Telluride, Colorado
So, you wanna hang out in Telluride, Colorado do ya?! Well, you’re in for a wildly pleasant surprise. This lush corner in the San Juan Mountains is as delightful as Mother Nature can possibly carve ‘em.
Telluride is nestled at the back of an epic bo canyon, surrounded by thundering waterfalls and jagged cliffs of granite. It’s home to a gaggle of extreme athletes, be it skiers, paragliders, alpinists, ultra marathoners, and probably a number of other intense sports we’ve never even heard of. To that point, if you’re looking for adventure here— you’re in luck!
Beyond the picturesque streets looms an array of Colorado’s most beloved wilderness. So if you have the time, don’t stop where the town ends. Every direction you can head offers a lifetime of exploration.
Use this page as your home for planning the most memorable visit to Telluride!
Things to do
With large and in charge peaks to explore via Jeep, mountain bike, on foot, or ferrata, the landscape here will keep you well-occupied. And if you’re not really looking to huff it out in the alpine, the tiny-but-mighty town of Telluride has plenty to do, too.
Telluride Rafting Trips
San Miguel River
3hrs and 45min on the water, 5hrs and 45min from meet to return. Lunch included!
- Adult: $199
- Youth: $189
San Miguel River
1hr and 30min on the water, 2hrs and 30min from meet to return.
- Adult: $139
- Youth: $129
San Miguel River
1hr and 30min on the water, 2hrs and 30min from meet to return.
- Adult: $129
- Youth: $119
San Miguel River
Enjoy the Class II & III rapids with five-star camping! Groups of 8+.
- Adult: $799
- Youth: $749
Jeep Tours and Paddle boarding
Telluride, CO
Cruise up one of the highest mountain passes in Colorado for one of the most exciting and scenic off roading adventures of all time!
Trout Lake
Telluride Paddle Boarding & Inflatable Kayaking on Trout Lake: Unforgettable alpine water adventure with stunning San Juan Mountain backdrops.
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours - Telluride Rafting Meeting Location
- 970-247-4789
- Caddis Flats Campground, Placerville, CO 81430
- Get Directions
Plan Your Trip
The down low you need to plan a solid, fomo-eradicating trip to Telluride! Here’s a list of top recommendations of the best times to visit, how to get here, where to stay, and what weather to expect when you roll in.
Getting to Telluride
Getting to Telluride
Best Times to Visit
Best Times to Visit
Weather
Condos
Condos
Hotels
Camping
Telluride, Colorado Vacation Planning FAQs
When is the best time to visit Telluride for outdoor adventures?
Every season in the high-alpine tundra offers a different thrill! For the best white water on the San Miguel River, June and July are the prime months as the snowmelt fuels the “slalom course” rapids. If you are looking for high-country Jeep tours to the 13,000-foot summit of Imogene Pass, July and August provide the clearest trails and peak wildflower blooms. For photography enthusiasts, late September is spectacular as the massive aspen groves surrounding town turn a brilliant, uniform gold.
When can I book trips in Telluride?
Our Telluride adventure season typically runs from late May through September. We offer daily departures for San Miguel rafting, high-alpine Jeep tours, and paddle boarding or kayaking on Trout Lake. To make the most of your mountain getaway, we recommend booking a Value Adventure Package, allowing you to experience the rugged beauty of the San Juans from both the river and the most iconic off-road trails in the state.
What is the minimum age for Telluride adventures?
Because Telluride features high-altitude and technical terrain, minimum ages are tailored to maintain a professional environment:
- Jeep Tours & Trout Lake Kayaking: Minimum age is 4 years old. Please note that Colorado law requires car seats or boosters for children under 8 years old. To support the logistical needs of your trip, please bring the appropriate car seat or booster for use in our Jeep tour vehicles.
- San Miguel Rafting (Afternoon Section): Minimum age is 8 years old (and at least 50 lbs).
- San Miguel Rafting (Morning Section): Minimum age is 10 years old due to the continuous, fast-paced nature of the upper river.
What should I wear and bring on my Telluride vacation?
Telluride’s weather can be extreme; it is common to experience a 20-degree temperature drop between the town and the mountain summits.
- On the River: Wear a swimsuit or synthetic base layers (avoid cotton). We provide complimentary wetsuits and splash jackets for all San Miguel trips to help maintain your comfort in the crisp mountain water.
- On the Land: Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes and multiple layers, including a warm fleece and a windbreaker.
- Essentials: A wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses with a retention strap, waterproof sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle (we provide water for refills).
You can find our full Telluride gear guide here.
Are rafting and Jeep tours in Telluride safe?
Adventure activities like white water rafting and off-road Jeep tours are inherently dangerous and involve risks that cannot be fully eliminated. Therefore, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk. However, your safety is our top priority. To minimize risk, we employ professional guides who are experts in navigating Telluride’s narrow river channels and steep mountain shelf roads. Our guides are certified in CPR and First Aid to prioritize a professional and secure environment while you explore the spectacular peaks and canyons of Telluride.