Hiking
Go forest bathing on an easy day hike or challenge yourself with more technical mountain terrain. Hiking to nearby Bear Creek Falls or Prospect Trail is a highlight of the summer. Gaze at star-filled skies on an overnight backpacking trip and look out for wildlife, including elk, beavers, raccoons, eagles and deer.
Easy Trails
- River Trail
- Description: A scenic, relatively flat trail that follows the San Miguel River through the heart of Telluride. Great for families and those looking for a leisurely walk.
- Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
- Bear Creek Trail
- Description: A popular and well-maintained trail that leads to the beautiful Bear Creek Falls. Suitable for beginners and families.
- Distance: 5.1 miles (round trip)
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail (Base)
- Description: A shorter version of the trail leading to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado.
- Distance: 1.8 miles (round trip)
Moderate Trails
- Jud Wiebe Trail
- Description: A loop trail that offers great views of Telluride and the surrounding mountains. Some steep sections but manageable for most hikers.
- Distance: 3.1 miles (round trip)
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail (Full)
- Description: This trail continues past the base of the falls to the top, offering stunning views but with a more significant elevation gain.
- Distance: 4.2 miles (round trip)
- Wasatch Trail
- Description: A beautiful trail that provides access to the high country above Telluride, including alpine meadows and stunning vistas.
- Distance: 9 miles (round trip)
Hard Trails
- Sneffels Highline Trail
- Description: A challenging loop trail that offers spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. Requires good fitness and hiking experience.
- Distance: 13 miles (round trip)
- Ajax Peak
- Description: A steep and strenuous hike to the summit of Ajax Peak, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of Telluride and the surrounding peaks.
- Distance: 5 miles (round trip)
- Hope Lake Trail
- Description: A demanding trail leading to the picturesque Hope Lake, with significant elevation gain and rugged terrain.
- Distance: 7 miles (round trip)
Secret Gems
- Waterfall Canyon Trail
- Description: A lesser-known trail leading to a serene canyon with waterfalls. Less crowded and offers a peaceful hiking experience.
- Distance: 4.5 miles (round trip)
- Blue Lake Trail
- Description: This trail leads to the stunning Blue Lake, tucked away in the high mountains. It's a hidden gem for those seeking solitude.
- Distance: 11 miles (round trip)
- Ballard Mountain Trail
- Description: A more secluded and challenging hike up Ballard Mountain, providing amazing views and a sense of adventure.
- Distance: 10 miles (round trip)
Each of these trails offers a unique experience, showcasing the natural beauty of Telluride. Remember to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, and always carry adequate supplies, including water, snacks, and appropriate clothing.
Via Ferrata
Leave the town of Telluride in the distance and get a bird’s-eye view of Bridal Veil Falls — Colorado’s highest free-falling waterfall — as you ascend along steel cables secured 600 feet above the forest floor.
Road of Iron: Telluride's Via Ferrata
Telluride's Via Ferrata is not for the faint-hearted. At its most intense, you're suspended on a small iron foothold by a harness at 500 feet. The newly-legal climbing route is technical, breathtaking, and exposed on the East end and South-facing wall of Telluride's boxed canyon. If you decide to partake in this incredible experience, please be safe! We highly recommend utilizing one of our guides to tackle the trip.
GUIDES
More Information
- Difficulty: Experts Only; Guide Recommended
- Duration: 4-5+ Hours
- Distance: 2+ Miles
- Elevation Gain: 859 feet
- Required: Via Ferrata lanyards, harness, helmet
- Additional: Route is traversed from East to West
Embark on this adventure for a heart-pounding, awe-inspiring journey through Telluride's majestic landscape.
Fly Fishing
Catch brown and rainbow trout in the peaceful rivers, streams, and lakes nearby. Telluride is home to some of the best float and fly fishing in Colorado. Anglers of any age and skill level can book a half-day Fly-Fishing Adventures trip in the San Miguel or Upper Dolores or a full-day outing to the Umcompahgre River with Telluride Outside.
Fly fishing in Telluride offers an unparalleled experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fly fishing adventure in Telluride.
Best Places to Fish
- San Miguel River: Flowing right through Telluride, the San Miguel River offers excellent fishing for brown and rainbow trout. The river’s cold, clear waters provide a serene and productive fishing environment.
- Uncompahgre River: Located a short drive from Telluride, this river offers prime fishing spots, particularly around Ridgeway State Park. The tailwaters below Ridgeway Reservoir are particularly popular for their trophy-sized trout.
- Upper Dolores River: Known for its scenic beauty and solitude, the Upper Dolores River provides an excellent opportunity for catching trout in a less crowded environment.
- High Country Lakes: Several alpine lakes around Telluride, such as Hope Lake and Alta Lakes, offer unique fly fishing experiences amidst stunning mountain scenery. These lakes are great for those looking for a more remote fishing adventure.
Fly Fishing Tips
- Best Time to Fish: The prime fly fishing season in Telluride runs from late spring through early fall, with the peak season being June to September. Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the best times to fish.
- Gear and Flies: For the San Miguel River and similar streams, a 4-5 weight rod is ideal. Common flies include Blue Winged Olives, Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, and various nymphs and streamers depending on the season.
- Regulations: Always check local fishing regulations before heading out. This includes knowing the bag limits, size limits, and catch-and-release rules. Ensure you have a valid Colorado fishing license.
Local Fly Fishing Guides
- Telluride Outside
- Website: Telluride Outside
- Services: Offers guided fly fishing trips on the San Miguel, Dolores, and Uncompahgre Rivers, as well as alpine lake excursions.
- RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service
- Website: RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service
- Services: Located in Ridgway, RIGS offers guided trips on local rivers and high mountain lakes, as well as gear rentals and fly fishing classes.
Additional Information
- Accommodations: Mountain Lodge Telluride offers luxurious accommodations with easy access to prime fishing spots. The lodge can also help arrange guided trips and provide local tips.
Packing Essentials: Besides your fishing gear, pack appropriate clothing for changing weather, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. A good pair of polarized sunglasses can help you spot fish more easily.
4WD Tours
Drive through secluded scenic routes only accessible on a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Explore backcountry roads through the historic mining areas, abandoned railroad routes, dusty ghost towns, and high country mountain passes of the San Juan Mountains with Telluride Offroad Adventures, Telluride Outfitters, or Telluride Outside.
Hot Springs
Relax in the invigorating waters of nearby hot springs. Ease your sore muscles after a day of hiking, biking, and offroading, and elevate your experience with a pampering treatment.
Orvis Hot Springs | 50-minute drive
Clothing optional destination with massage services and tend and vehicle camping.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center | 1-hour drive
Family-friendly five-pool complex with lap lanes, waterslides, a climbing wall, and an inflatable obstacle course
Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa | 2-hour, 15-minute drive
A sprawling campus with 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools, eight private Japanese-inspired cedar soaking tubs, a reflexology walking path, and a mineral water rain tower, as well as a full-service spa
Whitewater Rafting
Brace yourself for an adrenaline rush rafting Telluride’s scenic waterways. From leisurely floats to raging rapids, booking a guided rafting trip with Telluride Outfitters or Further Adventures is the ideal way to welcome the spring melt.
- Half Day River Trips
- Historical River Tours
- Full Day River Trips
- Self-Guided Rafting
- Overnight Rafting Trips
- Rafting Gear Rentals
Summer Horseback Riding
Saddle up for a trail ride through forested canyon byways and majestic alpine peaks on horseback. Guided all-day riding tours, afternoon trail rides, chuck wagon dinner rides, and overnight camping are offered by a number of trusted local outfitters.
- Ride with Roudy Adventure
- Circle K Ranch
- Telluride Wranglers
Canopy Tours
Coast across the alpine sky on a zip line 140 feet above the evergreen forest. Reach new heights as you stroll across aerial bridges and rappel off a rock face on an exhilarating canopy adventure.
Contact the Concierge to book your canopy adventure- 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Glide across Alta, Trout Lake, or Wild Boy Lake on a family friendly SUP outing. Guided instructional tours are offered daily by Telluride Outside with door-to-door transportation service.
It’s Snow Time
Take in Telluride’s iconic scenery from the 8,750-foot summit. As one of the country's most spectacular ski and snowboard destinations, the resort offers 66 ski trails, challenging moguls, and peaceful backcountry trails.
Heli-Skiing
Fly up to the most pristine mountain terrain. Offering exclusive fly-in access to the most high-altitude powder in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Helitrax guides take skiers and snowboarders on an amazing helicopter tour to the downhill adventure of their lives. By appointment only.
- Single-Day, Multi-Day, and Custom Tours
- Backcountry Ski Tours
- Semi-Private Tours
- Scenic Helicopter Flights
Ice Skating
Rent a pair of skates and enjoy the indoor and outdoor ice rinks at Town Park. Lessons from experienced teachers are also available.
Contact our Concierge for more information on local ice skating rinks. 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com
Snowmobiling
Take off on a single or double-rider snowmobile on a guided trail through spectacular scenery. Head to Alta Ghost Town and learn about the old mining days just five minutes from Mountain Village. Book a romantic full-day tour to a natural hot spring in the historic town of Dunton. Or brave ungroomed trails on a backcountry tour through remote high-alpine settings. This is your adventure. Open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Contact our Concierge for more information on local ice skating rinks. 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com
Nordic Center
Visit the Nordic Center in Telluride Town Park and explore the scenic winter landscapes of Town Park, Trout Lake, Mountain Village, and Priest Lake on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Take skiing and snowshoeing clinics, pick up ski trail maps, rent snow sleds, or learn about fun family events like the Butch Cassidy Ski Chase and Nordic Fun Day. Open daily from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., mid-November through March.
Contact our Concierge for more information on local ice skating rinks. 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com
Sleigh Rides
Make lasting memories aboard a private horse-drawn sleigh ride through the historic Aldasoro family ranch. Top off the enchanting experience with a delicious Basque dinner in the ranch’s warm, rustic cabin.
Contact our concierge to book a sleigh ride with Telluride Sleigh's and Wagons. 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com.
Hot Springs
Soak away your aches and stress in a natural hot spring. From casual, family style mineral pools to upscale spa-ready destinations, these are hot oases in a winter wonderland.
Orvis Hot Springs | 50-minute drive
Clothing optional destination with massage services and tent and vehicle camping.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center | 1-hour drive
Family-friendly five-pool complex with lap lanes, waterslides, a climbing wall, and an inflatable obstacle course
Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa | 2-hour, 15-minute drive
A sprawling campus with 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools, eight private Japanese-inspired cedar soaking tubs, a reflexology walking path, and a mineral water rain tower, as well as a full-service spa
Fat-Tire Biking
Make tracks over snow-covered trails on a fat-tire bike ride. Rent a bike for a leisurely outing or book a guided tour with Paragon Bootdoctors.
Contact our Concierge for more information on local ice skating rinks. 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com.
Winter Horseback Riding
Be ready for a bracing trail ride through the San Juan Mountain landscape. A number of guided tours are offered by trusted local outfitters.
Contact our Concierge for more information on local ice skating rinks. 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com
Snowshoeing
Get your steps in with seasonally appropriate footwear. Snowshoeing is an easy, fun activity the whole family can enjoy. Rent snowshoes at the Nordic Center and head off on a leisurely trail or book a guided nature hike at TopATen (at the top of chair lift 10 on Telluride Ski Resort).
Contact our Concierge for more information on local ice skating rinks. 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com
Dog-Sled Tours
Feel your heartbeat race as you grab firm hold of a sled and let a team of dogs guide the way. Primal, ancient, and surprisingly serene, touring the backwoods on a dog-sled is a powerful way to experience nature at its finest.
Contact our concierge for more information on local dog sled tours. 970-369-6116 or concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com.