride:
- Best Breweries In Telluride, Colorado
- Top Day Trips From Telluride
- Top Hotels In Telluride, Colorado
More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:
- Top Colorado Mountain Towns To Visit In Summer
- Best Colorado Mountain Towns For First-Time Visitors
- Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know for planning your trip!)
- All Colorado Guides
Pin for later!
Keep Up With Amy!
Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates in your inbox. And don’t forget to connect on your favorite social platform!
Thank you!
You have successfully joined our subscriber list.