Plan a well-deserved getaway with loved to a four-seasons resort town like no other. The Centennial State is dotted with a number of cozy mountain towns that offer plenty of activities, attractions, and more. If this sounds like just what the doctor ordered for your summer respite, point your compass and pack your bags for a stay in beautiful Telluride. There are plenty of budget friendly Telluride activities to have fun and explore without breaking the bank!
Budget Friendly Telluride Activities
The Telluride Ski Resort has some of the best slopes Colorado, with runs appropriate for beginners all the way up to the most advanced skiers. Experts looking for some different ski experiences may want to explore the backcountry or try helicopter skiing – jump from a helicopter and ski your way down the mountain.
Other interesting snow activities include cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice skating, ice climbing, or the relaxation of a sleigh ride. Enjoy a one-time experience where rental gear is included or extend some experiences by renting gear at a reasonable price.
Hiking
All you need is your hiking boots, a trail map, your sun gear, water bottle and trail snacks – you’ve probably brought all of that with you! Get your exercise and a dose of fresh mountain air this summer. Hiking is an excellent and adventurous way to get out and enjoy much of the scenic landscape that surrounds Telluride without spending much money. Enjoy the beautiful landscape as you wander along a myriad of nature trails that take you places your rental car can’t go. Make sure to schedule your hikes a few days after you arrive, so you can get used to the thinner mountain air before any intense exercise. Stay hydrated!
Historic Telluride
There’s no admission or purchases required to wander through historic Telluride, which was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964 due to its significant role in the history of the American West. Stop in at the town museum and learn about the town’s evolution from a Ute tribe summer camp, to mining camp, to boom-town, and finally the ski and winter sport mecca of today. Set a budget and visit any of the stores, boutiques, or restaurants, many of which are housed in some of the town’s original buildings that date back to the 1800s.
San Miguel River Trail
The river itself cuts to the south of downtown Telluride. The trail, the San Miguel River Trail that runs along it is an easy stroll, and can be accessed from Town Park, and other streets around town. Follow the trail east and connect with the Idarado Legacy Trail featuring signs telling the story of Telluride’s mining past before continuing to the end of the box canyon for unobstructed views of Bridal Veil Falls and the Pandora Mill, which stopped operation in 1978.
Connect from Mountain Village Station to Station Telluride Gondola and travel west on a two-mile graded path along the riverbank, to Boomerang Trail. Cut through the forest toward the Jurassic trailhead. Cross the bridge to the Telluride Valley Floor and connect with the paved bike path loop back to town. Make sure to share the trail with hikers, bikers, and even horseback riders in some areas.
Gondola Rides
The famed Telluride Gondola is waiting to give you the ride of a lifetime during your trip. The free gondola provides a 13-minute ride that includes the beautiful scenery of Telluride from over 10,500 feet on the way to hiking and biking trails. Load onto the gondola in Telluride or nearby Mountain Village. Ride all the way to the top to St. Sophia Ridge Station, or stop at the midpoint at Station San Sophia for access to hiking and biking trails. Operating hours are Sunday to Thursday, 6:30 a.m. – midnight. During Major Festivals and Friday and Saturday nights, the gondola is open until 2 am.
Mountain Biking
The San Juan Mountains that surround Telluride provide a variety of terrain for a riding experience you won’t find anywhere else. Experienced bikers can explore more challenging trails that lead down old mining roads, through basins, and high above the box canyon. These longer, more difficult trails join moderate-skill level trails that link former railroad tracks throughout the valley and further west. Don’t worry, there are trails for beginners, too.
If you’re not yet ready for the various elevation changes and thinner air of the trails, try the Telluride Bike Park. The Telluride Bike Park is a completely unique lift-served experience with a variety of interconnected trails, clinics, camps, and guides. For those looking to explore the trails, from the gondola’s San Sophia Station, you can access them from both Mountain Village and Telluride. Schedule your rides for a couple days after you arrive to get used to the thinner mountain air. The trails are an adventure for hikers, too, so be sure to share the trail appropriately.
Book Accommodations That Don’t Break the Bank
For the best experience that doesn’t break the bank throughout your Telluride adventure, make sure the first thing on your planning To Do list is booking a vacation rental home with Accommodations in Telluride. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for a solo or sweetheart summer getaway, all the way up to a six-bedroom home for a large family or group reunion filled with summer fun. Save money on dining out and prepare delicious meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Stretch out in an open living space after a day of Telluride fun, or retreat to a private bedroom for some well-deserved rest before another day of fun. Contact us today!
