Telluride is a world-famous destination for winter travel. Have you ever visited Telluride during the off-season? If you only visit this marvelous mountain town when it is cold outside, then you’re missing out on a lot of fun! Fall is gorgeous in Telluride. On top of the scenery, many of the town’s best festivals and activities can be enjoyed in fall. With smaller crowds and more affordable travel rates, there is a lot to love about fall travel in Telluride. Here are a few reasons to travel to Telluride this fall.
Smaller Crowds
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Telluride during the fall is the convenience of off-season travel. The crowds are sparse in Colorado’s top ski towns during the fall ahead of ski season. This means you'll have more space to enjoy the mountains and less traffic on the roads! It is easy to make the most of your visit. The prices are also a lot lower, so you’ll likely find great discounts on restaurants, activities, and transportation. The savings are helpful to have when you’re adventuring around this normally expensive town. In the fall, you can take advantage of all that Telluride has to offer without waiting in long lines or breaking the bank!
Fall Foliage
The fall foliage in Telluride is breathtaking. Set in a box canyon in the Rocky Mountains, the town is surrounded by endless beauty. The fall season amplifies the beauty! As the aspen trees change color, the mountainsides come alive with vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The sea of colors is astonishing!
There are many great places to go leaf-peeping while you’re in Telluride. Some of the best spots include the San Juan Skyway, Lizard Head Wilderness, and Last Dollar Road. You’ll see fall foliage everywhere, though. No matter where you are in town, you’re guaranteed to see colorful leaves!
Hiking is my favorite way to immerse myself in the fall foliage, but you can also opt to take in the views on a scenic drive, while horseback riding, or while on a gondola!
The Great Outdoors
Whether you’re a fan of the fall foliage or not, you should definitely spend some time exploring the Great Outdoors in Telluride this fall. This time of year, the weather is awesome for outdoor activities. The days are warm and sunny, with highs typically sitting in the mid-50s and low 60s. The weather doesn’t get much better for those looking to engage in hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities!
Telluride is surrounded by stunning scenery. Be sure to take some time to explore local nature. It is a shame to miss out on the landscape while you’re in town!
The fishing in Telluride is phenomenal in the fall. The fish are more active at this time, and the mild weather means that fishing is more enjoyable. You’ll catch more fish and have a better time doing so! Some of the best fishing spots in the area include Uncompahgre River, Dolores River, and Gold Medal Streams. The San Miguel River is the most popular fishing destination in Telluride. You’ll find lots of trout there!
If you like to golf, then you’ll be happy to know that fall is the perfect time to hit the links. The nice weather and smaller crowds make it easy to enjoy an afternoon on the green. Telluride Golf Club is among the highest elevation golf courses in the world and is worth checking out if you’re looking for a unique experience. Divide Ranch Golf Club is another popular course near Telluride.
Fall Festivals
There are plenty of festivals and events that take place in and near Telluride during the fall season. Some of the top events include Telluride Blues & Brews Festival (September 15-17, 2023), Telluride Autumn Classic (September 21-24, 2023), and Telluride Horror Show (October 13-15, 2023). Events and festivals like these are excellent ways to get to know local culture. Keep an eye out for other exciting events. You never know what fun stuff will take place while you’re in town!
No matter what you choose to do in Telluride this fall, you're sure to have a great time. The beautiful scenery, the mild weather, and the abundance of outdoor activities make Colorado a fantastic destination for a fall getaway. Be sure to come back in the winter, when ski season returns!
