Telluride Summer Vacation Journey

Colorado’s four-seasons beauty is a can’t miss for any traveler’s bucket list. Breathtaking mountain views, crisp mountain air, and a variety of large and small towns that offer a unique experience everywhere you go. Choose Telluride, a place where four-seasons fun is the name of the game, with winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. But you’ve come for the summer fun like festivals, white-water rafting, and hiking and biking through the mountains. It’s the perfect place to find something for everyone: read on about a Telluride summer vacation below.

Day 1:

Telluride Historical Museum

Start your trip by getting the inside scoop on everything Telluride. Explore a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits depict Telluride’s past from Native Americans to Butch Cassidy’s first bank robbery, to the history of the development of the town, and other local historic events.

Historic Telluride

Going hand-in-hand with the museum, wander historic downtown Telluride. Due to its significant role in shaping the history of the American West, the historic downtown area was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. Shop in stores and boutiques, or dine in restaurants, many of which are housed in some of the original buildings that date back to the 1800s.

Day 2:

Shopping

Pick up the perfect souvenir or find the perfect locally made items. Make sure to hit the many shops and boutiques in search of something only found in Telluride. You’re sure to find some interesting treasures and souvenirs to remember the trip. There’s something for everyone. Many of these stores are located inside the historic buildings of Telluride, dating back as far as the 1800s.

Restaurants

Enjoy the many tastes of Telluride! First, start with a ‘food tour’ of town, where you’ll be able to visit local establishments and taste their offerings before settling in for a full meal. Once you and your loved ones have found your favorite locations on the tour, head back to enjoy a full meal.

There are many restaurants offering the most delicious food prepared by brilliant chefs. Deli selections like hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and more join favorites like pizza, burgers, authentic Italian or Thai cuisine, and other tastes. No matter what meal of the day you’re hungry for, you’ll find it in Telluride. There’s a flavor to love and leave you satisfied until the next meal.

Day 3:

Hiking & Biking

Lace up your hiking shoes or rent a bike, grab your sun protection, and plenty of water and trail snacks. Hiking and biking the breathtaking mountains of Telluride and the surrounding area is one of the best things to do in Telluride in summer, and it’s also a great way for everyone of all ages to get in some exercise in the great outdoors. There is a myriad of trails that challenge every skill level from beginner to the most advanced. If you’re not used to thinner mountain air, schedule your hikes 2-3 days after arriving, so you can get used to the thinner air before strenuous exercise.

Day 4:

White Water Rafting

The San Miguel River cuts right through Telluride and offers some more laid-back activities. The calmer waters that pass through Telluride offer paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. But not far from town, the river offers an activity that will get your adrenaline pumping. If you’re a beginner to the rafting experience, the Lower river offers more tame Class II rapids, to get you ready for the more active Class III rapids you’ll also encounter along the journey.

The Upper river is full of Class III and higher rapids that will have your adrenaline pumping nearly non-stop. Companies provide safety gear including life jackets and helmets, and most rafts are six-person vessels. Ask about age restrictions before booking, as some companies may take children as young as six while others may require children to be older.

Day 5:

The Gondola

A trip to Telluride isn’t complete without a ride. The free gondola provides a 13-minute one-way ride full of the beautiful scenery of Telluride from over 10,500 feet. It’s how you’ll access the awesome hiking and biking trails at the mid-point, San Sophia Station. You can also choose to just ride to the top. Load yourself and your gear onto the gondola in Telluride or nearby Mountain Village. The fully enclosed, climate-controlled cars take you on a ride all the way to the top. Operating hours are daily, 6:30 a.m. – midnight.

Any Day

Festivals

Telluride is the self-proclaimed “Summer Festival Capital of Colorado.” That means there are a variety of festivals to choose from all summer long. Plan your whole Telluride summer vacation around your favorite celebration, or just make sure a day is part of your itinerary. These festivals may fall any day, or every day of your trip – meaning you can plan on attending a specific day or every day. It’s up to you!

Summer Fun in Telluride

As you plan all of your must-do Telluride summer activities, make sure to book a vacation rental with Lodging In Telluride. We offer efficiency-style homes all the way up to six-bedroom homes for a summer getaway the whole family will love, close to all the best things to do in Telluride in summer.

Prepare a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen, then stretch out and relax in a private bedroom or open living space. Step outside and enjoy private spaces like patios, decks, or balconies.