Plan a getaway with loved ones this Labor Day to a resort town like no other. Colorado is dotted with many of these cozy mountain towns that offer plenty of activities, attractions, and more, as well as some special ones for the holiday. If this sounds like just what the doctor ordered for your end-of-summer getaway, point your compass, and pack your bags for a stay in beautiful Telluride. Read on to see the Labor Day activities in Telluride for 2023.
Labor Day Activities in Telluride
Celebrate cinema in Telluride! The festival features, shorts, documentaries, and more. Each Labor Day weekend, film enthusiasts come together for four days of viewing and celebration. Take part in discussions with film creators, film historians, and others. You’ll see films not just from Telluride or Colorado, but across the country and around the globe. This year is the 50th anniversary, so you’ll want to snag tickets as soon as possible by watching the festival website for updates. This year’s festival takes place September 1-4.
Gondola Rides
The famed gondola is winding down its season, but there’s still time to make it a part of your Labor Day plans. 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 as well as ski slopes. Load onto the gondola in Telluride or nearby Mountain Village. Ride all the way to the top or stop at the midpoint – Station San Sophia – for access to the trails and slopes. The gondola runs daily from 6:30 a.m. – midnight.
Hiking
Get your exercise and a dose of fresh mountain air this Labor Day. Hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy much of the scenic landscape that surrounds Telluride. Enjoy the warming temperatures of spring in a beautiful landscape as you wander along the myriad of nature trails to take you places your rental car can’t go. Stay prepared by taking trail essentials like water, sun protection, trail food, a first aid kit, and whatever else it is you need for a comfortable trek. Make sure to schedule your hikes a few days after you arrive so you can get used to the thinner mountain air before you head out.
Historic Telluride
The town itself is an attraction to be explored this Labor Day! Wander historic Telluride, 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 Ute tribe summer camp, to mining camp, to boom-town, and finally, the ski mecca many enjoy today. Shop in stores and boutiques, many of which are housed in some of the original buildings that date back to the 1800s.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy mountain vistas, and breathtaking, wide-open views, as you venture along the trails of the San Juan mountains and rejuvenate your mind and spirit on horseback. Choose from a guided afternoon ride through forests and meadows, an overnight adventure, or add on the unique experience of a chuck wagon dinner to your ride.
Mountain Biking
The San Juan mountains that surround Telluride provide a variety of terrain for a unique riding experience. Experienced bikers can explore more challenging trails that lead down old mining roads, through basins, and high above the box canyon. There are trails that are longer, moderate-skill level trails that link former railroad tracks throughout the valley and further west, and even trails for beginners. No matter what trail you choose, you’ll experience the splendor and breathtaking beauty of aspen groves, lush meadows, and picturesque scenery. If you’re not yet ready for the various elevation changes and thinner air of the trails, stick closer to town at the Telluride Bike Park at the Telluride Ski Resort. From the gondola’s San Sophia Station, access bike trails for both Mountain Village and Telluride.
Paragliding
Get your feet off the ground and your adrenaline pumping during your Telluride Labor Day adventure. Take to the skies and paraglide over the Telluride Valley for a breathtaking view. Try it out with a tandem experience, but if you’ve stretched a long Labor Day trip, you can sign up for lessons. Come back when there’s snow on the ground and try your hand at speed riding: it brings you closer to the terrain below your feet to combine paragliding and skiing.
Celebrate Labor Day in Telluride
For the best experience throughout your Telluride Labor Day adventure, make sure to book a vacation rental home with Accommodations in Telluride. Choose a cozy 1-bedroom for a solo or sweetheart stay, all the way up to a 6-bedroom home for a large family or group reunion filled with Labor Day fun for everyone. Our rentals are close to the many activities and attractions you came to experience and provide everything you need for a worry-free, stress-free experience on your Labor Day retreat. Prepare delicious meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Stretch out in an open living space after a day of Telluride Labor Day activities, work out in your private fitness room, or retreat to a private bedroom for some well-deserved rest before another day of fun.
