Summer in Telluride is Colorado at its Best

Sponsored by Colorado Flights Alliance 

Once touted as “Colorado’s best-kept secret,” Telluride is undoubtedly a secret no more. A national historic landmark district set in a box canyon, Telluride is one of the most unique and beautiful mountain towns in North America. Among Telluride’s headliners is its gondola, the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the U.S., which features a front row seat to Mother Nature from 10,500 feet up. But while many people know Telluride for its skiing, home to one of the country’s top ski resorts, Telluride Ski Resort, it’s just as full of adventure, beauty, and fun events during the summer. This is Colorado at its best. Continue reading as we show you how to do summer in Telluride. 

How To Get To Telluride 

Telluride’s remoteness, hours from a major city, is one of the many things that make it so extraordinary. However, Telluride touts some of the best air service for Rocky Mountain destinations. Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) make it easy to get there. There are direct flights from five major hubs (12 during the winter), including Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago, and Houston, with service on four major airlines, including United, American, Delta and Southwest. From Montrose it’s then a 75-minute drive to Telluride, while Telluride Regional Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown and the Telluride Ski Resort.  

Telluride Express offers shuttle service between Telluride and Montrose Regional Airport, Telluride Regional Airport, and other destinations. Once you arrive, you really don’t need a car to get around town. The town of Telluride itself is just 12 blocks long, making it very walkable, while visitors can catch the free gondola up to Mountain Village.   

Summer Activities In Telluride 

While Telluride is a winter playground for skiers and riders, the town and surrounding mountains really open up during the summer. Hike through wildflower-filled meadows and to the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, bike down high-alpine trails with stunning views, go fly fishing in crystal-clear streams, and paddle on beautiful lakes beneath towering peaks. The never-ending list of activities include horseback riding, ziplining and rappelling with Telluride Canopy Adventure, paddleboarding and kayaking, paragliding, via ferrata, and much more. Those who like the thrill of downhill adventures in the summer as much as they do in the winter should check out the lift-served Telluride Bike Park. It features freeride, technical, and cross-country trails throughout Prospect Basin and the Mountain Village area.  

After a day of adventures, the action takes place in Telluride’s historic downtown and Mountain Village. A trip to Telluride isn’t complete without taking advantage of the gondola, a stunning 12-minute ride which links the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. Both Telluride and Mountain Village are dotted with charming shops, fun cocktail bars, tasting rooms, and great restaurants. Nothing quite compares to patio drinks and dinner at golden hour in Telluride. 

Summer Events 

Telluride’s location, in a box canyon and surrounded by towering mountains, makes it a one-of-a-kind destination for summer events. Some of Telluride’s headlining events include the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, Telluride Film Festival, and Telluride Blues & Brews Festival.  

Start planning your trip at telluride.com.