Telluride's Top Winter Activities (Beyond the Ski Slopes)

If hitting the slopes isn’t your idea of fun or the ski resort has limited lift ticket sales, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beautiful snow-capped San Juans and all in its winter glory.

Here is a roundup of our favorite winter experiences beyond alpine skiing and snowboarding. 

Telluride Nordic Skiing

Telluride boasts six complimentary cross-country or Nordic skiing areas:

  1. Mountain Village Golf Course
  2. TopAten on the ski area
  3. Telluride Town Park
  4. The Valley Floor
  5. Trout Lake 
  6. Priest Lake

All provide groomed trails, but views and scenery vary greatly. So try as many as you can to take in Telluride's many environments. Grooming, a daily online grooming report, and trail maps are made available from charitable donations and fundraising to the Telluride Nordic Association.

For equipment rentals, trail maps, head to Town Park, located in the historic Unruh House on 500 East Colorado Avenue.

Telluride Fat Biking

Fat biking is the newest and fastest-growing winter sport in Telluride and many other mountain destinations. Fat bikes are designed with extra-wide tires to enable riders to float on the snow while providing superior traction in any condition. This innovative tool provides unrivaled access to incredible landscapes and terrain, previously not available.

Head to Paragon Bootdoctors for half or full-day rentals or tours. Top fat biking trail rides include the Valley Floor, for a more mellow and cruisy experience, or Bear Creek to get a true heart-pumping workout.

Telluride Snowshoeing

If you like hiking in the mountains in the summer or fall, you're going to love snowshoeing among the stunning San Juan peaks in Telluride this winter. Dressing appropriately (in layers) and looking at the weather will ensure that you're comfortable the whole time. As a newbie, you'll want to bring, buy or rent supportive and waterproof/resistent winter boots, as they strap into the snowshoes, also available for rent at Telluride Sports, Jagged Edge, and Boot Doctors. A set of poles complete the gear outfitting.

Pick up a snowshoeing trail map at Town Center and you're well on your way to exploring the magical winter wonderland. Popular trails include the Valley Floor, for first-timers, or Bear Creek Trail, which isn't too steep and features incredible views of canyons and peaks. 

Experienced snowshoes will want to drive up to Lizard Head Pass. This high alpine adventure is accessed off of Highway 145. 

Be sure to bring a pack with snacks and plenty of water. A spare pair of gloves can also come in handy.

Hot Springs near Telluride

If you're looking for a relaxing down day, plus an opportunity to day trip a little bit and experience the spectacular San Juan byways, consider a trip to nearby hot springs. The closest are located in Ouray and Ridgway and provide everything from a charming, rustic soak to more of a resort complex-style experience.

The Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center features a multitude of spring-fed pools of varying temperatures, plus a lap pool, and a diving board.

Wiespoden Hot Springs features soaking facilities that are fed by continuously flowing natural hot springs ranging from 102 to 108 degrees in temperature. 

Winter Horseback Rides & Sleigh Rides in Telluride

Cowboy culture is a defining part of historic and modern Telluride, so a trip to this storied town wouldn't be complete without some time spent around the stables. Whether you're looking to horseback ride or be pulled in a sleigh cozied up with your loved ones, Telluride offers a winter horsebound experience you won't soon forget.

Roudy's Horseback Adventures offers private rides in the snow, sleigh rides for up to 10, and a wagon ride for up to 12. The wagon ride is offered for early winter, as it requires lower snow depths. 

Located on the historic Aldasoro family ranch, which dates back to the early 1920s, Telluride Sleigh and Wagons provides an incredible family-friendly evening, including dinner in a cozy, heated yurt. 

Cool Off at the Telluride Town Park Pool!

This summer, the Telluride Town Park Pool is back open and ready for swimmers to enjoy! Reservations will still be required but walk-ups will be accepted if available. You can plan for a pool day with reservations allowed to be made up to 6 days in advance. Soak up the sunshine as you lounge poolside or jump in to make a splash and cool down.  

You can also attend unique experiences at the pool such as kayak rolling or just sign up to attend during open swim or lap swimming to get a workout in during your Telluride vacation. Throughout the summer, swimming lesson sessions will also be available at scheduled times.  

Telluride Town Park Pool Guest Pass Rates 

Book a Telluride Vacation Rental This Summer

Enjoy days lounging poolside, hiking, biking, and more when you book a Telluride vacation rental this summer! With rentals in downtown Telluride, properties with a hot tub, and even pet-friendly vacation rentals, you're sure to find the getaway of your dreams! 

Best Telluride Hikes for Wildflower Season

July and August are the best time to take a hike in Telluride to enjoy gorgeous wildflowers in the alpine environment. Pick a hike near Telluride and be on the lookout for wildflowers including Lupine, Paintbrush, Mule’s Ear, and the Colorado state flower the Blue Columbine. Book a Telluride vacation cabin to enjoy the outdoor adventure that awaits with a summer stay in the mountains.

Check out our guide to the best hikes near Telluride for enjoying the beauty of wildflower season!

Hope Lake 

Hope Lake Trail is a 6-mile out and back style trail that is popular and is marked as moderate difficulty level. You can expect to gain 1,515 ft of elevation and even spot a lake along the way! The trail is kid and dog-friendly but be sure you have all the necessities to ensure a smooth hike.  

Sneffels Highline Trail 

The Sneffels Highline Trail is another great trail for spotting wildflowers near Telluride, CO! The out and back style trail can take you 12.4 miles out and back, but you can always turn around earlier to make this a shorter day hike. Dogs can join you on this hike to be on the lookout for Telluride’s beautiful wildflowers.  

What to Bring on a Telluride Hike 

Now that you know what hikes near town will give you the best views of Telluride’s gorgeous scenery and wildflowers, it is important to know what you should bring to ensure a fun and safe hike.  

Here is our guide for gear to bring along on a Telluride Hike: 

After the Hike 

Looking for a place to rest your legs after your hike? Head to Smugglers Brew Pub for a pint of beer and a plate of empanadas. You can also order a burger, BBQ ribs, elk Bolognese, and more to soothe your appetite after a long day on the hiking trail! Order a seasonal brew or a staple, signature beer to pair with your entree. This is the perfect spot to relax after a hike!

Book a Telluride Vacation Rental

Start planning a summer getaway in the gorgeous San Juan Mountains! Choose between cabins that have a hot tub where you can rest after a day on the hiking trails or select a pet-friendly rental to bring along your four-legged friends! You're sure to find the Telluride cabin of your dreams with one of our vacation rentals.

Tips and Tricks for Booking Pet-Friendly Telluride Vacation Rentals

Planning a mountain getaway with your four-legged friend? Choose one of our pet-friendly vacation rentals to enjoy the charm and outdoor adventure that awaits in the mountain town of Telluride. Here is our guide to what you need to know before you embark on your Telluride vacation! 

What to Pack for Your Dog 

Before you hit the road with your pup in tow, be prepared with a packing list for everything you may need during your stay. Check out our list of a few items you will want to add to your pup’s packing list:  

Pups on Telluride's Main Street 

Leashed dogs can explore Telluride’s main street to stroll through unique boutiques and join you for a meal on a dog-friendly patio. The Smuggler Union Brewery & Restaurant offers a wide array of brews and eats as well as a dog-friendly front patio! Telluride also features pet-friendly transport with dogs being allowed on the free public bus and the gondolas offer some pet-friendly cabins. Take your pup along to enjoy the stunning mountain views! 

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Telluride 

Another reason to bring your dog along on a Telluride vacation are the numerous hiking opportunities that await! The Bear Creek Preserve Trail is a popular out and back style trail. Pups must be leashed but can join in the fun on this moderate trail. The San Miguel River Trail is another dog-friendly trail is easily accessible from Telluride’s side streets and follows the river through town. The trail is popular and known for having swimming holes and being easily accessible from the main part of town.  

For off-leash fun, head to the Ridgway Off Leash Area. Nestled in a gorgeous mountain setting, owners and pups alike can enjoy hiking and the great outdoors. The river is a perfect spot for your pup to take a swim and cool down.  

Telluride Tips & Tricks 

Although you can prepare everything you can think of during a vacation, sometimes the unexpected may arise. Not to fear, we have your guide to the pet services you may need during your stay in a Telluride vacation rental. If your pet needs a cleanup or claw trim during your stay, Muddy Paw Dog is sure to do the trick! With custom baths or a full-service grooming, they are sure to get your dog into sparkling shape!  

For a pet emergency, you can find help at either the Telluride Veterinary Clinic or the Animal Hospital of Telluride. Both veterinary services offer emergency services and can be of assistance in times of need! Be prepared with a plan for if something were to happen if your pup needs medical attention during your trip to Telluride.  

5 Best Ways to See Telluride’s Fall Colors (2026 Guide)

Fall in Telluride is not subtle—it’s a full-on golden takeover. Every September, the aspen groves light up the mountains in shades of gold, turning the entire valley into one of the most photographed places in Colorado.

If you’re planning a fall getaway, timing it right and knowing where to gomakes all the difference. Pair that with the comfort of a well-located vacation rental, and you’ve got peak fall done right.

Here are the 5 best ways to experience Telluride’s fall colors in 2026:

1. Explore Scenic 4x4 Roads

If you want front-row access to the most dramatic views, this is it.

Telluride is surrounded by rugged alpine terrain, and many of the best fall color spots are only accessible by high-clearance vehicles. You can book a guided tour or rent a Jeep and explore at your own pace.

Top routes for fall colors:

Expect sweeping mountain views, endless aspen groves, and that “this doesn’t look real” feeling every few minutes.

2. Hike Bear Creek Trail

One of Telluride’s most loved hikes—and for good reason.

This 5-mile round-trip trail starts right from town and takes you through dense aspen forests, ending at a stunning waterfall. In the fall, the entire trail glows gold.

Why it’s a must:

Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and the best lighting.

3. Discover Lizard Head Wilderness

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head just outside Telluride to Lizard Head Wilderness.

This area offers a mix of moderate to challenging hikes with some of the most expansive fall views in the region.

Highlights include:

If you’re chasing that quiet, immersive mountain experience—this is your spot.

4. Visit Bridal Veil Falls

Short, iconic, and absolutely worth it.

Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, and in the fall, the surrounding canyon lights up with color.

Trail details:

It’s a quick adventure with a big visual payoff—perfect if you want something shorter but memorable.

5. Ride the Telluride Gondola

Zero effort, maximum views.

The free Telluride Gondola connects the town of Telluride to Mountain Village and offers one of the easiest ways to take in the fall colors from above.

What to expect:

Pro tip: Ride it around sunset. Trust.

Plan Your Fall Getaway in Telluride

Fall is one of the most in-demand seasons in Telluride—and for good reason. Crisp air, fewer crowds than peak summer, and unreal scenery make it a favorite for return guests.

Booking the right home base makes all the difference.

With Vivid Vacation Rentals, you’ll find thoughtfully selected homes in both Telluride and Mountain Village—close to trails, gondola access, and everything you came here for.

Whether you’re looking for:

We’ve got you covered.

5 Telluride Vacation Rentals Perfect for Ski Season

There’s still time to plan your Telluride ski getaway—and late season might just be the move.

With the 2025–2026 ski season typically running through early April (closing dates vary slightly each year based on conditions), you still have opportunities to secure a great stay—often with better availability, fewer crowds, and strong spring skiing conditions.

Whether you're booking a last-minute trip or planning ahead for next winter, choosing the right home base makes all the difference.

From ski-in/ski-out access to private hot tubs with mountain views, here are five Telluride vacation rentals designed for the ultimate ski experience.

What to Look for in a Ski Rental in Telluride

Before we get into the homes, here’s what actually matters (and what your guests care about):

Booking early = best inventory. Waiting = limited options and higher rates (you already know the drill).

Perfect for Late-Season Skiing (Pro Tip)

March and early April are underrated.

If you're flexible, this is where you win on both experience + value.

Find Your Ski Base with Vivid Vacation Rentals

At Vivid Vacation Rentals, we focus on well-located, high-performing homes in Telluride and Mountain Village—so guests spend less time commuting and more time on the mountain.

Whether you're looking for:

We’ve curated options that actually deliver on the ski trip experience—not just look good in photos.

Ready to Book Your Ski Getaway?

The best homes don’t sit for long—especially during peak ski season and spring break.

Browse available ski rentals and lock in your dates early.→ View Telluride Ski Rentals
→ View Mountain Village Ski-In/Ski-Out Homes  

What to Look for in a Telluride Property Management Company

Looking for a property management service for your Telluride vacation rental? Find out what kind of services will create a successful vacation rental business and consider who you want to look after your property! From marketing services to display your property online to guest services and cleaning teams, the Vivid Vacations team has it all! 

Here are a few things you should consider for your Telluride Property Management Company:

1. Marketing Services 

Our Vivid Vacation Rentals homeowners receive the benefits of our marketing expertise. We ensure that our owner’s Telluride vacation rentals can be found on our mobile-friendly direct booking website as well as other travel sites including Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. Our digital marketing strategy also includes a dynamic pricing system that works to optimize your occupancy and nightly rates.  

2. Maintenance Services 

Our Telluride homeowners can relax knowing that our local team is ready to assist with any maintenance tasks that are needed. From basic plumbing to installing Christmas lights, we can assist with details that ensure your property is ready for guests and for your own arrival! In the winter season, our teams can assist with snow shoveling and ice removal, keeping up with your hot tub, and more.  

We also assist with the details that make your vacation rental check-in process a breeze for guests such as a keyless entry and video doorbell surveillance installation.  

3. Guest Services 

Here at Vivid Vacation Rentals, we put hospitality at the forefront of everything that we do. Our homeowners can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing our local team is ensuring that their property is ready to impress. Not only do we assist with scheduled cleanings between bookings, but we also have a second property prep team that comes in behind to pay attention to the small details such as fluffing pillows and opening window blinds.  

4. Protecting Your Investment While Maximizing Return 

Our property management team takes care of our homeowner’s properties like our own. We understand the importance of maintaining standards for not only our guests but also for homeowners who are coming to utilize their properties! Let us assist you in making the most out of your investment property in Telluride! 

Book a Stay in One of Our Vivid White Glove Vacation Rentals

Want the experience of staying in a Telluride vacation rental property without missing the amenities of a luxury resort? Book a Vivid White Glove vacation rental! With 6 properties that offer resort-style service, you can feel at home in a property entirely of your own while enjoying luxurious amenities.  

White-Glove Standards 

For our White Glove Vivid rentals, we go above and beyond when preparing the space for guest arrival. No detail will be overlooked as we take care of steaming crystal, hand-pressing linens, and even setting the dining table. The laundry will be personally handled by our in-house team, meaning no linen or towel will be out of our care throughout the process. Enjoy 5-star service during a stay in one of our White Glove Vivid properties! 

Top 5 Wildflower Hikes in Telluride

Telluride is bedecked in a colorful blanket of wildflowers in July and August. High alpine meadows, forests, and river banks are dotted in spectacular species of flora, including Columbine, the Colorado state flower, Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Fireweed, Monkshood, and much more. Here are some of the best wildflower hikes in Telluride, according to our local experts.

#1 - Columbine on Ophir Pass

To enjoy the regal Centennial state flower and stunning San Juan views, you’ll want to head to Ophir Pass. Here you can experience this multi-elevation dweller springing up from the rocky soil. The most common varietal is the Blue Columbine, which is prevalent in soil with a bit higher water content, such as along streams, creeks and rivers or boggy forests.

How to get to Ophir Pass?

Choose your adventure: drive to hike or bike up to Ophir Pass. To access the pass road/trailhead, drive south from Telluride on Hwy 145 for 8 miles. At the post office sign, turn left onto a dirt road and proceed east through the town of Ophir to the rugged pass road. Next, you’ll ascend six miles and gain about 2,480-feet to a 12,789-foot summit, where you can hike around. Crystal Lake is a .5 mile scramble from the top of the pass and highly recommended for the views and prevalent wildflowers. Reliable, treaded shoes and strong physical fitness is required.

#2 - Lupine on Sneffels Highline Trail

This popular blue-purple Western wildflower flourishes everywhere in Telluride from pine forests and valley meadows to high alpine slopes. One of the best places to see these elongated beauties is along the Sneffels Highline Trail.

How to get to Sneffels Highline Trail?

Get ready for a big, but rewarding day as Sneffels Highline Trail, rated most difficult, features 3,520-feet in gain and a 13-mile round trip. You can start right from downtown Telluride on North Aspen Street. Follow the Jud Wiebe Trail westward for .5 miles until you reach the sign marking the Deep Creek Trail. Next, take a right at the signage marking the Mill Creek Trail and continue up through the Butcher Creek drainage. Hike through beautiful high alpine wildflower meadows and the Mill Creek mining ruins. To complete the full loop, follow the Waterline Trail, which will land you back where you started. 

#3 - Monkshood en route to Bear Creek Falls

A coveted find, Monkshood is revered for its deep purple petals and tall stalks. This species blooms into late summer and can be spotted along subalpine streams and wetland areas. Look for them while hiking Bear Creek Falls.

How to get to Bear Creek Falls?

Bear Creek Preserve Trail is a 5-mile round trip hike or bike with 1,050 feet of gain is rated easy to moderate. This trail not only provides views of Bear Creek Falls, wildflower meadows and cairns, but exceptional vistas of downtown Telluride below. The route starts at South Pine Street in town. Take the dirt road all the way up to Bear Creek Falls. The road also connects to the Wasatch Trail and Bridal Veil Basin. 

#4 - Paintbrush on the Wasatch Trail

The famed Indian Paintbrush--named for its brush-like petals--can be found all over Telluride, but for a variety of colors, you’ll want to head up the Wasatch Trail. Here you can take in a range of Paintbrush shades from the ubiquitous scarlet to orange and even rosy pink. 

How to get to Wasatch Trail?

As aforementioned, the Wasatch Trail can be accessed from Bear Creek Trail or Bridal Veil Falls. In the summer, this hike offers entree to some of the best wildflowers in the San Juans, possibly even Colorado. This most difficult-rated route takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete and features 4,300 feet in elevation gain.

The Wasatch Trailhead is about two miles up the Bear Creek Falls trail.  After a steep ascent featuring old mining ruins, you'll come to a fork in the trail. Take the left, which will keep you on the East Fork of the Wasatch Loop. Next you’ll hike over a saddle to Wasatch Mountain. From here you have two options, hike down La Junta Basin back to Bear Creek Trail or continue east heading towards Bridal Veil Falls. 

#5 - Fireweed on the San Miguel River Trail

For Fireweed, the pretty purple and red flowers that sprout soon after a burn or wildfire takes place, you’re going to want to explore the San Miguel River Trail. Like Monkshood, their season is a bit longer than most, too, so you can often enjoy these special beauties well into September. 

How to get to the San Miguel River Trail?

The San Miguel River Trail is an easy 4.25 mile (one way) meandering route that follows the San Miguel River through the length of town. To the east, you can follow the trail all the way to the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead. To the west, you can stroll all the way to Highway 145.

See You in Telluride

Thank you for reading about our favorite wildflower hiking trails in Telluride. Now, let us help guide you to the perfect vacation. 

Enjoy a Colorful Fall Getaway in Telluride

2023

Experience Telluride's Golden Season

Fall is a spectacular time of year to visit Telluride. Every September, right around Labor Day, the leaves begin to change, and the fall foliage around Telluride is vibrant and bright. When this is combined with clear weather, shimmering aspen leaves, crisp air, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why fall is often called the golden season in Telluride. We invite you to experience a fall getaway in the San Juan Mountains. Here are some of our favorite fall activities.

Find Telluride Rentals for the Fall

Top Telluride Fall Activities 

Riding the Gondola

The Telluride Resort gondola provides a unique opportunity to float above the golden aspen trees. Fall gondola rides are a great activity for the whole family. Once you arrive at Mountain Village, you can enjoy the scene or head out for a short hike through the forest. 

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the fall foliage around Telluride. From short walks near town to longer treks into the wilderness, there are endless hiking options near Telluride. Hiking is one of the best ways to get out and see Telluride's fall colors. Remember, during the fall, the weather can change fast so be sure to bring some extra layers if you’re heading to higher elevations. 

Popular Fall Hikes:

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in the fall is truly unique. The aspen leaves often cover the trail creating a golden carpet and flying through the bright forest on your bike is a sensational feeling. Depending on your skill and endurance, there are a variety of mountain biking trails near Telluride.

Popular Fall Mountain Bike Rides:

4x4 Off-Roading

The San Juan Mountains are an off-roading paradise and fall is one of the best seasons for off-roading. The snow has melted out of the high passes, and with fewer crowds, it’s easy to feel like you have the mountains to yourself. Driving through the fall foliage provides an exhilarating sense of freedom.

Popular 4x4 Drives:

Horseback Riding

There’s nothing more classic than Colorado horseback riding in the fall. Fall brings on feelings of the past and riding a horse through the fall foliage allows you to step back in time. There are several horseback riding outfitters in Telluride offering everything from afternoon trail rides to overnight trips to chuckwagon dinner rides. 

Top Horsebackriding Outfitters:

See You this Fall in Telluride! 

Thanks for checking out some of the favorite things to do in Telluride in the fall. We look forward to sharing Telluride’s golden season with you. Here are a few of our featured properties that have availability for the fall season:

977 Primrose Alley

977 Primrose Alley

977 Primose Alley is a gorgeous, newly remodeled home that features all of the comforts of home and plenty of modern amenities. Enjoy mountain views that will showcase the stunning fall colors as well as plenty of outdoor spaces for enjoying the brisk fall air. With a 30 night minimum, this property is perfect for those who are seeking to truly experience Telluride's golden season! 

Book 977 Primrose Alley

Blue Mesa 3

Blue Mesa 3 is a truly ski in/ski out escape just steps away from the ski slopes, bike paths, and restaurants of Telluride, Colorado! Start planning a fall vacation to enjoy the changing leaves and the fall activities like the last mountain biking rides of the season! With sleeping accommodations for 11, this is the perfect home-away-from-home for the whole family to experience Telluride in the fall!