Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a destination unlike any other. Whether you visit for the legendary ski season, the golden aspen-filled fall, the festival-packed summer, or the quiet magic of spring, there is always something extraordinary waiting. 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.
Telluride Ski Resort
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. The free gondola connects Telluride to Mountain Village and is accessible year-round.
Telluride Ski & Snowboard School
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.
Bridal Veil Falls – 2 miles round trip | Leads to Colorado's highest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet. A constant climb but highly rewarding.
Blue Lake – 8-10 miles round trip | Above tree line with alpine scenery, historic mining ruins, and a stunning high-altitude lake beneath Three Needles and Bridal Peak.
Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail – 3 miles round trip | A moderate loop above town with panoramic views of the valley. Great for acclimatizing on arrival.
Valley Floor Trail – Easy | A flat, accessible walk along the valley offering peaceful views and great for all ages and fitness levels.
Telluride Mountain Guides: Established in 1984 — the longest-standing guide service in Telluride | telluridemountainguides.com
Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures: Family-owned hiking tour company based in Telluride, specializing in guided and self-guided inn-to-inn hiking tours | ryderwalker.com
Mountain Trip Trekking: AMGA-trained hiking guides offering summit climbs of Mt. Sneffels, Mt. Wilson, Lizard Head Peak, and more | mountain-trip.com
Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail – Great cross-country option directly from downtown.
Bear Creek Trail – Popular multi-use trail with technical sections.
Old Mining Road Trails – Winding routes through meadows with panoramic mountain views.
Sports: Two locations: Gondola Plaza (Mountain Village) and Camels Garden (downtown Telluride) | Full-suspension and path bike rentals | telluridesports.com
Box Canyon Bicycles: Located downtown near key trailheads | biktelluride.com
Mountain Adventure Equipment: 5-star rated locally, offering mountain bike, paddleboard, and 4x4 rentals with free delivery | mountainadventureequipment.com
Paragon Ski and Sport: Top-notch bike rentals and guided tours for every level
TelluRiders: Guided biking experiences with shuttle service from downtown | telluriders.com
Chasing Epic: All-inclusive, multi-day guided mountain bike vacations including lodging, meals, and high-end bikes | chasingepic.com
Cast your line in some of Colorado's most pristine mountain waters. The Uncompahgre River and surrounding streams offer world-class trout fishing.
Telluride Outside: Guided fly fishing trips on four rivers, public and private water | Local and operated since 1984 | (970) 728-3895 | tellurideoutside.com
The San Miguel River offers exciting Class II–III rapids perfect for all experience levels. Rafting season runs from spring through early fall.
Telluride Outside: Half-day rafting trips on the San Miguel | tellurideoutside.com
Mild to Wild Rafting: San Miguel River trips through the alpine canyon | mildtowild.com
Outlaw Tours: Whitewater rafting, ATV adventures, and scenic Jeep rides | outlawtourstelluride.com
4WD & Jeep Tours
Telluride Outside: Half-day 4WD tours to alpine passes, ghost towns, and waterfalls | tellurideoutside.com
Outlaw Tours: Scenic Jeep and ATV adventures through mountain terrain | outlawtourstelluride.com
Telluride Canopy Adventure: Ziplining and rappelling experiences in the mountains | telluridecanopy.com
Telluride Adventure Center: Adjacent to the Ski & Snowboard School in Mountain Village — offers daily programs and guided adventures year-round
Ride through Telluride's stunning alpine scenery on guided trail rides. Perfect for families and first-time riders.
Contact: Visit telluride.com/activities/horseback-riding for current operators and availability
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Telluride Outside: Family-friendly instructional SUP (stand-up paddleboard) tours | tellurideoutside.com
Mountain Adventure Equipment: Paddleboard rentals with free delivery | mountainadventureequipment.com
Soar above Telluride's box canyon for an unforgettable aerial perspective of the San Juan Mountains. Tandem flights are available for beginners.
Contact: Visit telluride.com/activities for current paragliding operators
Telluride Food & Wine Festival – June 12–14, 2026 | Telluride's premier culinary and wine experience | telluridewinefestival.com
Mountainfilm – Documentary film festival showcasing stories about environment, culture, climbing, and social justice | mountainfilm.org
Telluride Yoga Festival – A world-class gathering of yoga practitioners and wellness enthusiasts in a breathtaking mountain setting
Telluride Mushroom Festival – August 12–16, 2026 | A uniquely Telluride experience with forays, workshops, live music, and the legendary Mushroom Parade | telluridemushroommfestival.org
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival – September 18–20, 2026 | 32nd annual celebration of blues music and craft beer in the mountains | tellurideblues.com
Classic & Colors – September 24–30, 2026 | A spectacular fall car show set against Telluride's gold aspen backdrop | an evolution of the original Autumn Classic
Balloon Festival – Hot air balloons lift off from Town Park and float over the valley — a breathtaking sight
For a full events calendar including local community events, live music, arts shows, and cultural programming, visit: visittelluride.com/events
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.
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.
