There are many travelers who think of Telluride as only a winter vacation destination, but there is so much more to our mountain town. As summer draws ever closer, we at Accommodations in Telluride thought we would shine a spotlight on all the Telluride summer activities beyond the hiking trails you can enjoy during your visit.
Scenic Ways to Enjoy Telluride’s Mountain Views
We’ve lived here most of our lives, and the mountains still have the ability to take our breath away. Every time we peer out our windows, drive to our jobs, or sit out on our balconies, we eagerly drink in those views. One of our favorite summer activities in Telluride, Colorado, is simply sightseeing among the peaks.
Riding the Free Gondola for Panoramas and Photo Stop
The Gondola that takes visitors from Mountain Village to the Town of Telluride (and back again) is the first free public transportation system of its kind. The clear glass cars offer unobstructed views of the mountains, the valley, and the town, and guests can ride from top to bottom or stop midway at the San Sophia station. Having your camera in hand is paramount to the success of this ride, and the pictures you take will show you why it’s one of the top Telluride summer activities.
- Operating Dates: May 21 – October 25, 2026
- Hours: 6:30 AM to Midnight daily
Scenic Drives, Viewpoints, and Relaxed Sightseeing Options
Taking a road trip on the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway is another favored summer activity in Telluride, Colorado. There aren’t enough words to describe the beauty of this route, and as you stop at any of the scenic overlooks, you may never want to start up again. Pack a meal to enjoy amid mountains, wildflowers, and blue skies; the San Juan Scenic Viewpoint outside Ridgway is a popular stop.
Music Festivals, Cultural Events, and Community Celebrations
Summer is the season for events and festivals in our mountain town, and as you start planning all the things to do in the summer in Telluride, Colorado, don’t forget to add the events below to your list.
- Mountainfilm Festival, Memorial Day Weekend – Summer begins with the popular documentary film festival, lasting 5 days and showing over 120 documentary films.
- Telluride Food & Vine, Mid-June – Add a taste (and sip) of the town to your Telluride summer activities list by attending this tasty 4-day festival.
- Telluride Plein Air Festival, June/July – The most beautiful towns attract the most talented artists, something you can see for yourself at the Telluride Plein Air Festival.
- Telluride Americana Music Festival, Mid-July – Offering 2 days of music and talent, this celebration of singers and songwriters should not be missed.
- Telluride Film Festival, Labor Day Weekend – Summer ends in much the same way it began, with the Telluride Film Festival taking place over Labor Day weekend. This festival is a celebration of the past, present, and future in films, screening over 60 masterpieces.
Wellness, Yoga, and Low-Impact Outdoor Experiences
There’s always a lot of outdoor fun things to do in the summer in Telluride, Colorado, with yoga and wellness classes rising to the top of the “I have to do it” list. We’ve listed a few of our favorites below.
- Mountain Lodge Telluride, 457 Mountain Village Boulevard – Mountain Lodge Telluride is known for hosting a large number of outdoor drop-in flow classes, many of which are donation-based.
- Pop-Up Riverfront Classes – You may just be lucky enough to come across a pop-up yoga class set up on the banks of the San Miguel River. We can’t give you dates or even the exact place where you will come across one, but when you do, it will feel like winning the yoga lottery.
Water Activities and Guided Adventures
From Elk Lake to the San Miguel River, there are plenty of opportunities to play in the water during your visit. Rafting and SUP tours from Telluride Outside are definitely among the most popular Telluride summer activities.
- Address: 221 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
- Phone: (970) 728-3895
- Guided Rafting Trips
Family-Friendly and Easygoing Summer Activities
Some of your favorite things to do in the summer in Telluride, Colorado, may end up being the activities you engage in during your stay with us. Our homes are designed to be an integral part of your vacation experience, equipped with game rooms, hot tubs, and even home theaters. Stormy nights are rare in Telluride during the summer months but relaxing in leather recliners while eating popcorn and watching a summer blockbuster is a great way to celebrate the rain. And don’t forget about summer barbecues, made more enjoyable when grilling up your own catch of the day from fishing in the San Miguel River.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Breweries with Mountain Views
Here’s a little secret for those who have never visited this part of Colorado before: It is nearly impossible to find a restaurant, café, or brewery (or any other business) that doesn’t offer mountain views! The mountains surround us and are as much a part of our life as our families and homes. But we have listed some of our favorite spots below.
Allred’s
We’ve set the bar pretty high by starting with Allred’s, but not only is the food wonderful, but the views from this spot on the mountain will also make this restaurant one of your favorite Telluride summer activities.
- Address: San Sophia Station, Telluride, CO 81435
- Hours: 3 PM to 9 PM
- Menu
If we had our way, we would enjoy every meal from the patio of The Butcher & The Baker. If you can only visit once, breakfast offers a great way to begin each day in Telluride.
- Address: 201 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
- Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM Monday-Saturday
- 8 AM to 2 PM Sunday
- Menu
Serving the best of Colorado beers with a side of breathtaking mountain views, Stronghouse Brew Pub comes highly recommended.
- Address: 283 S Fir St, Telluride, CO 81435
- Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM
- Menu
Book a Telluride Vacation Rental Close to Events and Easy Activities
Every day deserves to be filled with all the best things to do in the summer in Telluride, Colorado, but it also deserves to be comfortable and luxurious. Reserve your favorite Accommodations in Telluride rental close to all these events and summer activities today!
