Telluride Summer Activities
Telluride in the summer is an outdoor playground for the young and young at heart. When the snow melts in Telluride, your favorite ski runs are transformed to hiking and biking trails and high alpine wildflower meadows are awash in stunning color. Summer activities are endless in this beautiful corner of Colorado’s San Juan range and vary from fast-paced adventures and meandering, scenic hikes to simply enjoying the sunset from a restaurant patio.
No matter what stripe of summer Telluride experience you’re looking for, it’s all punctuated by spectacular views, crisp blue skies and refreshing mountain air.
What is there to do in Telluride in the Summer?
Biking
Whether you’re climbing to 9,500-foot historic sites on your mountain bike or cruising the scenic byways on your road bike, biking is one of the best ways to experience the San Juan mountain range.
Road Biking
The scenic San Juan Skyway is a veritable paved paradise for skilled road bikers. In addition to Telluride, this route travels through popular mountain towns like Durango, Silverton, and Ouray. The full route is about 236 miles, so it might be best to plan some overnights, or just explore closer to Telluride. This technical route features many mountain passes and substantial elevation gains.
Mountain Biking
Telluride offers some great green and family-friendly trails, such as Bear Creek Falls and Alta Lakes, which feature waterfalls, lakes, and even a ghost town.
Intermediates can explore the famed Bridal Veil Falls and Basin via two wheels, as well as Blue Lake and Deep Creek Trail, a 7.5-mile single track that winds through forests of spruce and aspen groves, wildflower fields and over a river.
In addition, Telluride’s lift-accessed downhill trails provide intermediates to advanced riders with a range of exciting trails to explore.
Experts have the lion’s share of mountain biking in the Telluride area. If you’re looking for a true high alpine adventure, the 14er Mount Sneffels is an option, albeit a very challenging one. A more enjoyable and educational experience would be biking to Lewis Mine, accessed via Bridal Veil Falls. Prospect Trail, located on the resort starting from the San Sophia Gondola Station, is an expert-rated local’s favorite.
Hiking
Whether your aim is to stand atop a 14-er or some other above treeline peak or simply meander through aspen groves and wildflower meadows, Telluride’s hiking trails offer these experiences and everything in between.
Bear Creek Falls: 2.5 miles one way to the pristine falls. This trail is easy to moderate and can be enjoyed by the whole family, with an elevation gain of 1,050 feet, takes about 1.5 hours.
Lewis Mine: 4 miles to the historic mine, 4.4 miles to Lewis Lake. This trail is challenging, with an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet, takes about 5-6 hours.
Jud Weibe Trail: 3-mile loop through spectacular wildflower fields and hillsides. The route is moderate with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, and takes approx. 2 hours.
Ajax Peak: ideal in July, this 5-mile round trip hike ascends to Black Bear Pass and offers views of Silver Lake, the Town of Telluride, Imogene Pass, and numerous peaks. This hike is challenging with 2,785 feet of gain, and takes about 4-5 hours.
Fly Fishing
Featuring some of the finest trout stream fishing in Colorado, Telluride is an angler’s heaven. There is also no shortage of lakes, ponds and alpine creeks to cast in. Popular fly fishing zones in Telluride include the Dolores, the Gunnison, the San Miguel, the Taylor and the Uncompahgre rivers.
To experience the best of the area, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. Top local vendors include RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service, Telluride Outside, Telluride Angler, and Telluride Fly Fishers.
Golfing
Telluride is home to an 18-hole, par 71, 6,739-yard mountain course surrounded by the highest concentration of 14,000-foot mountains in the U.S., making Telluride Golf Course one of the most scenic places to hit the links in the country. This breathtaking course is a public course for locals and guests and private club for members. It’s open May through mid October and features well kept fairways that wind through aspen groves, towering pines and sparkling streams.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in Telluride’s stunning San Juan Mountains is an unforgettable vacation experience. This slower pace of travel conjures up a bygone era and allows you to fully take in all the sights and sounds. Opt for an afternoon horseback trail ride, an overnight trip or even a chuck wagon dinner ride. Top Telluride horseback providers include: Circle K Ranch, Telluride Horseback Adventures/Ride With Roudy and Telluride Wranglers.
Off Roading & ATV Adventuring
For off-roading and powersports heads, the Telluride region offers plenty of terrain to tour, whether by Jeep, 4x4 or ATV. Telluride offers access to a network of rugged mountain trails that lead to mountain lakes, rivers and streams, high alpine passes and historic mining sites. For ATV rentals, check out Telluride Outfitters and Telluride ATV Tours.
See You in the Mighty San Juans
Thanks for checking out our favorite summer activities in Telluride. We look forward to hosting you in the mighty San Juan Mountains.