Top 5 Outdoor Things to Do in Telluride Colorado

If you’re looking for a getaway filled with fresh mountain air, fun, a four-seasons climate, and plenty of outdoor adventures to explore, the small, hsistoric towns of Colorado are for you. Zero in on Telluride and its many year-round outdoor activities and attractions with fun for everyone. There are many fun and exciting outdoor adventure that await. From music and other festivals with outdoor venues to adventures like 4×4 off-roading and paragliding, you can pack a Telluride vacation with fun, adventure, and one-of-a-kind experiences all while enjoying the outdoors.

Winter Sports

A Telluride winter vacation is all about winter sports. The town’s history reaches as far back as ancient Native Americans all the way forward to the booming ski and snowboard paradise it is today. The Telluride Ski Resort has some of the best slopes in the area, with tracks for beginners all the way up to the most advanced skiers.

For some different ski experiences, explore the backcountry, or go cross-country skiing. More experienced skiers may want to try helicopter skiing – where you jump from a helicopter and ski your way down the mountain. Other fun and different winter things to do in Telluride Colorado include dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice skating, ice climbing, or the relaxation of a sleigh ride.

Hiking

Lace up your hiking shoes in the summer months for an outdoor adventure you and your group make your own. Hiking the breathtaking mountains of Telluride and the surrounding area is a must for every To Do List, and it’s also a great way for everyone to get in some exercise in the great outdoors.

There is a myriad of trails that challenge every skill level, from beginner to advanced. Make sure to pack your hiking essentials, including your sun gear, plenty of water for each hiker, and your camera to capture the breathtaking views. An insider tip: schedule your hikes for a few days after you arrive, so you can get used to breathing the thinner mountain air.

Mountain Biking

The San Juan mountains that surround Telluride provide a variety of terrain for a unique riding experience when there’s no snow on the ground. Experienced bikers can take challenging trails that take you exploring down old mining roads, through basins, and high above the box canyon. There are trails that are longer, moderate-skill level trails that link former railroad tracks throughout the valley and further west.

No matter what trail you choose, you’ll experience the splendor and breathtaking beauty of thriving aspen groves, lush meadows, and breathtaking vistas. If you’re not ready for the various elevation changes and thinner air of the trails, stick closer to town at the Telluride Bike Park at the Telluride Ski Resort. From San Sophia Station, access bike trails for both Mountain Village and Telluride, or get a road ride along the scenic San Juan Skyway. Come back in the winter and experience a different kind of biking – fat tire biking!

White Water Rafting

The San Miguel River cuts right through Telluride and offers some more laid-back activities. The calmer waters that pass through Telluride offer paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Not far from town, the river also offers an activity that will get your adrenaline pumping. If you’re a beginner to the rafting experience, the Lower river offers more tame Class II rapids, to get you ready for the more active Class III rapids you’ll also encounter along the journey.

The Upper river is full of Class III and higher rapids that will have your adrenaline pumping nearly non-stop. Companies provide safety gear including life jackets and helmets. Rafts are typically six-person vessels. Ask about age restrictions before booking, as some companies may take children as young as six while others may require children to be older.

Golf

There are a variety of outdoor activities to keep the entire group busy in the summer, including loading up on festival fun. Take some time to mellow out while still challenging yourself. If you or anyone in the group is a golfer, you’ll want to take some time out to experience any of Telluride’s great courses. You won’t just be challenging yourself to the course, but to the thinner mountain air while you play. It may take some time to modify your game to accommodate for the way your ball flies through the fresh mountain air.

Your Indoor Home Base for Outdoor Fun in Telluride

As you plan how to spend your time experiencing everything Telluride and outdoors, along with the other things you’ll do and see, don’t forget the ultimate Telluride outdoor experience starts inside.

Book a vacation rental with Lodging In Telluride for a convenient home base for all the fun. Choose a cozy studio-style unit for a solo or sweetheart experience. For a vacation that includes all your loved ones, there are units as large as six bedrooms! Prepare a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen or stretch out and relax in a private bedroom or open living space after a day of fun. Select rentals even have fireplaces where you can warm yourself after winter things to do in Telluride Colorado in the great outdoors.