Things to Do in Telluride

Skiing, hiking, festivals, biking, stargazing, and more year-round.

Your Complete Year-Round Activity Guide

Telluride sits in the San Juan Mountains at the end of a box canyon, which means the scenery is part of every activity. Come for the legendary ski season, the golden aspen-filled fall, the festival-packed summer, or the quiet magic of spring. This guide covers everything you need to make the most of your time here: from where to ski and hike, to who to call for your next adventure.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Telluride Ski Resort is one of the premier mountain resorts in North America, rated #1 for ski terrain and consistently celebrated for its consistent snowfall, dramatic vertical drops, and uncrowded runs. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned expert chasing steep couloirs, Telluride delivers. Beyond downhill skiing, winter also brings cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice skating in Town Park. For lessons, clinics, and guided instruction for all levels. Contact through the main Telluride Ski Resort number above or visit the Telluride Adventure Center in Mountain Village.

Telluride Ski Resort

Resort Info

Address
565 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride, CO 81435
Phone
(800) 778-8581
Email
info@telski.com
Website
tellurideskiresort.com
Hours
Daily lift operations: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (winter season)
Tip
Free parking is available at Carhenge Lot at the base of Lift 7 in town.

Hiking

Telluride's trail network winds through waterfalls, alpine meadows, historic mine ruins, and above tree line into some of Colorado's most spectacular high-country terrain. Trails range from easy valley walks to strenuous summit climbs, with something for every fitness level.

Hiking in Telluride

Top Trails

5 miles round trip

Bear Creek Trail

Cascading waterfalls, canyon walls, and open valley views. One of Telluride's most popular hikes, easy to reach from town.

2 miles round trip

Bridal Veil Falls

A steady climb to Colorado's highest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet. Short, steep, and worth every step of it.

8-10 miles round trip

Blue Lake

Above tree line with alpine scenery, historic mining ruins, and a stunning high-altitude lake beneath Three Needles and Bridal Peak.

3 miles round trip

Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail

A moderate loop above downtown with wide views of the valley and surrounding peaks. A good first hike on arrival.

Mountain Biking

When the snow melts, Telluride transforms into a world-class mountain biking destination. The Telluride Ski Resort's Bike Park offers lift-served downhill trails, while the surrounding terrain offers miles of cross-country and technical trails through aspen groves, meadows, and old mining roads. The gondola provides easy access to trails in Mountain Village.

Mountain Biking in Telluride

Where to Ride

Lift-served downhill, free-ride & technical trails

Telluride Bike Park

Lift-served downhill, free-ride, and technical trails for all levels. Access via the gondola from both town and Mountain Village.

Cross-country from downtown

Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail

A solid cross-country option that starts right from downtown. Rolling terrain through trees with good views of the valley.

Multi-use with technical sections

Bear Creek Trail

A popular multi-use trail with technical rocky sections. Shared with hikers, so expect company on busy summer weekends.

Panoramic mountain views

Old Mining Road Trails

Winding dirt roads through open meadows with long views of the surrounding peaks. Quieter than the main trails in town.

More Ways to Get Outside

telluridesports.com

Bike Rentals & Tours

Zipline rider over forest and mountain lake

telluridecanopy.com

Zip-lining, Rappelling & Adventure

Lone rider on horseback on a sunlit forest trail

telluride.com/activities

Horseback Riding

Paddleboarder on a clear blue mountain lake

tellurideoutside.com

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Paraglider soaring over a sunny mountain valley

telluride.com/activities

Paragliding

Festivals & Cultural Events

Telluride has been synonymous with world-class festivals for over 30 years. Each summer weekend brings a new event, and fall and winter are equally vibrant. Plan your visit around these iconic gatherings for a truly memorable experience.

Festivals & Cultural Events

Summer Festivals

June | bluegrass.com

Telluride Bluegrass Festival

One of the country's most iconic music festivals, held each June in Town Park. Four days of live music, camping, and community.

telluridewinefestival.com

Telluride Food & Wine Festival

Telluride's premier culinary and wine event, bringing together top chefs, winemakers, and food lovers for a weekend in the mountains.

mountainfilm.org

Mountainfilm

Documentary film festival showcasing stories about the environment, climbing, culture, and social justice from around the world.

Summer

Telluride Yoga Festival

A gathering of yoga teachers and wellness practitioners from around the world, set against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.

Festivals & Cultural Events

Fall Festivals

telluridefilmfestival.org

Telluride Film Festival

One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, held each Labor Day weekend. A reliable Oscar predictor since 1974.

tellurideblues.com

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Three days of live blues music and Colorado craft beer in Town Park, with the San Juan Mountains as the backdrop.

September 24–30, 2026

Classic & Colors

A spectacular fall car show set against Telluride's gold aspen backdrop (an evolution of the original Autumn Classic).

Fall

Balloon Festival

Hot air balloons lift off from Town Park at dawn and drift over the valley. One of the most photogenic events of the fall season.

Explore Historic Downtown Telluride

Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964, Telluride's downtown is eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long: compact, walkable, and full of character. Victorian-era homes, clapboard storefronts, and historic buildings sit alongside world-class galleries, boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and a thriving arts scene.

Historic Downtown Telluride

What to Do Downtown

Historic Mining Architecture

Self-Guided Walking Tour

Pick up a walking map at the visitor center and explore Victorian homes, clapboard storefronts, and mining-era landmarks at your own pace.

Colorado Avenue

Galleries & Boutiques

Colorado Avenue is lined with independent galleries, boutique clothing shops, and locally owned stores worth an afternoon of browsing.

Casual to Gourmet

Dining

From casual burger spots to white-tablecloth dining, Telluride's restaurant scene punches well above its size for a town of 2,500.

13-minute scenic ride

Free Gondola Ride

The free gondola runs year-round between downtown and Mountain Village. The 13-minute ride offers open views of the canyon and peaks.

Stargazing & Natural Beauty

At 8,750 feet with minimal light pollution and 360-degree views of peaks topping 13,000 and 14,000 feet, Telluride offers some of the most spectacular stargazing in Colorado. Summer nights are warm enough to linger outdoors, and the Milky Way is often visible with the naked eye. Combine a sunset hike with an evening under the stars for an experience that is truly hard to beat. For more information on activities, events, and vacation rentals in Telluride, visit vividvacationrentals.com or contact our team. We are locally rooted and happy to help you plan your perfect Telluride experience.