Enjoy a Colorful Fall Getaway in Telluride

Telluride Gondola in the Fall

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:

  • Ajax Peak - Summit the iconic mountain behind Telluride. This 5-mile round trip hike climbs over 2,700 feet.
  • Bear Creek - Head into Bear Creek Canyon, just steps away from downtown. Protected by the Telluride Land Trust, this towering canyon provides open alpine views.
  • Deep Creek Trail - Immerse yourself in a large, golden Aspen forest. This classic fall hike begins on Mill Creek Road, west of town.

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:

  • Galloping Goose Trail - One of Telluride’s most famous trails, the Galloping Goose Trail follows the old Rio Grande Southern Railroad for 19 miles.
  • Eider Creek - Mill Creek Loop - Enjoy aspen-cloaked slopes and difficult climbs. This loop has stunning views and vibrant fall foliage.
  • Wasatch Connection - Perfect for bluebird fall days, this high-elevation ride reaches close to 12,000 ft. 

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:

  • Alta Lakes
  • Ophir Pass
  • Imogene Pass

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:

  • Circle K Ranch
  • Telluride Horseback Adventures
  • Telluride Wranglers

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

  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Guests: 6
  • Featured Amenities: Extended Stays, Newly remodeled, Outdoor Living Spaces

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 

The view from the Telluride vacation rental

  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Guests: 11
  • Featured Amenities: True Ski In/Ski Out Location, Sunset Plaza Views, Community Hot Tub

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! 

Book Blue Mesa 3