When Is the Best Time to Visit Telluride?
Spring
No matter what the groundhog says, Telluride gets a longer winter. It’s totally normal for skiers and snowboarders to rip all the way through April. Once the pow melts, May provides mud in high supply!
And you know what mud means… It’s time to break out the 4X4’s and puddle-paint your ride in the high country. Or if you don’t mind becoming one with the slush, throw on some golishes and trudge some trails. You’ll probably have them to yourself!
The best part of snowmelt though is how much the San Miguel River swells, which makes for a “raft” race come June. Fly fishers should head up to the river’s headwaters around this time, or further down to Dolores for primo trout spots.
The San Miguel River – Colorado Whitewater Rafting In Telluride, CO
Summer
Summer is the second busiest season (behind winter) to visit Telluride. The box canyon comes alive with festival goers, off roaders, mountain bikers, paragliders, climbers, hikers, fishers, walk-arounders, and probably a few other “ers” that don’t come immediately to mind.
Which makes perfect sense! The scenery is nothing short of obnoxious— saturated wildflower meadows, purple mountain majesty, downright perfect temperatures— it’s honestly out of control. The only thing you might miss during summer is the rafting season which usually comes to an end by mid-July.
With that said, be prepared for crowds! Not only do the events bring in impressive numbers to this tiny town, but the amazing trails too. Always practice Leave No Trace, and book your lodging/campsites well in advance.
Fall
From late September to early October, Telluride’s aspens join together for one of the most impressive displays in Colorado. Aside from leafers flocking in to ogle the scenery, early fall is probably the quietest time to visit Telluride.
The foliage makes for a fabulous time for off-roading and shorter hikes, since it gets pretty cold and wet by late afternoon here. The rafting season is totally over since the San Miguel trickles down to a quaint stream, which is perfect for fly fishing.
After the gold flutters away, the snow comes pretty quickly. By November, the snow starts to put down a good base at Telluride Ski Resort, and things pick up quickly.
Winter
Fun Fact! The main reason why Telluride didn’t turn into a ghost town after all the miners left in the 1940’s is thanks to its impeccable ski resort. Often making it onto lists for the best skiing in North America, Telluride offers 2,000 acres of skiable terrain with 149 trails for the carving.
But even if you’re not into gravity sports, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and ice skating are great ways to enjoy the pow. And if you’re not into playing in the snow at all… Well it’s sure great to look at from the fireplace, or hot tub!
For the fly fishers out there who thought they’d have to kick rocks this time of year, you still have some spots to cast! The Uncompahgre River has excellent fishing in February, and you’ll probably have it all to yourself.