Outdoor Activities

MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES

Now more than ever, Telluride’s beautiful backyard stands ready to comfort and recharge body, mind and spirit.

FISHING

Telluride is an enthusiast’s paradise in every season, offering a different experience for fishing throughout the region. From the Dolores River to the easily accessible San Miguel River to the many area ponds and lakes, there is a fishing adventure for everyone. Local guides know the ins and outs of the area’s rivers and streams, offering guided tours and invaluable advice about flies and water complexities.

4X4 OFF ROAD

Telluride’s mining days carved a string of roads into the San Juan Mountains over 100 years ago. Today, those same routes offer access to the high country as experienced guides lead tours over mountain passes past ghost towns and high alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and wildlife. Explore the rugged beauty of the area on one of the many 4x4 tours over Imogene Pass to the old mining camp of Tomboy or over Ophir Pass to the town of Silverton.

TOWN PARK

A hub of activity year-round, Telluride Town Park is home to family fun in a beautiful setting. In the summer, you’ll find softball fields, tennis courts, the Imagination Station, a skateboard park, a six-lane pool. and more. Walks to upper and lower Bear Creek Falls can be accessed from the park, which is also the venue for many of the town’s festivals. As the snow melts, area lakes, streams and rivers become playgrounds for river rafting, kayaking and tubing.

Melissa Plantz

Ryan Bonneau Josh King Photography

Noah Gregory

HORSEBACK / WAGON RIDES

Horseback riding in the San Juans is a favorite memory-maker for families. Have an Old West experience by riding through aspen groves and alpine meadows on horseback. Outfitters offer guided daytime outings, half-day trail rides and overnight trips. Or try a wagon ride followed by a gourmet dinner served outdoors. Altogether an unforgettable experience.

Ryan Bonneau

ROCK CLIMBING

Routes and boulders for all abilities in the greater Telluride region include jagged peaks and extensive wall faces that provide a variety of climbing and bouldering opportunities. For those learning the sport or seeking instruction, a number of guide services are available and local maps, information and gear can be found at many sport shops. The Telluride Mountain Club reminds climbers of all abilities that many climbs, in particular the Via Ferrata, require technical climbing abilities and appropriate gear. BIKING

The Telluride region provides a striking backdrop for road and mountain bikers with a variety of terrain for all abilities. Mountain bikers will find challenging trails that explore old mining roads and basins high above the box canyon and ski resort, as well as moderate trails on former railroad tracks. Another exciting option is the newly expanded bike park on the Telluride Ski Resort. Road riding is popular along the scenic San Juan Skyway.

Melissa Plantz Ryan Bonneau

HIKING / RUNNING

Trails weaving throughout the mountains afford hikers a quick jaunt to a nearby waterfall or an opportunity to spend the day traversing high-alpine-terrain, uncovering old mining ruins and viewing wildflowers. The trail system in the region has extensive options, including short strolls, day hikes or overnight backpacking adventures into the high country. Both the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village have trails that lead out of town in all directions, where hikers can experience the cool mountain air and unrivaled scenery.

Before any hike, consult trail descriptions and a map, check weather and be prepared. Remember, too, to take good care of Telluride’s beautiful backyard by disposing of pet waste and trash properly and avoiding single-use plastics, which are more likely than reusables to be left behind.

Photos by Ryan Bonneau

Courtesy of Telluride Outfitters

RZRs

RZRs are small recreational off-road vehicles with options for one, two or four riders. They are also a lot of fun. Local outfitters offer half-day tours of the backcountry for first-timers as well as experienced four-wheelers, with activities to suit all tastes and levels. Buckle up and have a blast.

FAVORITE HIKES

RIDGE TRAIL This trail offers two options. Ride the Gondola to Station St. Sophia and take the trail down to Mountain Village. Or, start in the Village and hike up to Station San Sophia. There you can opt to go higher still via See Forever or use Telluride Trail to head down — steeply at times — to the town of Telluride. Jaw-dropping views and peaceful switchbacks through aspen forest await.

JUD WIEBE Starting at the Cornet Creek Bridge on North Aspen Street, the Wiebe is a 3-mile-long loop that vigorously climbs about 1,200 feet to a summit ridge with rewarding, panoramic views that encompass not just Telluride below, but also Bridal Veil Falls, the valleys above Bear Creek and the Telluride Ski Resort.

BEAR CREEK This popular hike is about 4.5 miles roundtrip. Starting at South Pine Street, the beautiful double track takes you into Bear Creek Canyon, gaining 1,050 feet in elevation on its way to a cascading waterfall at the base of Wasatch Basin, itself a gateway to longer hikes.

SNEFFELS HIGHLINE At 13

miles long and with an elevation gain of 2,274 feet, the challenging Sneffels Highline is best accessed by getting on the Wiebe at North Aspen, taking the left at the top of the third switchback to Mill Creek and heading north at the sign. Ascend through aspens and steeply crisscross a scree field before topping out at a 12,000-foot ridge and descending through a valley lush with wildflowers.