There’s a time in Telluride where the climate doesn’t react the way you think it might. The days are a little shorter, the nights a little longer, and the air feels soft, gentle, and welcoming as summer nears its final days. Early fall in Telluride is one of our favorite times of year, and today, we want to share its magic with our favorite people.
Discover the Magic of Early Fall
Summer’s unofficial end is the close of Labor Day weekend. The calendar shows there are still at least a few weeks left, but in Telluride, the landscape will start to change. Visitors who stay will enjoy an authentic Telluride experience, perhaps getting to know our mountain town even better than a visitor during peak season.
Restaurant wait times will be shorter, as will lines for the chairlifts and the Telluride Gondola, all of which remain open in preparation for leaf-peeping. Prices drop, and that dream Telluride summer rental you’ve been eyeing? It will probably be available, even at the last moment, because the crowds have left for the season.
Fall Colors, Scenic Rides, and Mountain Views
Fall in Telluride brings new experiences, including gondola rides above the changing leaves, peaceful drives along scenic byways, and mountain views that occasionally feature snowcapped peaks. If you have the time, we suggest exploring the San Juan Skyway (the segment from Ouray to Silverton is referred to as the Million Dollar Highway), a 236-mile-long loop that takes you through the mountains and offers the most stunning views of dramatic canyons that will be filled with the fiery beauty of fall foliage. If you can’t drive the whole thing, you can still drive the portion nearest Telluride and fall in love with its dramatic views. The days will still be warm, the nights will be crisp and clear, and the warmth felt in our fall rentals in Telluride will be cozy and real.
Hiking and Outdoor Exploration
The beginning of fall is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you come for a late-summer journey to experience the changing of the season or visit later in the fall, there are plenty of reasons to get outdoors.
Bear Creek Falls Trail
Bear Creek Falls Trail stretches out just under 5 miles, taking hikers to Bear Creek Falls. This trail can be accessed from the end of South Pine Street. This trail is also popular with bikers. And although this waterfall is surrounded by pine trees, you will still catch glimpses of changing trees during your hike.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,095 feet
- Trail Map
Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail
This loop trail offers views of the town, the canyons, and the aspen trees that turn brilliant gold or orange in the fall. Named after a local forest ranger who helped form our extensive trail system, a hike along this path will give you an authentic peek into Telluride’s natural beauty.
- Difficulty: Moderate (Hard to Difficult in winter)
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,233 feet
- Trail Map
Climbing the Via Ferrata
For the daredevils amongst our guests, rock climbing is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. Via Ferrata translates to “iron trail” and refers to the iron handholds bolted to the mountain. Head to the east end of Telluride’s box canyon in the direction of Bridal Veil Falls. Park near the mine settling ponds and hike about 2 miles up the trail to find the entry point to the Via Ferrata. This is not for beginners, and if you would like to try it but aren’t too sure about doing it on your own, Telluride Tour Base offers guided tours that provide all the gear you need to climb safely.
Seasonal Events and Outdoor Dining
Telluride Film Festival
The summer season ends with one of our more popular festivals, the Telluride Film Festival, featuring over 50 films, high-profile premieres, workshops, film talks, and more. Labor Day weekend is film festival weekend, and movie fans will be able to rub shoulders with the glitterati who attend. The movies will be shown in various venues around Telluride.
Chop House Restaurant at the New Sheridan
The patio of the Chop House Restaurant is where you want to be in early fall in Telluride for an elegant dining experience—and possibly the bison ribeye in the state! Providing stunning views and serving up some very exciting wines, Chop House is a popular dining opportunity, especially when you have a special occasion to celebrate.
- Address: 231 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
- Hours:
- Brunch: 9 AM to 2 PM Thursday-Monday
- Dinner: 5:30 PM to 9 PM daily
- Dinner Menu
Floradora Saloon
Billed as Telluride’s Original Restaurant, the Floradora Saloon offers an expansive outdoor patio on which you can enjoy people watching as you eat. Its menu is huge, and it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While it is often thought of as the perfect après-ski spot, we think you will love it in any season, including late summer/early fall.
- Address: 103 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
- Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM Monday-Friday
- 10 AM to 9 PM Saturday-Sunday
- Menu
Allred’s Restaurant
The ultimate in fine dining restaurants, Allred’s sits high on the mountain and is accessed by the Telluride Gondola. Its patio views will change your life, offering breathtaking views of the mountain. The menu changes with the season, but in the summer months and early fall, you can expect a savory dining experience featuring lighter favorites such as chicken ballotine and cauliflower soup. For an extra-delicious and authentic Telluride dining experience, try the 3-course tasting menu, which also includes a dessert.
- Located at San Sophia Station
- Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM
- Menu
Plan Your Early Fall Telluride Getaway Today
After your Telluride getaway comes to a close, you will find that many of your favorite memories will be the ones that took place at home in our vacation rentals. Reserve your favorite retreat today and discover all the ways your soul will benefit from a Colorado vacation. Have questions? Contact us, and we will be happy to answer!
