Telluride may have built a reputation as a winter wonderland, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have just as much to offer in the summer! As the snow clears out, the trails open up, and nature comes to life, you’ll discover a whole other side to the magical mountain town. While winter is ideal for snow sports, summer gives you the chance to have exciting adventures throughout Telluride’s many beautiful parks. You can hike, bike, and climb all through the season! But with so many parks, how can you decide where to begin? We’ve curated a list of can’t-miss parks and trails around town so that you can have the best, most adventurous summer ever!
Uncompahgre National Forest
Together, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests cover 3 million acres of land in Colorado. The landscape is made up of plateaus, peaks, and canyons. Trails in the forests range from beginner level to extreme, so everyone can comfortably enjoy the forest- and with more than 3500 miles of trails, you’ll have no shortage of hikes to tackle! If you’re based in Telluride, then you’ll have plenty of options for adventures throughout Uncompahgre National Forest.
We recommend…
- Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail (hard, 1213 ft elevation gain, 3.1 miles, loop)
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail (moderate, 826 ft elevation gain, 2 miles, out-and-back)
- Hope Lake Trail (moderate, 1515 ft elevation gain, 6 miles, out-and-back)
- Telluride River Trail (easy, 252 ft elevation gain, 4.1 miles, out-and-back)
Select a trail that interests you and that suits your skill level and you’re sure to have a terrific time! To see more trails in Uncompahgre National Forest, visit AllTrails.
Within Uncompahgre, there are a few wilderness areas that are worth checking out.
Lizard Head Wilderness
Lizard Head Wilderness, which lies astride the San Juan Mountains, is the perfect place for mountaineers. Wilson Peak (14,017'), Mt Wilson (14,246'), and El Diente (14,159') are all located here. If you’re an experienced hiker who likes a good challenge, then you might be interested in hiking to the summit of Lizard Head Peak. This hike is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in Colorado and takes a lot of skill to successfully traverse. For a more moderate hike, try Cross Mountain Trail. More hikes in Lizard Head can be viewed on AllTrails.
Mt. Sneffels Wilderness
Mt. Sneffels Wilderness, which covers 16,587 acres near Telluride, is exceptionally rugged. With only 15 miles of constructed trails, this is a superb destination for backcountry hikers. With treacherous climbs and rocky trails, this is another spot that is best reserved for well-trained hikers. It isn’t all dangerous though! Hikers with less experience who want to visit the wilderness can hike Last Dollar Road. This easy, point-to-point trail cuts through 13.3 miles of beautiful wilderness. For more trails at Mt. Sneffels, visit AllTrails.
Bear Creek Preserve
Bear Creek Preserve is a small, wild area with a lot to offer. It is only 320 acres, but it is home to the top-rated trail in all of Telluride! Bear Creek Trail follows a wide dirt track through aspen and conifer forest to Bear Creek Canyon, providing hikers with gorgeous views. The moderate trail is 4.5 miles, out-and-back, and features an elevation gain of 1092 feet. For a more challenging hike, you can pair Bear Creek Trail with Wasatch or an extension to Gold Hill. Details on the hiking options in this preserve can be viewed on AllTrails.
Public Parks
Not all of the parks in Telluride are rugged. Traveling with kids? There are plenty of playgrounds and family-friendly public parks to visit!
Telluride Town Park is a popular summer destination. Here, visitors can enjoy a public outdoor pool, athletic facilities, sand volleyball, a skate park, a fishing pond, a toddler playground, and more.
If you’re looking for playgrounds, then there are two outstanding options- Meadows Playground and Sunset Plaza Playground. The kids will love them!
Do you have a favorite park or outdoors space to visit during the summer in Telluride? Share it with us in the comments!
