Uncategorized, Telluride

Summer in Telluride – 5 Amazing Can’t-Miss Activities

January 19, 2026 / by Lisa Werth / 4 Comments

The gorgeous town of Telluride, with a population of just 2,500, is admittedly difficult to get to. But it is worth the effort! The resort town is in a box canyon, surrounded by 13,000-foot+ mountains on three sides, and the San Miguel River on the fourth. The town core is just 8 blocks wide and 12 blocks long, and has been named a National Historic Landmark District due to its mining history.

Telluride is home to a proud community committed to preserving its historically significant architecture, its abundant open spaces and recreation opportunities, and its friendly, uncrowded, small-town mountain lifestyle. What’s not to like?

A birdseye view of Telluride with mountains all around, and the rooftops in town clustered together far below.
A large, colorful collection of blooming flowers sits in a wooden trunk in the middle of the main street of town. A sign on the trunk reads Telluride. At the end of the street, mountain peaks in the morning sun are visible.

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Hiking

There are seemingly endless hiking opportunities in the area, several of which start right in town.

As in all of our hiking posts, we highly recommend downloading the free AllTrails app for driving directions (if needed), trail maps, descriptions, and lots of reviews that will reveal the recent condition of the trails. Click on the title of the hikes we’ve listed below, and it will take you to the All Trails information.

Bear Creek Falls If you plan to hike at all in Telluride, this one should be near the top of your list. It climbs through the Uncompahgre National Forest and Bear Creek Preserve. It truly has something for everyone with a wide, well-marked, moderate trail through aspen and pine groves, wildflowers, spectacular views of the craggy San Juan Mountains, a pond, a creek, and a breathtaking 80′ waterfall at the end. The photos below were taken in September – the falls are even bigger earlier in the summer.

At the base of the waterfall, you can walk right up to the pools and feel the cool, refreshing spray. It is a perfect place to stop for a picnic or snack. For folks wanting to continue on a longer, more difficult hike, the path connects with the Wasatch Trail about .4 miles before the falls.

The trailhead is right in downtown Telluride, easily walkable from any hotel in town.

Lisa enters the trail (with trekking poles) next to a big sign announcing the Bear Creek Preserve. Frisco the Werthwhile Pup, walks beside her.
A wide rocky trail with pine trees on both sides and the craggy mountains in the distance.
Sunlight shineng through the yellow aspen trees with mountains in the background.
A beautiful, multi-tiered falls flowing down colorful rock, surrounded by green plants and trees.

Another hike right in town is the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail. It is named after a US Forest Ranger, Jud Wiebe, who had a vision of creating easily accessible recreation for the citizens of Telluride. He proposed, designed, and began construction of this trail before his untimely death in 1986. It was completed later that year with assistance from dedicated volunteers seeking to carry out his dream.

This uncrowded trail provides fabulous views of the town of Telluride, Bear Creek Preserve, the ski slopes, the surrounding mountains, and the whole valley below. Parts of it wind through lovely spruce, pine, and aspen trees, and hikers are treated to occasional benches where they can take a break and soak in the views. The trail is a loop; you can go either clockwise or counterclockwise. We prefer going clockwise to get the steepest parts of the hike done first.

View along the trail of the Telluride ski slopes, and the town below.
Yellow and green-leaved aspen trees with the mountains peeking through.
A spectacular view of the edge of Telluride, and 9+ mountain peaks in the distance.
Bridal Veil Falls plummeting from the high, sheer cliff to a pool below, and then flowing out across the rocky creek-bed below.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, the Bridal Veil Falls trail is the way to go. This one does require a car, but it is a short, easy drive to the trailhead, located just east of Telluride.

Bridal Veil Falls is a more primitive trail than the two above, and not as well-maintained. It’s quite narrow much of the time, and there are an abundance of large, jagged rocks, tree roots, and other obstacles to climb around, over, or through.

Sturdy shoes are a must, and trekking poles are quite helpful. AllTrails rates this hike as a moderate; we would definitely place it on the harder side of moderate.

But once you take the plunge, the rewards are grand: Three magnificent waterfalls! The third falls, shown above, is the trail’s namesake and is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. The first two falls are shown in order, below.

In addition to the waterfalls, this trail also features colorful canyon walls, trees, wildflowers, and beautiful vistas over Telluride Valley. People looking for a longer hike can continue to Lewis Lake and Blue Lake. If we’re lucky enough to return to Telluride, we will definitely take this hike again.

The first falls pour over ledge rock into a crystal clear pool below. Trees line the falls on both sides.
The second falls drop over several levels like silvery ribbons.

Ride the Free Gondoloa to Mountain Village

Telluride is a uniquely designed area. The original town, full of history, arts, boutiques, hotels, and restaurants, sits at 8,700 feet. The more modern ski resort area, Mountain Village, offering higher-end lodging, gear shops, eateries, and, of course, ski slopes, is at 9,600 feet. Visitors, especially in the winter, want to experience both. No problem! Transportation between the two takes just 12 minutes, thanks to a free gondola, right in the center of town. It runs from 6:30 am until midnight daily, allowing locals and visitors to bop between the two areas with ease, day and night. It is the only free transportation system of its kind in North America.

A gondola cabin leaves the Telluride gondola station to head up to Mountain Village. Its cables lead just above tall askpen and pine trees.
A gondola cabin is heading downward, with trees on either side and many mountain peaks in the distance.

Boarding the gondola is easy, and they allow bikes, and even dogs! There are two stops, one at San Sophia Station and the other at Mountain Village.

Be sure to keep your camera in hand. The views are fabulous for the entire trip, but are particularly spectacular around San Sophia Station, which is the highest point the gondola reaches, at 10,500 feet. In addition to panoramic views, the station offers hiking, biking, ski trails, and the renowned Allred’s Restaurant perched atop the mountain with floor-to-ceiling windows.

The gondola ride ends at Mountain Village, near the pedestrian-only, European-inspired Heritage Plaza. It is dotted with fire pits, Adirondack chairs, and tables with sun umbrellas, encouraging visitors to sit down and soak in the expansive views. Live musicians are frequently performing in various areas.

The plaza features cute stand-alone gondola cabins with tables inside where you can enjoy lunch or a snack from one of the nearby food stands. The plaza also hosts an array of festivals and live performances throughout the year.

A single detached gondolacabin with the doors open and a table and two benches inside. Instructions on the outside say they can be used on a first come, first served basis.
A view from Mountain Village of numerous snow capped mountains.
An impressive, expansive covered patio with high top tables and active flames in the middle of the tables for grilling.

Mountain Village offers dining choices ranging from a quick bite to bar food to fine dining. There are also several clothing and sporting goods shops, and an open-air market on Wednesdays in the summer. For those wishing to stay longer, there are posh hotel, condominium, and single-family home options available.

Playing in and Along the San Miguel River

The San Miguel River runs through the entire town of Telluride, starting at Bridal Veil Falls. It continues for a total of 81 miles, where it then converges with the Dolores River. From tubing to fishing to white water rafting, opportunities for fun and adventure abound.

A curving paved trail next to the river lined with big rocks lining one side and small rocks on the other. There is a bridge crossing the river in the distance, and abundant pine trees and other green trees all over.

The scenic Telluride River Trail runs along the San Miguel right through town, and can be accessed next to the gondola plaza and in many other areas of town. Dog walkers, leisurely strollers, runners, and bikers take advantage of the paved, shady, mostly flat trail, serenaded by the sound of the flowing river.

It is a great way to acclimate to the 8,700-foot town.

For more exciting activities on the river, Mild2Wild Rafting offers guided half-day, full-day, and multi-day whitewater rafting trips. (They also lead off-road Jeep trips.) Telluride Outside provides guided half-day and full-day fly fishing excursions, including pick-up, drop-off, and all equipment.

But that is not all! Kayaking, river tubing, and stand-up paddleboarding are also very popular. Rental gear is available at several locations in town.

Exploring Downtown Telluride

Charming and walkable Telluride is a delight to explore. It is surely one of the most beautiful downtown areas anywhere, snuggled in a canyon with snow-capped mountains towering all around it, and boasting 300 days of sunshine per year.

You can easily spend a whole day strolling by the Victorian-style houses and historic clapboard storefronts, popping into the trendy boutiques and art galleries, picking up souvenirs in the retail shops, and indulging in a meal or a beverage at one of the abundant locally owned restaurants or bars.

The main shopping street in Telluride, with a sign for Hook, a home decor shop in the foreground. There are lots of other signs in the background. At the end of the street are snow-capped mountain peaks.

Some of our favorite retail stops include:

Between the Covers Bookstore – This cozy independent bookstore is a beloved fixture in Telluride. They offer a wide variety of books, a wonderful children’s section, and a cafe named Bruno, after the family dog.

Hook is a fun, unique home goods store. The name comes from their extensive collection of unusual wall hooks. The shop is chock full of interesting home decor, gifts, and books. We dare you to try to walk out without purchasing a treasure.

Bella Fine Goods is the place to go to buy a special, high-quality piece of jewelry or an item for your home to commemorate your time in Telluride.

Crossbow Leather and Hats specializes in handmade, timeless leather products with a western flare. These include belts, hats, wallets, purses, and more. They also offer unique home goods and turquoise jewelry.

Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, locally owned and operated for more than 30 years, has everything needed for “human-powered sports” such as hiking, running, climbing, and camping, as well as winter sports. They produce their own line of high-quality outdoor bags, packs, and apparel made in Colorado using American materials.

Eating in Telluride

All of the restaurants listed below are in the downtown area of Telluride with the exception of the last one, Allred’s, which is located half way up the gondola.

Like most mountain towns, Telluride is very casual, and dressing up is not required, even in the nicest of restaurants. There are many dozens of fantastic places to eat, too many to list! But here are some of our favorites:

The Butcher and the Baker – This counter-service and take-out restaurant regularly has a line out the door, with good reason. Their bread and pastries are made in-house, and the meats, cheeses, and fish are sourced from local farms. From croissants to breakfast burritos to chicken pot pies to burgers to cheese curds, there is something for everyone. They also offer a Sunday brunch and have a full bar.

A vast display case with croissants, cookies, brownies, donuts, turnovers, muffins, and more.

Baked in Telluride has been around for 50 years, serving casual breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. They specialize in homemade breads and pastries, a wide variety of bagels, pizza, and homemade pasta, all made from fresh, sustainably sourced products. (Tip: The spinach and feta croissants are fantastic!) Of note, it is one of the only places in town (along with Butcher and the Baker) that opens at 7 am for hungry early-birds.

Brown Dog Pizza – This place is regularly referred to as the best pizza in town and has been touted in national publications such as USA Today and Food & Wine. It was even featured on an episode of the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. They offer both Detroit-style and traditional crust, as well as appetizers, salads, and sandwiches, including the locally famous “YX”, a ribeye cheesesteak. The restaurant is named after the owners’ chocolate lab pups.

Stronghouse Brew Pub is located in a historic 1892 building, right across from the gondola. Specialties in the lively pub include Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese sauce, Colorado-sourced brats, and Alpine macaroni and cheese. Pair the food with a flight of 4 beers from the onsite brewery, a signature cocktail, or a glass of wine.

Petite Maison is a contemporary French restaurant with a cozy, chic interior and a beautiful patio. Enjoy happy hour at the bar with oysters on the half-shell, steak frites, or a Maison Burger, or settle into the candle-lit dining room for dishes like Beef Tartar or Escargot with Coq au Vin or Cassoulet de Canard.

Either way, be sure to leave room for their show-stopping desserts!

Six escargot with baguette slices in a cast iron dish.

221 South Oak is an intimate restaurant located in a refurbished historic home with a lovely courtyard with seasonal outdoor seating. The refined menu changes often but includes seafood, game, and poultry with a variety of eclectic sides, all made with fresh ingredients. They also feature a generous selection of vegan items.

Allred’s Restaurant – Located halfway up the gondola at San Sophia Station, this restaurant offers a seasonal prix-fixe menu, an impressive wine list, and sweeping mountain views. It is a great choice for a special occasion. Reservations are highly recommended in any season.

Where to Stay

This article is focused on a summer/fall visit to Telluride. Without hesitation, we recommend staying in the historic main town during those seasons. There are far more things to do, places to eat, and places to shop. It is easy to hop on the gondola to go to Mountain Village when desired.

Basing at Mountain Village, however, could be a good choice for those looking for a super-luxury hotel, such as the Madeline Hotel or the Fairmont, or, in the winter, for skiers/boarders wanting quick access to the lifts.

In the main area of Telluride, we absolutely loved the Camel’s Garden. It certainly fulfills the three rules of real estate: location, location, location. It is literally next door to the gondola, and is less than two blocks from multiple restaurants, bars, and a bakery. It is just three blocks from Colorado Avenue, the main street in town, with a plethora of choices for food, beverages, and activities.

The hotel offers clean, spacious, light-filled rooms and suites that have comfortable beds and sheets, robes, daily housekeeping, and a kitchenette in the suites. There are lots of niceties, such as free brewed coffee from about 5 am on, a free breakfast (with freshly baked cinnamon rolls, bagels, lox, oatmeal, waffles, fruit, and more), multiple homey, comfortable common areas in which to gather, a huge outdoor hot tub, a sauna, a restaurant, and an underground parking garage (parking can be scarce in Telluride).

All of that comes at a surprisingly reasonable price, at least for a resort town.

The exterior of Camel's garden with decks overlooking the town center with the gondola. Behind the hotel, a series of mountain peaks, looking red at dusk, rise up behind it.
The interior of a room at Camel's Garden with a bed, a chair, two dressers, and the edge of a fireplace. There are 6 windows plus a door to the deck with a window, filling the room with light.

Alternatively, the classy Hotel Telluride is also well located, just steps from Colorado Avenue. It offers a host of amenities, including a concierge, a well-regarded restaurant, a fitness room, and a spa. The hotel also offers activity packages for such things as hiking a 14,000-foot mountain, “ropes & rungs” adventure climbing, and birding trips with a well-known birding expert.

Are you continuing your Colorado adventures? Check out our articles on Pagosa Springs, Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs, and several on Breckenridge/Summit County.

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