Via Feratta
Check out the Telluride Via Feratta for a real unique adrenaline pumping expereince. At its most intense, you'll be suspended by a harness on small iron footholds at 500 feet. The newly-legal climbing route is technical, breathtaking and exposed on the East end and South-facing wall of Telluride's boxed canyon. Significant portions of the route however are less of a climb and more of a hike, but most of this skirts a narrow trail at the edge of the cliffs. The views are breathtaking and the experience one-of-a-kind. You do need special gear to complete the hike, such as the harness and carabiners. Local gear shop Jagged Edge Mountain Gear sells all the right equipment for safe travel along the Via Ferrata. There are also a couple of local outfitters who offer guided tours of the route including rentals.
Mountain Trip
Telluride Adventures
A new Via Feratta was just completed in Ouray, a 45 minute drive from the Bivvi. Located in the Uncompahgre Gorge, the route has over 4,000ft of cable protected trail and a sky bridge that spans the gorge. https://ourayviaferrata.org/route/
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
Telluride has been consistently ranked one of top ten ski resorts in North America by the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA today and Ski Magazine. The mountain boasts over 2,000 acres of ski-able terrain, and has something to offer for everyone from die-hard back country skiers looking for steep chutes and gnarly hike-to terrain to complete beginners looking to take their first turns on the bunny slopes! Unlike any other resort in North America, Telluride's location and size allow guests to revel in a peaceful atmosphere, where lift lines are nearly non-existent and the people are authentic and friendly. The resort is also accessible to snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and snow bikes. Visit https://www.tellurideskiresort.com to purchase lift tickets and ski passes!
Into nordic skiing? Telluride is also home to some great groomed trails for cross-country skiing. The valley floor is a beautiful and expansive area to explore, as well as the Trout Lake and Priest Lake areas. Check out the Telluride Nordic Center’s website for trail information, rentals and other resources http://telluridenordic.com/.
The Bivvi is a 20 minute drive or bus ride away from the lifts. Pick up the SMART bus right out front or set up a shuttle with us, using our totally FREE tip based shuttle system!
HOT SPRINGS
What better way to round off an adventurous day of skiing and boarding or hiking and mountain biking than a relaxing trip to the hot springs? Orvis Hot Springs is a 30 minute drive from the Bivvi, located just outside of Ridgway. They offer a clothing optional, natural hot springs with multiple soaking pools, saunas, and massage services. https://orvishotsprings.com/
A little bit further down the road in the beautiful town of Ouray, is the Ouray Hot Springs pool and fitness center. Soak up the natural spring water under the impressive mountainscape, referred to as the Swiss Alps of the Rocky Mountains.
ROCK CLIMBING
Colorado hosts some of the best rock climbing in North America. When the lower elevations get too hot to climb during the summer months, the mountains provide the perfect climate. The jagged peaks and extensive wall faces of the San Juan Mountains provide a variety of climbing and bouldering routes. Telluride is lucky enough to have many different climbing areas with different styles, settings and rock types. From multi-pitch routes, to sport climbs and bouldering, there is something for everyone. Telluride Mountain Club offers a great website with up-to-date route information and other resources.
https://www.telluridemountainclub.org/telluride-rock-climbing/
HIKING
During the summer months, Telluride offers a variety of scenic hikes for all levels. Whether you are trying to stroll through the nearby forest, explore mining history, or crush one of Colorado’s many fourteeners, there is definitely something for you. There are many trails that begin just steps from the downtown district of Telluride.
For an easy leisurely hike, the valley floor is fun to explore and leads you along the San Miguel River into the town of Telluride, all the way to the end of the box canyon. If you want a bit more of a challenge and the reward of a waterfall, Check out Bear Creek, Cornet Creek or Bridal Veil Falls. Telluride Mountain Club has a map with links to detailed trail informaiton https://www.telluridemountainclub.org/telluride-hiking-trails-map/.
Or check out the Telluride Hiking Guide- we usually have a copy on hand behind reception so feel free to ask one of our staff members! You can also pick our brain on any specific hikes in the area we would recommend based on your time frame and experience!
For the more experienced hikers, look into bagging one of the many 14’ers in the area. Telluride is perched between the highest concentration of 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks in North America. Mount Sneffels, Mount Wilson, Sunshine Peak and El Diente are just a few that are close by. For a guided peak ascent contact:
Mountain Trip
Telluride Adventures
KAYAKING
The Bivvi is an excellent jumping off point for white water enthusiasts. Kayakers enjoy easy access to the San Miguel River, where many spots are rated class II and class III for kayaking, and the river can easily be explored solo or via a guided trip. If you’re seeking a more laid back kayaking experience, check out the nearby Alta Lakes, Trout Lake, or go paddle around the Down Valley park, a 5 minute walk from the Bivvi.
For a Colorado flow report visit Click Here!
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Mountain BIKING
Telluride is a must-visit summer destination for mountain biking. There are miles of single-track, forest service roads, and of course the brand new Telluride Bike Park, which opened the summer of 2019. They offer lift access to some amazing jump and flow tracks for more experience bikers, but also cruisey green runs for beginners. We are also not to far away from Phil’s World, Moab, and the RAT trails in Ridgway which all offer incredible single track mountain biking with spectacular views year round.
The Telluride Bike Park is a completely unique lift-served experience with a variety of interconnected trails (Freeride, Technical & Cross-Country), clinics and guides for all abilities from never having ridden a mountain bike to expert level riders. https://www.tellurideskiresort.com/events-activities/activities/telluride-bike-park/.
The whole town is super bike friendly so you can also just cruise around the town or check out the valley floor for a more laid-back bike adventure.
In the winter, you can rent a fat-tire bike to explore on the snow. Many of the nordic trails are open to fat bikes-it is a fun and unique way to explore. Listed below are a few options for bike rentals, service and tuning.
Telluride Sports
Bootdoctors and Paragon outdoors
Box Canyon Bicycles
Easy Rider
PARAGLIDING
Have you ever dreamed of flying? Paragliding is one of the most unique ways to see the Telluride box canyon. Take a lesson or enjoy a tandem flight. Book a guided tour with Telluride Paragliding.
RZR and Jeep Rentals
The San Juan Mountains are home to some world class 4x4 trails and mountain passes. For a guided experience you can contact Telluride Outfitters for RZR tours. Or rent a Jeep and check out the high country and old mining towns above Telluride. Whether you have your own high clearance vehicle or a rental, check out Last Dollar Road, Ophir Pass, Imogene Pass and one of the most infamous 4x4 trails in the country, Black Bear Pass. There is something off-road to explore for explorers of all experience levels.
We’re also located just 30 minutes from the Utah border and a couple hours from Moab where you can find world class Jeeping and 4x4 trails through the iconic red rock arches.
These guys all offer great resource for guided tours, rentals, or information and insight.
Telluride Outfitters
Colorado 145 Jeeps
San Juan Scenic Tours
ice climbing
Those of you looking for an experience, wielding an ice axe can find challenging climbing routes in both San Miguel County and Ouray County. With rock walls blanketed in snow and ice, there are routes for every level of climber.
The Ouray Ice Park is located in the Uncompahgre Gorge and contains over 100 manmade ice and mixed climbs, 11 distinct climbing areas, and three miles of vertical terrain. Since its inception more than two decades ago, the Ouray Ice Park has become a premier destination for climbers, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
To monitor Ice conditions visit https://mtnguide.net/resources/ouray-ice-conditions/
If you would like a guided tour or to simply to expand your knowledge on more inspiring routes, contact one of the companies below!
Mountain Trip
Telluride Mountain Guides
San Juan Outdoor Adventures/Telluride Adventures
San Juan Mountain Guides
Helicopter Skiing and Boarding
Ever dreamed of getting dropped off on the peak of of a mountain by a helicopter? Or even just take a scenic ride? Telluride Helitrax is Colorado’s ultimate helicopter skiing and snowboarding experience with access to over 200 square miles of pristine and untracked terrain in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Colorado.
Boasting some of the highest skiable elevations in North America, they consistently ski and board off summits and among high alpine basins, cirques, and couloirs. Their premiere Colorado skiing terrain is coupled with a crew of expert guides that hand-deliver a truly unforgettable experiences like no other. For a real bucket list experience contact them now!
FLY FISHING
The waters of the San Miguel River run directly through the town of Telluride all the way down valley, literally right past our front door down in Placerville! You can walk right across the street and access the river from Placerville town park! The San Miguel river acts as home to some of the largest trout in Colorado. Great fishing can be had during all seasons, but the summer and fall months are most popular. Within a short drive, you can also access the Dolores River, the Gunnison River and the Uncompahgre River. For some still water action, Alta Lakes can show promise, and are home to rainbow and brook trout. No matter what time of year, there are always monster trout lurking in one of the many nearby waters.
For guided fly fish tours, contact the folks at:
Telluride Outside
Telluride Angler
Telluride Fly Fishers
TOURING
The stark San Juan mountains provide an ample playground for a lifetime of epic ski touring and splitboarding adventures! Telluride Ski Resort hosts backcountry access gates which lead out to some of the best “side-country” or off-piste skiing in North America. There is also an abundance of backcountry access around the town of Telluride and the surrounding mountain passes. Lizard head pass and Red mountain pass over toward Ouray to name a couple! As the climate warms during the spring, the snowpack becomes more stable and many of Colorado peaks become safely skiable. You can access the backcountry world on foot; skins and splitboards, or even sled-assisted. The San Juan Hut System is another unique way to explore the backcountry, connecting terrain in the Mt. Sneffels Range. The peaks surrounding Telluride are littered with fun stashes of untouched pow; however, you should not go exploring into the deep backcountry without proper training and equipment. Again, only partake in these adventures if you have proper equipment (beacon, shovel, probe, +) and a degree of training (AIARE 1+ or equivalent). There are endless miles of untouched snow to be had here in Colorado. Stay safe and have fun earning your turns…
Check out these guys for more info, guided tours, and equipment rentals:
Mountain Trip
Telluride Mountain Guides
STANDUP PADDLE BOARDING
Telluride provides adventurers the opportunity to test their balance by stand up paddling on high altitude lakes or floating down the San Juan River. Paddleboarding is an increasingly attractive sport because it offers a great form of exercise and is an excellent daytime activity on the water. Few places can beat the views taken in while sup’ing beneath the San Juan Mountains at 8750 feet. Popular spots are floating the San Miguel river along valley floor, Alta Lakes, and Trout lake, or take a 25 minute drive out toward Ridgway to float sections of the Uncompahgre. You can also take a 5 minute walk from the Bivvi to the Down Valley Park and float around on the pond to get your bearings and balance before tackling some more challenging waters.
The companies below all rent paddle boards, so contact them to begin your adventure.
Sol Paddle boards is a locally owned company
Telluride Outside
Telluride Outfitters-rentals
Jagged Edge
DOG SLEDDING
To fully experience high country mountain living, you must hop on a dogsled. Unless your one of the few people that travels with a pack of Alaskan Malamutes, you will have to jump on a tour for this sensational one of a kind experience! Pulled by a team of enthusiastic dogs through the snowy forest landscapes, dog-sledding is a fun way to explore the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forest in the winter.
Wintermoon Dog Sled Adventures provide awesome tours so you can experience this crazy bucket list item during your next visit to the area!
yoga
Yoga is refreshing for the mind & body. We fully endorse making this practice a part of your daily life. Telluride hosts numerous yoga studios which hold workshops, as well as, daily classes year-round. Nothing will get your day started better than a sunrise yoga session then a cup of coffee from Ghost Town Coffee Shop. For a complete schedule and list of upcoming workshops, visit the websites of some of our favorite studios listed below. Namaste.
SNOWMOBILING
Treat yourself to some spectacular scenery and an exhilarating ride with a snowmobile tour during your trip to Telluride. A snowmobile tour is the perfect day-off activity from skiing or snowboarding to mix up your vacation and allow you to experience something new!
If it is your first time on a sled or just decided against dragging your own 600 lb snow machine to Colorado on this trip, get in touch with the people at Telluride Outfitters. They have been operating snowmobile tours in the area for over 30 years and will show you an incredible backcountry experience.
RAFTING
Whitewater rafting the San Miguel is a true bucket-list-worthy experience! Take in the scenery and splash through Class II - III rapids for a day. Rafting season typically begins early May and can last into August, but the water is normally at its highest between Memorial Day and 4th of July. Most guides offer half- and full-day trips through different sections of the river and give you quick lessons on the ecology of the area. For more experienced rivermen and women, the same companies can also offer some class IV/V tours. Some outfitters offer multi-day trips to explore the Dolores River, Big Gypsum River, and Ponderosa Canyon. Where they’ll take you and all your camping gear down river. After a day of floating and taking on challenging rapids, you’ll get to camp out along the river under the starlit sky for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
The below companies offer some great tours in the area! Check them out.
Telluride Outfitters
Mild to Wild
Telluride Outside
Bootdoctors
GOLF
Never smashed a golf ball at 10K feet of elevation?? The thin air at this altitude allows you on average to drive a ball 25-30 yards further, and can increase your optimal spin rate by 25% so even the novice golfer will feel like Rory Mcllroy!
The Telluride Golf Course serves as a private club for members as well as a public course for locals and guests. Telluride Golf Club sits high above Telluride at over 9,500 feet above sea level, with 6,574 yards of green stretched throughout Mountain Village. The Golf Club offers perks like GPS-equipped carts, delicious grub, service with a smile and unbelievable views.