10 Fun Things to Do in Telluride this Summer
There are dozens of quaint mountain towns across the U.S., but if you’re looking for the best mountain town to vacation in this summer then you better put Telluride, Colorado on your map.
Telluride is widely known for having the best ski resort in the U.S., but don’t worry there are so many things to do in Telluride if you’re not skiing, especially during summer. You can hike to any of the countless waterfalls (including the tallest waterfall in Colorado), explore the unique shops downtown, or catch some live music at one of the local bars or at one of Telluride’s epic music festivals.
Telluride is also home to quite a selection of festivals during the summer months, including the infamous Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Jazz Festival.
If you’re visiting Telluride for the outdoor summer activities then I’d suggest going anytime from June to September when the snow has melted and temperature highs average 72°-68°F. In June the waterfalls are at their peak, and in September you can catch the autumn leaves changing colors.
Let’s be honest, a vacation is also not complete without being able to rave about the best local food and coffee shops in town, so I’ve got you covered there too!
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Bridal veil Falls
Cornet Creek Falls
Free Telluride Gondola
Shops in Downtown Telluride
Farmers Market
Telluride Festivals
via Ferrata Telluride
Cowboy Coffee Trailer
Downtown River Trail
Kayak at Trout Lake
Hike Bear Creek Trail
Fun Facts - Telluride, CO
Telluride Meaning: Telluride was named after the element tellurium, which forms natural tellurides. Gold telluride minerals were never actually found in the mountains of Telluride, the area's mines were rich in zinc, lead, copper, silver, and ores which contained gold in other forms.
Or you can go with the local spin “to hell you ride” from the treacherous route through the mountains to get here.
Telluride Elevation: Telluride Regional Airport is the highest commercial airport in North America sitting at 9,078 feet above sea level. Pilots describe flying into Telluride as one of the most challenging, but scenic airports in the country.
Hiker’s Paradise: the San Juan mountains surrounding Telluride contain the highest concentration of 13,000’ and 14,000’ peaks in Colorado, not to mention the countless waterfall hikes that are accessed right from the town center.
Telluride Gondola: home to the only free gondola public transportation system in North America. It was built in 1996, and costing about $16 million, to provide an eco-friendly way to connect Telluride with the resort town of Mountain Village. It operates from 7am - midnight in season, and closed for 6 weeks every off season.
Things to do in Telluride - Summer
Hike Bridal Veil Falls - Telluride
Hiking distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 862 ft / 263 m
Dogs allowed: yes
If you’re visiting Telluride in early summer, late May to early July, then Bridal Veil Falls Hike needs to be at the top of your outdoor adventure bucket list!
If you’re driving into downtown Telluride you can’t miss this 365’ waterfall cascading down the mountain, setting the perfect backdrop for this picturesque mountain town.
The trailhead parking lot is about 2 miles past the end of downtown. I recommend starting the hike in the late afternoon when the sun isn’t directly hitting the trail as hard or giving the waterfall a harsh glare (not great for photos).
You technically can drive to the waterfall, but I would not recommend driving up this dirt road unless you have a short, high-clearance 4WD vehicle.
We have a lifted 4WD truck and didn’t think it was worth chancing it on the deep pot-holes where it switch-backed and the consistent loose gravel.
Also, the actual 2 mile trail up to the waterfall is one of the most exciting shorter trails I’ve been on! Make sure you follow this trail guide, and go up the switchbacks and back down the OHV road.
The Bridal Veil Trail is lush with towering aspens, beautiful river crossings, and panoramic views that will inspire you as much as exhaust you.
When you get to the base of the waterfall, make sure to get out your rain jacket as the thick mist will have you soaked from head to toe or maybe that’s exactly what you want after that steep climb.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, continue on the trail 1.5 miles to Silver Lake and take a dip for a local initiation! Make sure to read the recent reviews on AllTrails before heading further toward Silver Lake to confirm that enough snow has melted so you can access the trail.
Walk to Cornet Creek Falls - Telluride
Hiking distance: 0.5 mile round trip
Elevation Change: 300 ft / 91 m
Dogs allowed: yes
Right off the Jud Wiebe Trail, a popular local hike, is the Cornet Creeks Falls Trail. This short, yet extremely steep 0.2 miles to the base of Cornet Falls is a must-do when visiting Telluride.
The trailhead is located off Aspen just past Dakota St. Keep walking towards the house at the end and you’ll see the trailhead sign on your left.
Stay straight and don’t go over the bridge unless you want to do the Jud Wiebe Trail also.
If you have hiking poles I recommend bringing them because the ground is softer dirt and it’s easy to slip, especially once you’ve made it to the top and gotten your shoes wet in the falls.
The entire hike is alongside a beautiful flowing creek and once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the 80 foot waterfall surging down the rocky red cliffs.
Ride the Free Gondola - Telluride
You can’t visit Telluride without riding the free gondola that connects downtown Telluride to Mountain Village via a stunningly beautiful 13-minute ride.
Your pup is also welcome on the gondola, just make sure to look for the carts with a paw-print on the outside.
For the most spectacular sunset you’ll ever lay eyes on, hop out at San Sophia Station and watch from 10,551 feet.
Bonus, if you can, catch the happy hour and live music that happens every Thursday from 5-7pm during the summer in the Mountain Village Center.
The gondola is open every day 6:30am until midnight for the summer season, starting in late May until mid October.
Fun fact, the gondola was originally constructed in 1996 to help reduce the traffic downtown Telluride would get from the winter ski season and in turn creates a smaller environmental impact by reducing air pollution.
Explore the Shops of Downtown Telluride
Downtown Telluride is full of quaint shops from southwestern apparel, custom leather pieces, and unique artwork. Don’t forget to go off the beaten path as well and see what’s hidden off the main street.
Visit the Farmer’s Market - Downtown Telluride
If you want a real treat of the Telluride locals then don’t miss the Farmer’s Market that happens every Friday in downtown Telluride from 10:30am to 4:00pm.
Beginning the first week of June until the first week of October, you can find the Farmer’s Market on South Oak Street selling the best of Southwest Colorado.
Look out for local produce, fresh meat and eggs, artisan crafts, and some of the best food carts for instant enjoyment!
Attend a Telluride Festival
Telluride is known to have some of the best music festivals in the United States from bluegrass to jazz.
The stage is set near the campgrounds at the end of downtown where you are surrounded by countless aspen covered mountains and pure mountain air.
My husband attended the Bluegrass Festival in June and had the time of his life!
The big festivals in Telluride include the:
Telluride Balloon Festival: June 2-4, 2023
Telluride Bluegrass Festival: June 15-18, 2023
Telluride Jazz Festival: August 11-13, 2023
Telluride Mushroom Festival: August 16-21, 2023
Telluride Film Festival: Sept 1-4, 2023
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival: September 15-17, 2023
You can view Telluride’s entire summer festival line-up to see all their unique festivals that may catch your interest, including the Mushroom Festival.
SUP/Kayak at Trout Lake in Telluride
If you want to enjoy a crystal blue alpine lake near Telluride, then you have to visit Trout Lake. It doesn’t require any hiking to get to and is only a 15 minute drive from downtown Telluride.
After days full of adventures and hiking, you’ll want to spend at least a half day relaxing in the warm sun and Colorado bluebird skies at Trout Lake.
The lake is full of kayakers and SUPs floating peacefully amongst the serene terrain and when those UV rays have taken their toll, go ahead and take the polar bear plunge into this frigid lake for a shocking, yet invigorating cool down!
Coffee at The Coffee Cowboy Trailer
Right in the middle of downtown Telluride on Colorado Ave. is the cutest trailer that sells the best coffee in town!
Fair warning, I can’t promise you won’t go back every day that you’re in town!
My favorite was the Iced Annie Oakley (iced latte with caramel and cinnamon), but they have quite a selection including amazing fresh pastries.
They also have a system where anyone can pay it forward for someone else to enjoy a coffee on the house. Just look on the front window for free coffee tickets and use it if you’re in need!
via Ferrata Trail - Telluride
image courtesy of www.telluride.com
For any hikers who want to experience a little bit into a climbers world then consider taking the adrenaline-inducing via Ferrata Trail in Telluride.
This is a unique and breathtaking trail that will have you scaling the side of a mountain with jaw-dropping views of downtown Telluride and Bridal Veil Falls.
You will need to rent special gear and it’s recommend to go with a guide your first time.
Please note, this is not for the faint of heart as you’ll traverse along a narrow ledge 500 feet high over the edge of a cliff, hooking into steel rings along the path.
This via Ferrata is about 2 miles long and takes around two hours one way.
Walk the River Trail - Downtown Telluride
Walking distance: easy 4 mile round trip (out and back)
Handicap Accessible: yes (hard-packed dirt path)
Dogs allowed: yes
Telluride will spoil you by having one of the best river walks right in downtown.
We parked right off the path, south of the main street in one of the free parking lots and walked this river almost every day while in town.
As if we had a choice since our wild river dog would sprint to the trail as soon as we parked the car.
Telluride River Trail is a scenic 4-mile, out and back dirt path that leads you down a tranquil rushing river, through lush aspens, and over multiple bridges amongst epic mountain views.
Hike Bear Creek Trail - Telluride, CO
Hiking distance: moderate 5.1 miles round trip (out and back)
Elevation Change: 1,092 ft / 333 m
Dogs allowed: yes
What to bring: hiking boots, 2L of water, camera, sunscreen
One of the most popular hikes in Telluride is Bear Creek Trail and I still highly recommend you take on this infamous hike.
The trail starts right in town off the River Trail and Pine St.
You’ll start off immediately ascending this rocky mountain, but within your first mile you’ll be taken back by expanding views of the evergreen mountains.
Make sure to stay on the trail as a few splits will veer you off onto another path.
Although it is a little town secret to be able to find Little Hawaii Falls located within the Bear Creek Trail, it’s not an easy find. If you do your research to find this hidden fork that is located just 20 minutes into the Bear Creek Trail, it’ll take you to a place very reminiscent of Hawaii’s ethereal landscape.
Your last half mile is the steepest, straight up the mountain, but you will be rewarded with the thundering Bear Creek Falls 80-foot waterfall falling on top of the iconic Colorado red rocks and incredible 360 views.
Best Telluride Restaurants
Telluride prides itself on not having any chain restaurants so you’ll be forced to try something new while you’re in town! Here are favorite restaurants to eat at when visiting Telluride:
Gnar Tacos
Some of my favorite tacos EVER are from Gnar Tacos in Telluride (and I lived in San Diego for 10 years).
Seriously, if you can only afford to eat out at one restaurant while in Telluride, make it Gnar! I recommend the Drippy Mitch Taco, Irie Shrimp Taco, the Sketchy Fries.
There Restaurant & Bar
With speak-easy vibes and swanky tapas-style dinner with craft cocktails this is the perfect date night.
I recommend ordering the Spicy Duck Bao Buns, the Crispy Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and the Papas Bravas with a fried egg on top and house sour cream to the side. Don’t forget to make reservations at least a day in advance.
Brown Dog Pizza
While there are a few delicious pizza places in town, the most raved pizza in Telluride is Brown Dog Pizza. Did I mention they won 1st place at the Pizza World Championships 2015 in Parma, Italy!
Good to Know - Telluride CO
- Restaurants and groceries are more expensive in Telluride than most towns. If you’re on a budget, make sure to stop at the grocery store in Montrose or Durango before driving into Telluride. Fill up on gas too!
- Telluride is extremely dog-friendly!
- Parking is easy as long as you use this map or the one pictured below, and utilize any of the three free, day-time parking lots.
- You cannot sleep in your car, van or RV in town, there are signs everywhere stating this! See below for our favorite free campsite near Telluride.
Downtown Telluride Map
This map of downtown Telluride shows where to park free or metered, where to access the gondola, and nearby hiking trails.
Telluride, Colorado Map
Telluride Lodging
Lodging and hotels can be very expensive in Telluride (minimum of $400/night).
If you are on a budget I recommend staying at Mountainside Inn in downtown Telluride for around $200/night.
If you want a nice luxury hotel like the Chipeta Solar Springs Resort that is more affordable, consider staying in the beautiful town of Ridgeway, CO. It is a scenic 45-minute drive to downtown Telluride.
Telluride Camping
Unfortunately, there are no RV parks located in or near Telluride, CO, but there are some exceptional campsites for RVs without hookups and even better free campsites!
Last Dollar Road Dispersed Camping: just 25 minutes West of downtown Telluride. This BLM land near Telluride has one of the most insane views that overlook the snow-capped mountains and rich land of Telluride. You will also be gifted with the most magical sunset almost every night. The only other view I can think to rival it is the one from Upper Teton View overlooking the Tetons.
It is 5 miles uphill on a dirt road to the campsite, but it is well kept as many mansions are located off this same road. There are no hookups, water, or bathroom and there isn’t much privacy at the campsite, but the people camping up there are very friendly and easy-going. The cell signal for Verizon & AT&T were great too.Telluride Town Park Campground: is the only campground located within Telluride, CO. It is a beautiful campground, but very limited with only 28 campsites.
There are a few driveway pads that are 50’ long, but there are very strict rules that the length of your RV cannot exceed 30 feet.No generators are allowed here, and there are no electrical hook-ups or a dump at this campground. Make sure to reserve a campsite early here as they sell out almost instantly!Sunshine Campground: located 8 miles Southwest of downtown Telluride. It is a first-come, first-serve campground with only 15 sites and a max RV length of 35 feet.
I recommend getting there by 10 am Sunday-Thursday to have a better chance of grabbing a site.
It costs $20/night and that only includes vault toilets and potable water.
Further south down the road is Matterhorn Campground where you can find showers or you can shower in town at the Telluride Town Park Campground.Ouray RV Park & Cabins: is the closest RV park to Telluride and is located in beautiful Ouray, CO, 1 hour from Telluride. The RV park has a 4 star rating on Campendium and boasts many amenities. They have quite a selection of RV site options, all with stunning views. Nightly rates range from $60-$90/night.
Directions to Telluride
While you can fly directly into Telluride Regional Airport, it is only available on Denver Air Connection which partners with United Airlines. For larger local airport options see below:
via Montrose: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the primary airport for Telluride. You will need to rent a car and drive the very scenic 65 miles south to Telluride. You can find a direct flight into Montrose from Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Houston and Phoenix.
via Albuquerque: the closest international airport is ABQ International Airport. You will need to rent a car and drive 5.5 hours/325 miles to Telluride, CO.
via Denver: you can fly in DEN International Airport, rent a car a drive 6.5 hours/386 miles to Telluride, CO.
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