Outdoor Adventures in Telluride, CO

Telluride's unique location in Colorado's San Juan Mountains make it a premier destination for  hiking, mountain biking and skiing. The famous ski resort has a posh reputation but there's nothing puffed-up about the quality of runs on Telluride Mountain - the terrain is some of the best in the Rocky Mountains. Fat biking and snowshoeing is getting more popular every year, giving even more cold-weather versatility to the area. 

Come summer, the towering peaks that guard Telluride make for excellent hiking and mountain biking. Several excellent peaks have trails that literally start right in town; 12,785 ft. Ajax Peak is one of the most popular routes. Trail runners who crave vertical will have dozens of trails to pick from -- as well as some more mellow trails in the south side of town. Lizard Head and nearby Lizard Head Pass are peaceful day hikes -- though it will take gutsy, technical rock climbing to reach the top of the 400 ft. Lizard Head tower. Lizard Head Pass is also a good, challenging road bike ride. 

Telluride has a style all its own. The former mining outpost has transformed into one of Colorado's very best outdoors playgrounds, partially because so many varied adventures begin right from the streets of downtown. Short drives offer up some of the best backcountry backpacking, camping and skiing opportunities -- though simply sitting a cafe admiring the waterfalls that adorn the perimeter of the town could satisfy your mountain vibe.