Things To Do in Telluride

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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