Telluride, CO

The Dime of Southwest Colorado

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! 

Telluride Colorado - Mountain Village views - Mild to Wild

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

Jeep Tours and Paddle boarding

Meet Location & 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

Nearest airports, driving distance, road trip suggestions, and all that jazz.
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Best Times to Visit

Best Times to Visit

Telluride changes drastically throughout the year, here's what to expect!
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Weather

Weather

A destination that maximizes all four seasons, sometimes all in one day.
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Condos

Condos

In a land where the condos WELL outnumber any other lodging options, here are our favorites.
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Hotels

Hotels

While the selection may seem tiny, the hotels are mighty!
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Camping

Camping

The OG way of lodging in Colorado.
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Telluride, Colorado Vacation Planning FAQs

When is the best time to visit Telluride for outdoor adventures?

The summer season offers many different thrills! For the best white water on the San Miguel River, June and July are the prime months as the snowmelt fuels the “slalom course” like rapids. If you are looking to explore the San Juan Mountains our Telluride Jeep tours offer peak wildflower blooms in August. For photography enthusiasts, late September is spectacular as the massive aspen groves surrounding town turn a brilliant, uniform gold.

Our Telluride adventure season typically runs from late May through September. We offer daily departures for San Miguel River Rafting, Jeep tours, and paddle boarding on Trout Lake. To make the most of your mountain getaway, we recommend experiencing the rugged beauty of the San Juans from the water and the most iconic off-road trails in the state.

Minimum age requirements vary by the adventure:

  • Jeep Tours & Trout Lake Paddle Boarding: 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 River Rafting (Afternoon Section): Minimum age is 8 years old (and at least 50 lbs).
  • San Miguel River Rafting (Morning Section): Minimum age is 10 years old due to the continuous, fast-paced nature of the upper river.

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 splash jackets for all San Miguel trips to help maintain your comfort.
  • 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). 

Visit our what to wear and bring page to view a detailed list for every adventure.

Complete Telluride Planning Resources