Things to Do in Telluride
Telluride, Colorado packs an extraordinary range of activities into one small box canyon. In winter it is a world-class ski destination; in summer it becomes a hub for hiking, biking, fly fishing, and a celebrated festival calendar. The free gondola, the dramatic waterfalls, and the walkable historic Main Street give visitors and residents alike plenty to do year-round, whether they are here to ski hard or simply soak in the scenery.
Year-round outdoor recreation
Telluride's calendar splits into two great seasons. In winter, Telluride Ski Resort offers terrain from gentle groomers to steep, expert chutes, accessed from both the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village. In summer, the same mountains open up for hiking and mountain biking, with iconic routes like the trail toward Bear Creek Falls, the Jud Wiebe loop above town, and the climb toward Bridal Veil Falls — Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall, visible at the head of the canyon. The Telluride Via Ferrata, a protected cliff route across the canyon wall, is a signature local adventure, and the surrounding rivers and high lakes draw fly fishers. The free gondola itself is one of the best (and free) scenic rides in the state.
Town, culture, and dining
Beyond the trails, much of Telluride's appeal is its compact, walkable historic core. Colorado Avenue — the main street through the National Historic District — is lined with restaurants, galleries, and shops, and the Telluride Historical Museum tells the town's mining-era story. The free gondola connects the town to Mountain Village in about 13 minutes, making it easy to move between the two for dining and lodging. Evenings center on the restaurant scene and, in festival weeks, on live music and events. It is the rare ski town where you can leave the car parked and reach almost everything on foot or by gondola.
Festivals and events
Telluride is as much a festival town as a ski town. Across the year it hosts marquee events spanning film, music, and ideas — among them Mountainfilm over Memorial Day weekend, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June, the Telluride Jazz Festival in summer, the Telluride Film Festival over Labor Day weekend, and the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival in autumn. These events are central to the town's identity and draw visitors from around the world. For the full rundown, see the Telluride festivals guide, and for planning a trip or a move, see getting to Telluride and summer in Telluride.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is there to do in Telluride besides skiing?
- In the warmer months Telluride offers hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and the Telluride Via Ferrata, plus the free scenic gondola, the historic Main Street with dining and galleries, the Telluride Historical Museum, and a packed festival calendar. The box canyon's waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, are a major draw. There is plenty to do year-round.
- Is the Telluride gondola free?
- Yes — the gondola connecting the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village is free to ride and operates most of the year, taking about 13 minutes. It is both practical transit and one of the best free scenic rides in Colorado. It lets visitors and residents move between the two towns without a car.
- What is the tallest waterfall near Telluride?
- Bridal Veil Falls, at the head of the Telluride box canyon, is Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall and a signature local sight. It is reachable by trail and road, with views from town. The surrounding canyon also features Bear Creek Falls.
- What is the Telluride Via Ferrata?
- The Telluride Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route that traverses the cliff wall across the box canyon, using fixed cables and rungs. It is a signature local adventure offering dramatic exposure and views. Many visitors hire a guide for the route.
- Can you get around Telluride without a car?
- Yes — the town is compact and walkable, and the free gondola connects it to Mountain Village in about 13 minutes, so you can reach most dining, lodging, and the slopes on foot or by gondola. A car is mainly needed for travel beyond the valley. It is one of the most walkable ski towns in Colorado.