Plan a getaway with loved ones and celebrate independence this 4th of July to a resort town like no other. Colorado hosts many of these cozy mountain towns that offer plenty of activities, including a few special ones for the holiday. Confirm your plans and point your compass and pack your bags for a stay in beautiful Telluride. 4th of July Activities in Telluride include a lively parade, a family-friendly picnic, and an impressive fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day.

4th of July Activities in Telluride

Make sure the 21^st annual festival is part of your 4^th of July Telluride plans. It’s one of the essential fundraisers for the 501(c)(3) charity, the Sheridan Arts Foundation (SAF), which is committed to restoring and preserving the Sheridan Opera House and bringing quality arts and entertainment events to Telluride.

Observe some of the artists at work! Best of all, 40% of proceeds from each sale goes to supporting SAF, community programming, and the Sheridan Opera House. This year’s festival is June 30-July 6, the perfect time for your 4^th of July retreat.

Red, White & Blues

Mountain Village’s annual event will be offering a fun, free, family-friendly to celebrate the patriotic holiday. The town dresses up in its best red, white, and blue to celebrate with food, music, and more. A full schedule has not been released for the event that takes place July 3^rd and 4^th.

Telluride Art + Architecture

Extend your patriotic break to include the event, which celebrates the town’s unique art and architectural features. Events take place around the area, including a weekend tour where you can meet architects, designers, fine artists, chefs, and others that make Telluride what it is today at each location on the self-guided tour of all ten participating properties. The event takes place July 8-14.

Rundola

Telluride is well-known for skiing and snowboarding down the mountain. This 4^th of July, you can participate in the annual Rundola race, a foot race that starts at the base of the gondola (South Oak Gondola Station) in the town of Telluride and finishes at the top of the ridge. Participants climb up the Telluride Trail – a 4,600-foot long and 40-foot wide trail with a 13% grade. Negotiate the elevation gain of 1,810 feet to reach the finish line.

The event starts at 8 a.m. on July 4^th and the finish line closes at 10 a.m. Age group categories include 13 and under, 14-18 years old, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. Register now online on the event website, or on-site and pick up packets July 3^rd at Oak Street Plaza. No dogs are allowed to participate in the run.

Gondola Rides

Either before or after you get your exercise with the run, take a ride up the route. It’s open for the 13-minute free ride all summer long, and you can make it a highlight of your 4^th of July trip. You’ll have access to hiking and biking trails, too – gondola cars are equipped with bike racks. The gondola is open 6:30 a.m. – midnight daily.

Historic Telluride

The area was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964 due to its significant role in the history of the American West. Visit the town museum and learn about the town’s evolution from Ute tribe summer camp all the way to the ski mecca of today. Shop in stores and boutiques, many of which are housed in some of the original buildings that date back to the 1800s.

Mountain Biking

The San Juan mountains that surround Telluride offer a variety of terrain for your mountain biking experience. Experienced bikers can explore challenging trails down old mining roads, through basins, and more. Longer, moderate-skill level trails link former railroad tracks throughout the valley and further west.

No matter where you explore, you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of aspen groves, lush meadows, and picturesque scenery. If you’re not ready for the various elevation changes and thinner air of the trails, opt to stick closer to town at the Telluride Bike Park at the Telluride Ski Resort. Bikers ready for the mountains can access the bike trails from the gondola’s San Sophia Station, accessible from both Mountain Village and Telluride, or get a road ride along the scenic San Juan Skyway.

Horseback Riding

Trade your mountain bike for a horse as your mode of transportation through the San Juan Mountains. Enjoy mountain vistas, breathtaking, wide-open views, as you venture along the trails and rejuvenate your mind and spirit on a relaxing ride. Choose from a guided afternoon ride through forests and meadows, overnight adventure, or the unique experience of a chuck wagon dinner ride.

Visit Telluride to Celebrate the 4th of July

For the best experience throughout your Telluride 4th of July adventure, make sure to book a vacation rental home with Accommodations in Telluride. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for a solo or sweetheart patriotic stay, all the way up to a six-bedroom home for a large 4^th of July reunion in the mountains. Prep ingredients for a 4^th of July cookout or any other meal in the fully-equipped kitchen, then spread out in an open living area.

Our rentals are close to the many activities and attractions you came to experience and provide everything you need for a worry-free, stress-experience on your 4th of July retreat. Contact us to book your stay today!