Best Ways to Stay Active in Telluride

Living in Telluride means more than just enjoying the view; it's about getting out there and experiencing it. Whether you're a full-time resident or considering making this alpine town your next home, an active lifestyle comes built-in. With world-class trails, year-round events, and wellness-centered community amenities, there’s always a way to get moving in the San Juan Mountains.

Here are some of the top ways to stay active in Telluride, tailored to all seasons and skill levels.

No list of local activities is complete without this iconic hike. The trail to Bridal Veil Falls (the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado) is both scenic and satisfying, offering panoramic views of the box canyon as you climb. It’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike and a great way to stay active without leaving town limits.

If you're looking for a moderate challenge with a high reward, this 4.8-mile round trip is a go-to. It's especially popular in late spring through early fall when the falls are at their most impressive.

Come winter, the mountains come alive with powder seekers. Telluride Ski Resort is a hub for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and even alpine touring. With over 2,000 acres of terrain and a vertical drop of 4,425 feet, there's something for everyone, from beginners to expert adrenaline junkies.

Locals often enjoy early morning laps on Lift 4 or exploring less-crowded runs like Palmyra Peak. If downhill isn't your thing, cross-country skiing at Valley Floor or snowshoeing near Trout Lake are excellent alternatives to keep moving all season long.

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to stay active in Telluride, especially in summer and early fall. The Valley Floor trail system offers miles of scenic riding, whether you're on a cruiser or mountain bike. For more of a challenge, the Prospect Trail and the rugged Wasatch Connection trail offer thrilling descents and heart-pumping climbs.

Electric bikes are also gaining traction for residents looking for a more leisurely way to explore the town and nearby trails without losing the workout entirely.

This isn't your average hike. Telluride’s Via Ferrata is part climbing route, part high-altitude adventure, where you traverse a cliffside path with the help of steel cables, ladders, and your own grit.

While it’s not for the faint of heart, this unique outdoor challenge has become a bucket-list activity for many locals and adventure-seekers. With proper gear and a local guide, it's one of the most unforgettable ways to stay active in Telluride.

Staying active isn’t just about adrenaline; many locals turn to low-impact, restorative practices to balance out the mountain lifestyle. The town is home to respected studios like Mangala Yoga, known for its vinyasa, yin, and heated classes, and In-Sequence Pilates, which offers tailored instruction focused on strength and mobility.

In the summer, some classes move outdoors, with pop-up sessions in Telluride Town Park or scenic spots around the valley. Practicing sun salutations under the peaks adds a uniquely grounding element to the experience, making wellness here as inspiring as it is effective.

Telluride’s Town Park is an all-seasons recreational hub. In the warmer months, locals can be found climbing at the free bouldering wall, playing pickup games at the outdoor courts, or swimming laps in the heated pool.

In winter, the park transforms into a wonderland with an outdoor ice rink and Nordic ski track. For families or individuals looking for community-centered ways to stay active, this is a prime spot to return to throughout the year.

While it may not be your typical workout, fly fishing requires patience, mobility, and time spent moving through mountain terrain. The San Miguel River offers a peaceful and active way to connect with nature while staying on your feet.

During warmer months, paddleboarding or tubing the river is a favorite pastime among residents, another great reminder that staying active doesn’t always have to mean high intensity.

With elevations that start at 8,750 feet, even a short run in Telluride gives your lungs and legs a workout. Popular routes like Jud Wiebe Trail or Bear Creek Trail offer runners a chance to log miles with jaw-dropping views.

For those training for races or just looking for a more efficient cardio session, trail running here blends effort with beauty in a way few places can match.

Telluride's events calendar is packed year-round, and many of its festivals naturally include movement-based activities. From the Telluride Yoga Festival and Mountainfilm hikes to guided trail runs, the local lifestyle encourages participation, not just observation.

One of the best ways to stay active in Telluride is simply to live here. The layout of the town promotes walking and biking, and many locals build movement into their daily lives, whether it’s walking to the market, hiking with their dog, or commuting on skis in winter.

The natural environment encourages an active mindset. When you're surrounded by peaks, trails, and fresh mountain air, moving your body becomes a way of life, not just a to-do list item.

Staying active in Telluride is easy when you're surrounded by opportunities at every elevation. From world-class skiing to local yoga studios, there’s no shortage of ways to move your body and enjoy the landscape.

Thinking of making that lifestyle a permanent part of your routine? Reach out to Eric Saunders to learn more about homes that put you steps from the action, and at the center of Telluride’s one-of-a-kind way of life.