Things to Do in Summer

Telluride, Colorado transforms into a vibrant mountain paradise during the summer months. Nestled in a dramatic box canyon surrounded by the towering San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers spectacular scenery, outdoor adventures, and world-famous festivals throughout the warm season.

Originally founded as a mining town in the late 1800s, Telluride has preserved its historic charm while becoming one of Colorado’s most scenic summer destinations. Visitors are drawn to the area for hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, cultural events, and incredible alpine landscapes.

From riding the free gondola to exploring waterfalls and attending world-class music festivals, there are countless ways to enjoy summer in Telluride.

Ride the Telluride Gondola

One of the most iconic experiences in Telluride is riding the free Telluride Gondola. This scenic gondola connects historic downtown Telluride with Mountain Village high above the valley.

The ride offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and the dramatic box canyon surrounding the town.

Visitors can enjoy:

• spectacular panoramic views
• easy access to hiking trails
• scenic photography opportunities
• sunset rides over the mountains

The gondola operates throughout the summer and is one of the most popular attractions for visitors exploring the area.

Explore Historic Downtown Telluride

Historic Telluride is one of the most charming mountain towns in Colorado. The downtown area features colorful Victorian buildings that date back to the town’s mining history.

Visitors can spend time exploring:

• local art galleries
• boutique shops
• historic landmarks
• Telluride Farmers Market
• Telluride Town Park
• cafés and restaurants

Downtown Telluride is small and walkable, making it easy to enjoy the town’s relaxed mountain atmosphere.

Telluride Town Park sits at the end of the valley and offers beautiful green space surrounded by towering peaks.

Historic Walking Tour of Telluride

The downtown core of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. Telluride is 12 blocks long by 8 blocks wide, perfect for a self-guided, historical walking tour of the architectural details and colorful stories behind the buildings. Start your excursion at the Telluride Historical Museum.

Guided Tours & Outfitters

There is so much to see and do when visiting Telluride.  With trails to hike, peaks to summit and rivers to fish, sometimes hiring a professional guide makes sense.  And Telluride offers a wide rage of professionals to make your mountain adventures memorable.

Jeep Tours

Outfitters can take you to amazing destination spots for mountain adventures.  Telluride Offroad Outfitters, located in downtown Telluride, offers 2 hour and half day group jeep tours.  Places you can visit include Bridal Veil Falls, the Alta Ghost Town, Imogene Pass and other mountain passes such as Black Bear Pass.  Take off roads to summit 13,000′ peaks and mountain lakes.

The Last Dollar Road Tour is a two hour tour that offers exquisite views of the aspen leaves.  Bumpy, colorful, vast and adventurous, this hidden dirt road in historic ranching country gives stunning rewards for those willing the take the time to get around the bend. This scenic, unpaved route winds through rolling ranchland, dense aspen groves, and wide-open meadows, revealing panoramic views of peaks like Wilson Peak and the Sneffels Range at nearly every turn.

A guided tour with Telluride Offroad Outfitters make the experience easy and enjoyable, allowing you to soak in the landscapes without worrying about navigating the rugged terrain. Along the way, you’ll pass historic ranches and remnants of Colorado’s mining past while learning about the area’s rich history.

Perfect for all ages and skill levels, a Last Dollar Road Jeep tour is less about adrenaline and more about soaking in unforgettable alpine scenery—especially in late summer or fall, when golden aspens transform the landscape into a photographer’s dream.

E-Bike Tours

From the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the crystal-clear waters of the San Miguel River, Telluride is a natural wonderland waiting to be explored. And an E-Bike tour will take you on scenic routes through the mountains, valleys, and forests of this spectacular region, offering breathtaking views and memories to last a lifetime.

Hiking in Telluride

Telluride offers some of the most spectacular hiking in Colorado. The surrounding San Juan Mountains feature alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Popular hiking trails include:

• Bear Creek Trail
• Jud Wiebe Trail
• Blue Lakes Trail
• Bridal Veil Falls

Guided Hiking Tours

Hiring a professional guide to take you into the Telluride wilderness is easy as the area offers many outfitters and touring companies.  Stellar Tours, is on a mission to provide unforgettable experiences allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning scenery of the San Juan region.  Their professional guides not only have local knowledge, but are also wilderness first aid certified.  They offer half day and full days hiking tours.  And they provide hydration packs and free transportation to make your experience even better!

Check out Stellar Tours availability this summer.

Mountain Biking in Telluride

Telluride is also a fantastic destination for mountain biking. Trails throughout the region provide opportunities for riders of all skill levels.  The Telluride Bike Park is a playground for seasoned riders.  To search for local trails, visit Trailforks.com.  There are many local bike shops that rent mountain bikes.

Mountain bikers can explore:

• scenic alpine trails
• forested singletrack routes
• challenging downhill terrain
• beginner-friendly paths

Several trails begin near Mountain Village and descend toward Telluride, offering spectacular views along the way.

During summer, the ski resort also operates lifts that allow mountain bikers to access downhill trails.

Mountain Biking Tours

Taking your riding to new heights is easier with an outfitter like Stellar Tours.  They understand that not everyone is a seasoned pro when it comes to mountain biking. So they offer tours that cater to all abilities, from beginners to experts. Their half day tours are perfect for families or those just trying mountain biking as a new experience.

Their professional guides will work with you to determine the best trails and routes for your skill level, ensuring that no matter your goal you have a safe and enjoyable ride.  Stellar Tours offers half day tours and full day tours which take you further into the wilderness.

Check out Stellar Tours availability this summer.

Paddleboarding in Telluride Lakes

There is excellent paddleboarding (SUP) in and around Telluride, Colorado, with popular spots including Trout Lake, Alta Lakes, and the Down Valley Park pond. Rentals and guided tours are available from local companies like Christy Sports and Stellar Tours.

Popular paddleboarding spots:

• Trout Lake: A scenic, calm alpine lake popular for mountain views.
• Alta Lakes: Three interconnected lakes located in the San Miguel Mountains offering calm waters.
• Down Valley Park: Features a large, calm pond perfect for beginners.
• San Miguel River: Suitable for more experienced paddlers looking for a challenge

Because weather can change at any moment in our mountain towns and water temperature of alpine lakes is a consideration, hiring a guide can really make sense.

Check out Stellar Tours availability this summer.

Off-Road Adventures and Jeep Rentals

Throughout the San Juan region there are trails to explore that are only accessible with a 4 wheel vehicle.  Popular trails include:

• Alpine Loop
• Alta Lakes
• Bridal Veil Falls
• Cinnamon Pass
• Engineer Pass
• Imogene Pass
• Last Dollar
• Yankee Boy Basin

You can rent a Jeep Rubicon with Cliffhanger Jeep Rental.  With easy pick up in at the Telluride Airport, your adventure begins exploring back roads and mountain passes.

Check pricing and availability with Cliffhanger Jeep Rental.

Telluride Festivals and Events

Telluride is famous for hosting some of the most celebrated festivals in the United States. Throughout the summer, the town comes alive with music, film, and cultural events set against the stunning mountain backdrop.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival

The Telluride Bluegrass Festival is one of the most famous music festivals in the country. Held each summer in Telluride Town Park, the festival brings together world-class musicians and fans from around the world.

The setting beneath towering mountain peaks makes it one of the most scenic music festivals anywhere.

Telluride Jazz Festival

The Telluride Jazz Festival celebrates jazz and funk music with live performances and lively events throughout the town.

Telluride Film Festival

Held over Labor Day weekend, the Telluride Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and attracts filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from around the globe.

These festivals give Telluride a vibrant cultural atmosphere throughout the summer months.

Day Trips from Telluride

Telluride’s location in southwestern Colorado makes it an excellent base for exploring other scenic destinations in the San Juan Mountains.  Visiting nearby Ridgeway or the western town of Ouray, will make your trip more memorable.

Scenic Drives Near Telluride

Telluride is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain drives in Colorado.

San Juan Skyway

The San Juan Skyway is a scenic loop that passes through dramatic mountain landscapes and historic mining towns. This drive showcases the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains.

Last Dollar Road

Last Dollar Road is a scenic dirt road offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It is especially popular for photography and wildflower viewing during summer.

Visit Ouray

One of the best day trips from Telluride is the nearby town of Ouray, located about one hour away.

Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is surrounded by towering peaks and dramatic alpine scenery.

Visitors can enjoy:

• exploring the historic downtown
• soaking in the famous Ouray hot springs
• hiking scenic mountain trails
• driving the famous Million Dollar Highway

Ouray is also known for its waterfalls, which cascade down the cliffs surrounding the town.

The drive between Telluride and Ouray is incredibly scenic and passes through beautiful mountain landscapes.

Discover more About Ouray

Explore Ridgway

Photo Courtesy of Orvis Hot Springs

The town of Ridgway is another charming destination near Telluride. Ridgway offers beautiful views of the San Juan Mountains and serves as a gateway to Ridgway State Park.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Soaking at the Orvis Hot Springs
• paddleboarding and kayaking
• fishing
• hiking trails
• scenic photography

Dining and Restaurants in Telluride

Telluride also offers an impressive dining scene with restaurants ranging from casual cafés to upscale mountain cuisine.

Visitors can enjoy:

• gourmet restaurants
• outdoor patios with mountain views
• cozy cafés and bakeries
• international cuisine

Many restaurants are located in historic downtown Telluride, while others can be found in Mountain Village near the ski resort.

Telluride Restaurants Guide

Best Time to Visit Telluride in Summer

The summer season in Telluride typically runs from June through early October.

June and July

Wildflowers begin to bloom across the mountains and hiking trails open throughout the region. June hosts the Telluride Balloon Festival.

July and August

These months offer warm mountain weather and the busiest festival season.

September

Fall begins to arrive as the surrounding aspen trees turn brilliant shades of gold.

Each part of the season offers unique opportunities to explore the beauty of the San Juan Mountains. September hosts the infamous Blues & Brews Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Telluride good to visit in summer?

Yes. Telluride offers hiking, festivals, mountain biking, and scenic mountain views during the summer months.

What is Telluride known for in summer?

Telluride is known for its outdoor recreation, music festivals, waterfalls, and stunning alpine scenery.

How many days should you spend in Telluride?

Many visitors spend 3–4 days exploring Telluride and nearby destinations like Ouray and Ridgway.

Experience Summer in Telluride Colorado

Summer in Telluride offers a perfect combination of outdoor adventure, cultural festivals, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Whether you’re hiking to alpine lakes, riding the scenic gondola, or exploring nearby mountain towns like Ouray, the region offers unforgettable experiences in every direction.

With dramatic landscapes and a vibrant mountain town atmosphere, Telluride remains one of the most spectacular summer destinations in Colorado.