A house perched atop a cliff with a waterfall flowing nearby, surrounded by lush greenery.

A Curated Guide by The Staff

Things To Do in Telluride

There is an abundance of year-round activities to do in Telluride. Those seeking adventure can partake in hiking, biking, fishing, golfing and of course, skiing and snowboarding. The world-renowned Telluride Ski Resort offers some of the most sought-after ski terrain in North America, which is perfect for beginners and experts alike. If you prefer to be part of a group activity or want to leave logistics to an expert, there are guides available for Jeep tours, rafting excursions, fly-fishing and climbing (rock and ice)! Two of the newest activities to try are paddling the San Miguel or high alpine lake on a SUP board and crossing the Via Ferrata, a path of iron rungs 200 feet off the ground! Whatever level of activity you desire, the Hotel Columbia staff is happy to assist.

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  • A picturesque waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery and clear skies.
    • Summer activities

    Hiking at Bear Creek Falls

    Scenic views of the rugged cliffs

    Bear Creek Falls is a beloved local trail in Telluride. This popular trail is well-marked and begins right in the town of Telluride on South Pine Street. Follow the trail 2.5 miles (one-way) past meadows, forests and cairns to the spectacular waterfall!

  • Aerial view of a mountain town with ski slopes in the background.
    • Summer activities

    Hiking at Jud Wiebe

    One of the first hikes to become clear of snow

    The Jud Wiebe is another local favorite in Telluride! This hike is short but steep and provides panoramic views of Telluride all the way from Ajax Peak to the Valley Floor. It begins at North Aspen Street (there is also a short hike to Cornet Falls that departs from here) and is a 3-mile loop back to the beginning point. You can also begin the opposite way and hike counter-clockwise.

  • A hiker stands amidst vibrant wildflowers with misty mountains in the background.
    • Summer activities

    Hiking Sneffels Highline Trail

    12.4-mile out-and-back trail

    For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Sneffels Highline Trail is a great place to start. This 13-mile loop is an all-day hike that departs right from the Jud Wiebe Trailhead. Take the Wiebe until you see the signs for Deep Creek Trail and follow that trail to the Mill Creek mining ruins. There is a 3,520-foot gain on this difficult hike, but the views are definitely worth it!

  • A mountain village sign with a cyclist, trees in autumn colors, clear blue sky.
    • Summer activities

    Biking at Mountain Village Bike Park

    Lift-served with a variety of interconnected trails

    The Mountain Village Bike Park is world-class! Located in Mountain Village off of the gondola, riders can descend the 1,000-foot drop or take in jumps, 30-plus berms and more! Plus, the newly-constructed bike park features 15 trails and 17 miles of terrain that will appeal to a variety of ages, skill and interests. Riders can access the new terrain via Lift 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for a fee.

  • A person is riding a bike through a sunlit meadow with trees in the background.
    • Summer activities

    Biking at Valley Floor

    3 mile popular blue singletrack trail

    The Valley Floor is another great place to get some riding in. While not nearly as vertical as the Mountain Village Bike Park, it does offer some amazing scenery on a more casual ride. Watch out for our elk neighbors, who can often be spotted grazing!

  • A modified truck carrying tourists on a dusty mountain road.
    • Summer activities

    Jeep Tours

    Take an exciting trip on the edge!

    If you'd rather sit back, relax and enjoy the views of a Jeeping excursion, leave it to the experts in Telluride. We have teamed up with several local guided companies to give you the best Jeep tours around Telluride. The best part? Every guide is extremely knowledgable and will be able to tell you key parts of Telluride's storied mining history.

  • Rugged mountain road with a red vehicle's hood, surrounded by greenery under a sunny sky.
    • Summer activities

    Rent Your Own 4x4 Vehicle

    A premier destination for four-wheel and ATV enthusiasts

    Sometimes you just want to get out there on your own. Instead of being led around by a tour guide all day, rent a Jeep or other 4x4 vehicle and explore on your own! We know the best companies in town to rent from, so don't hesitate to ask your Hotel Columbia concierge about booking a Jeep tour.

  • A person paddleboarding on a river with trees and mountains in the background.
    • Summer activities

    SUPing at the San Miguel River

    Get out on the water!

    You don't have to go very far to enjoy paddleboarding in Telluride. The San Miguel River is a popular spot to float and paddle but also offers a few rushing rapids for an added adventure. Leave from the town of Telluride and disembark right before the roundabout for the best trip!

  • A person is paddleboarding on a tranquil lake with mountains in the background.
    • Summer activities

    SUPing at Alpine Lakes

    Calm, scenic and relaxing

    SUPing in some of the nearby alpine lakes is both scenic and relaxing. These calm lakes make great spots for stand-up paddleboarding solo or with a group.

  • A person stands fishing in a serene lake surrounded by lush trees under a blue sky.
    • Summer activities

    Fly Fishing

    Our Favorite Rivers

    • Uncompahgre River - This stunning river is dam-controlled with access eight miles north of Ridgway, or less than an hour from Telluride. This river has an impressive supply of Pale Morning Dun mayfly hatches and the lower sections have a healthy brown trout population.
    • Upper Dolores River - The start of the Dolores river lies just south of Telluride near Lizard Head Pass and the Wilson mountain range. This river is fed by plenty of cutthroat and brook trout streams, making the fishing quite special with plenty of variety.
  • A person stands on a cliff edge with arms outstretched, overlooking a verdant valley bathed in sunlight.
    • Summer activities

    Via Ferrata & Rock Climbing

    A Legendary Experience in Telluride - the Via Ferrata

    Telluride's Via Ferrata is a must-do experience while in our beautiful box canyon. It's definitely not for anyone scared of heights or who doesn't love adventure - the most intense part of it will have you suspended 500 feet above the valley floor from iron rungs. If you're not feeling confident in your skills to do it alone, the Hotel Columbia concierge can assist in booking you a trip with a local guide.

  • Two climbers with gear stand by a cliff with a scenic mountain backdrop and waterfall.
    • Summer activities

    Via Ferrata & Rock Climbing

    Rock Climbing in Telluride

    While Telluride's Via Ferrata gets a lot of love, there are plenty of other amazing rock climbing adventures in the area that are worth taking a look at. Some of our favorites include:

    • Ophir Wall - This is a classic area with multi-pitch traditional climbing with some bolder routes put in as well.
    • Bridal Veil Falls Walls - This area offers great single and multi-pitch bolted routes all from the same trail. Many moderate routes exist.
    • Pipeline Wall - Located under the Via Ferrata route, this offers bolt-protected conglomerate pulling that is mostly single pitch.
  • A white horse with a bridle, standing by a wooden structure.
    • Summer activities

    Horseback Riding

    Giddy Up!

    Horseback riding in Telluride is a local favorite! With millions of acres of national forest surrounding Telluride, the opportunities to explore are endless! Embark on a trip with a local tour guide and spend a half day, full day or even an overnight trip alongside your horse.

  • A horse-drawn wagon on a mountain road with a person and a moonlit sky.
    • Summer activities

    Wagon Rides

    If you're looking to get aboard a horse in a different way, wagon rides are perfect! Telluride Sleighs and Wagons and Telluride Wranglers both offer wagon rides with stunning views just outside of town and the Hotel Columbia concierge would be more than happy to set up a ride for you. Whether you prefer a classic ride or an upscale ride to dinner on a historic sheep ranch, this is one experience you don't want to miss!

  • People are white-water rafting on a river, navigating through rapids.
    • Summer activities

    Whitewater Rafting

    Our Favorite Places

    Telluride offers a variety of rafting in the immediate area. Whether you prefer a more low-key outing or something for more experienced river rats, there's something for everyone! Choose from half-day, full-day or multi-day trips with overnight stays along the waterways.

    • San Miguel River - Class II and III located just minutes from Telluride
    • Dolores River - Class II, III and IV near Telluride
    • Gunnison River - Class I-IV located 1.5 hours from Telluride
    • Upper Animas - Class II-V located near Silverton
  • Golfers on a putting green with a mountainous backdrop.
    • Summer activities

    Golfing

    A Course With a View

    This par-70 course is one of the highest in the world. Plus, the high altitude will help out your game - there is less resistance during flight, which leads to longer drives. First opened in 1992, the golf season in Telluride generally runs from the end of May to the beginning of October. Tee times are available to the public from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., which your concierge can arrange for you.

    Other nearby courses:

    • Divide Ranch and Club - Ridgway
    • Black Canyon Golf Club - Montrose
    • Bridges Golf and Country Club - Montrose
    • Cornerstone Club - Montrose
    • Conquistador Golf Course - Cortez