15 Epic Things to Do in Telluride

Few places rival the beauty of Telluride, Colorado. Year-round, its stunning scenery and vibrant character make it a destination worth exploring in any season.

Editor's Note: I've been to countless countries and all 50 states and Telluride is one of the most visually spectacular and charming places I've ever been.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite activities and experiences to enjoy throughout the year, giving you endless ways to explore this incredible mountain town.

Telluride Ski Resort is world-renowned for its dramatic scenery, uncrowded slopes, and terrain that suits both beginners and experts. Skiers enjoy panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains while carving through pristine powder. The mountain town’s charming après-ski scene makes each day on the slopes even better.

Best season: February - March once the snow has had a chance to accumulate and create a great base.

At 365 ft (111 m), Bridal Veil is Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, and an unforgettable reward after a scenic climb up the canyon. Visitors marvel at the power of the falls and the historic powerhouse perched atop the cliff. In autumn, golden aspens frame the entire valley.

Best season: Late May – June (for peak water flow) or September – early October (for fall colors)

Over Labor Day weekend, Telluride transforms into a film lover’s paradise. The festival showcases premieres and international films in intimate mountain theaters, often with filmmakers and actors in attendance. Its small-town charm and world-class programming make it one of cinema’s most prestigious events.

Annual Event: Labor Day Weekend

This remote wilderness area offers rugged beauty, solitude, and dramatic peaks, including the striking spire of Lizard Head itself. Hikers and backpackers find alpine meadows, wildflowers, and vast mountain panoramas. It’s ideal for those seeking a backcountry adventure far from the crowds.

Best season: July – September

A Telluride classic, this short but steep loop offers sweeping views over the town, canyon, and surrounding peaks. The mix of aspen groves and open ridgelines makes it especially stunning in the fall. It’s a rewarding quick hike for those wanting epic scenery close to town.

Best season: June – October (peak colors mid-September)

This free-flowing river offers an exhilarating ride through lush canyons and cottonwood forests. Guided trips range from mellow floats to exciting Class III rapids, depending on water levels. Spring snowmelt makes the river wild and thrilling for rafting enthusiasts.

Best season: May – June

For adventurous visitors, Telluride’s frozen waterfalls offer one of Colorado’s most unique winter challenges. Guided ice climbing tours provide safety gear, professional instruction, and access to breathtaking frozen canyons near town. It’s a unique way to experience Telluride’s rugged winter landscape up close.

Best season: December – March

Just outside Telluride, Alta Lakes combine alpine serenity with echoes of the mining era. Paddle, picnic, or photograph the reflective waters surrounded by high peaks, then wander through the nearby ghost town’s weathered cabins. It’s a peaceful escape into the area’s history and wilderness.

Best season: July – September (snow often lingers until mid-summer)

The free gondola connecting Telluride and Mountain Village becomes magical at dusk. As the sun sets behind the jagged peaks, the sky glows in pinks and golds while the town lights begin to twinkle below. It’s a serene, must-do experience for photographers and romantics alike.

Best season: Mid-September for Fall Colors

Held every June in Town Park, this iconic festival fills the valley with world-class music, dancing, and mountain energy. Bluegrass legends and fans from around the globe gather amid alpine peaks for four days of community and song. It’s one of Telluride’s defining cultural experiences.

Annual Event: June

Set in a restored 1890s hospital building, the museum brings Telluride’s mining, ski, and cultural heritage to life. Exhibits, artifacts, and storytelling reveal how this remote town evolved into a world-famous destination. It’s an engaging way to deepen your appreciation of the region.

Best season: Year-round (great rainy-day or off-season activity)

This beloved local trail leads hikers through lush forest to a spectacular waterfall cascading into a granite canyon. The moderately graded path begins right from downtown Telluride, making it perfect for an easy half-day adventure. In spring, snowmelt swells the falls to their most dramatic.

Best season: Late May – June (for peak flow) or September – early October (for fall colors)

In winter, the plaza in Mountain Village turns into a charming outdoor rink lit by string lights. Families, couples, and friends can glide across the ice with music, cocoa, and mountain views all around. It’s a quintessential small-town alpine experience.

Best season: December – February

Located near Ouray (an easy day trip from Telluride), this natural park features a roaring 285-foot waterfall enclosed by towering cliffs. Walkways and bridges take you deep into the canyon for dramatic photo ops and cool mist on summer days. It’s both family-friendly and geologically fascinating.

Best season: May – September

Just under 30 minutes from Telluride, Trout Lake is a high-alpine gem surrounded by forested slopes and snowy peaks. Calm mornings are perfect for paddling across the mirrored water and taking in the mountain silence. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and great for all skill levels.

Best season: June – September

No matter the season, Telluride promises its own unforgettable adventure, from snow-dusted peaks to sunlit trails.