Top 10 Things to Do in Telluride in Summer

Welcome to Telluride, Colorado — a place where you’re be surrounded by majestic peaks and beautiful wildflowers during the summer months. The range of things to do in Telluride in summer is seemingly endless, including outdoor and cultural activities and festivals. Telluride is in southwest Colorado and takes a bit of effort to get to, If you’re flying in, Montrose airport is about 1.5 hours away (just a few commercial flights go into Telluride’s airport). If you’re driving from Denver, it will take you about 6.5 hours. You might wonder if it’s worth the trip. Though other mountains are easier to get to, Telluride is unique enough that it deserves a visit.

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Why Telluride?

The town of Telluride sits at the end of a box canyon, meaning that it’s surrounded on all sides by waterfalls and tall mountain peaks. Add the spectacular views of the wildflower-covered mountains and a town that reflects its mining roots and you get a perfect summer vacation destination.

Here are our top 10 things to do in Telluride in the summertime.

• Hiking to Bear Creek waterfalls 
• Hiking to Bridal Veil Falls 
• Exploring the Town of Telluride
• Mountain Biking
• Via Ferrata
• Gondola Rides to Mountain Village
• Rafting in the San Miguel River
• Telluride Summer Festivals
• Visiting ghost towns
• 4-wheel drive tour over Imogene Pass

1. Hiking to Bear Creek waterfalls 

One of the top things to do in Telluride is hiking to Bear Creek Falls. The trail begins at the south end of Pine Street, inviting adventurers with its moderate difficulty and well-maintained path. You’ll climb gently through aspen and pine groves, with the surrounding San Juan Mountains serve as a beautiful backdrop, This trail showcases wildflowers in full bloom and wildlife in their natural habitat.

The hike culminates at the stunning Bear Creek Falls, where the water cascades 80 feet down a rocky cliff into a serene pool below. Take a picnic or rest break here before heading back towards town. The trail offers several vantage points for capturing the expansive beauty of the valley. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or looking for a family-friendly adventure, the journey to Bear Creek Falls is a must-do. You can find a detailed map on Alltrails.

Bear Creek Falls via the Bear Creek Trail facts

• Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip (7.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 1,092 ft. (333 m)
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Pets: dogs are allowed, on a leash

2. Hiking to Bridal Veil Falls 

Hiking to Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, is an experience not to be missed while in Telluride. On this moderate hike, you’ll hike steadily up through forests and past an old mill. After a bit more than a mile, you’ll reach the bottom of the falls and the incredible sight of the 365-foot waterfall cascading down the cliffside.

You’ll also be rewarded with panoramic views of the Telluride valley and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. If you’d like, continue up switchbacks to reach the top of the falls and the privately owned hydro-electric plant. There are plenty of options to extend the hike from here. You can find a detailed map on Alltrails.

Bridal Veil Falls facts

• Distance: 2+ miles roundtrip (3.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 859 ft. (262 m)
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Pets: dogs are allowed, on a leash

3. Exploring the Town of Telluride

Exploring the town of Telluride is a great way to spend a day or an afternoon. You’ll have stunning mountain views all around thanks to the box canyon Telluride sits in. This former mining town has transformed into a bustling hub of culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventure. Take a stroll down Colorado Avenue to enjoy the picturesque main street lined with Victorian buildings and locally owned boutique shops and restaurants. The town resists chain shops and restaurants, so almost all are owned locally.

As you wander through the town, make your way to Town Park. This oasis offers a serene escape with its green spaces, streams, and scenic walking paths. The park is also a venue for festivals, outdoor concerts, and community gatherings during the summer.

4. Mountain Biking

Biking in Telluride offers an exhilarating way to explore Telluride’s breathtaking landscapes. For those looking for a leisurely ride, enjoy the Telluride bike path, a 6 mile round trip ride. It has beautiful scenery, but does parallel a road, so you have some street noise. The Valley Floor trail is an easy yet scenic single track route, winding through open meadows and alongside the San Miguel River.

For expert riders, try the See Forever/Wasatch Connection Loop, and 8.5 mile point to point ride. This offers a strenuous but rewarding ride, connecting riders to the high-alpine beauty of the Bear Creek Preserve, with steep climbs and technical sections that test both skill and endurance. Regardless of the trail chosen, biking in Telluride immerses you in the area’s natural beauty, from wildflower-filled meadows to rugged mountain views.

5. Via Ferrata

For an adventurous day out, tackle Telluride’s Via Ferrata. This route, a mix of hiking and climbing, offers spectacular views of the town and surrounding mountains. It’s a thrilling challenge that rewards with unparalleled views.

Warning: This is a dangerous activity if you don’t have the right gear and training and/or do not complete the course properly. The Via Ferrata should be done with an experienced local guide for safety reasons. If you choose to attempt the Via Ferrata, you are doing so at your own risk.

You’ll climb using a series of iron rungs and cables attached to the cliffside. This allows you to traverse exposed rock faces well above the ground. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Telluride Valley and the surrounding peaks. The most iconic section, “The Main Event,” presents a heart-pounding traverse along a narrow ledge with sheer drops.

Guided tours are available, providing all the necessary equipment and instruction for a safe and exhilarating experience. Check San Juan Mountain Guides and Mountain Trip for more information on guided trips.

6. Gondola Rides to Mountain Village

Another enjoyable thing to do in Telluride is a free scenic gondola ride from Telluride to Mountain Village. The 13-minute journey offers panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and is a must-do for first-time visitors.

7. Rafting the San Miguel River

Rafting the San Miguel River offers visitors a unique and thrilling way to engage with the natural beauty of the Telluride region. This dynamic river features stretches that cater to all levels of rafters. The lower river caters to those seeking gentle rapids and scenic floats, while the upper river caters to experienced rafters with challenging white water.

Rafting trips on the San Miguel can vary from half-day to full day excursions. The river’s clearer waters in the early summer provide optimal conditions for spotting wildlife along the banks, while the higher flows of late spring and early summer promise more intense rapids. Check out our suggested tours below for your rafting adventure.

8. Telluride Summer Festivals

Telluride is home to a variety of summer festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Jazz Festival, and Balloon Festival. Each event brings its own unique vibe and activities to town, making summer an exciting time to visit. Check this year’s schedule for the latest event dates.

9. Visiting ghost towns

Visiting the ghost towns near Telluride, such as Alta and the Tomboy Mine, offers a fascinating glimpse into Colorado’s rich mining history. Alta, once a thriving mining community, now stands as a silent testament to the area’s silver mining era, with its abandoned buildings and machinery slowly being reclaimed by nature. This secluded ghost town, accessible via a scenic hike or 4×4 drive, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making it a picturesque spot for photography.

The Tomboy Mine, perched high above Telluride on Imogene Pass, tells another story of the mining frenzy that once gripped the San Juan Mountains. Visitors can explore the remains of what was once one of the area’s most prosperous mining operations, including dilapidated buildings, rusting equipment, and the scattered debris of daily life. July and August are a great time to visit with wildflowers covering the hillsides. This visit is often combined with our next activity, taking a 4-wheel drive tour over Imogene Pass to Ouray.

10. 4-wheel drive tour over Imogene Pass

Embarking on a 4-wheel drive (4WD) tour over Imogene Pass is an unforgettable adventure. As the second highest vehicular mountain pass in Colorado, Imogene Pass offers a challenging route that takes you from Telluride to Ouray. You’ll traverse steep inclines, narrow paths, and rocky terrain reaching 13,114 feet in elevation (just under 4,000 m).

You’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular panoramic views available in the Rockies. The tour passes through the former Tomboy mine. Unless you are a very experienced and expert 4WD driver, take a guided tour to best experience Imogene Pass.

Telluride in summer is a destination that promises trails, festivals, and incredible scenery. Come and experience the magic of Telluride for yourself!

Where to Stay

Most accommodations in Telluride are either in town or in Mountain Village. These are separated by a 13 minute free gondola ride. The Mountain Village offers ski in / ski out convenience in winter. In summer, lodging in town is often more convenient to the many things to do and restaurants that Telluride has to offer. That said, if you want a tranquil setting in summer, you may enjoy the Mountain Village as well.

A few of our top recommendations are included below:

In town luxury	The Auberge Residences at Element 52
In town moderate	Ghostriders 5 by AvantStay 2 Bedroom Condo Near Main Street Hiking Skiing
In town hostel	The Bivvi Hostel Telluride
Mountain Village luxury residence	Luxury Residence at a 5 Star Hotel at the Heart of Mountain Village
Mountain Village moderate	Mountain Village Dream

How to Get to Telluride

Nearest commercial airport	Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ, located about 65 miles north of Telluride
Nearest airport	Telluride Regional Airport (TEX): flights may be limited and subject to weather conditions
Transfers from Montrose	Telluride Car Service Mountain Limo Telluride
Driving from Montrose	Rental cars are available in Montrose for the 1-1.5 hour drive.
Driving from Denver	Rental cars are available in Denver for the.6-6.5 hour drive

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