5 Best Summer Tours Near Telluride

Telluride and the greater Southwest Colorado are a mecca of unforgettable outdoor activities, offering historical and scenic excursions via off-road vehicles, horseback riding, e-bikes, whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, or trekking through the high-alpine basins of the San Juan Mountains. Experience the stunning flora and fauna firsthand on one of Telluride's top summer tours. Visiting Southwest Colorado during the summer promises a wonderful experience for families, friends, and adventure-seekers alike. 

Often, people visit Telluride to connect with nature and escape into a more remote part of the country. Alternatively, one of the many summer festivals, such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival or Telluride Film Festival, may have sparked their curiosity. The breathtaking scenery of the box canyon, enveloped by jagged peaks—some referred to as the Swiss Alps of North America—makes Telluride an incredible vacation destination during the summer months. Connected by the San Juan Byway, with close proximity to Mesa Verde and Black Canyon National Park, this is an excellent opportunity to stop in and explore the Telluride region. Below, we have compiled a list of the five best tours near Telluride, along with additional information to help plan your visit to the area.

1. Scenic Jeep Tour to Ophir Pass & Alta Lakes

Duration: 4 Hours
Why It’s a Must: Climb to the jaw-dropping alpine pass of Ophir and Alta Lakes where 360° views, wildflowers, and mining ruins await. Professional guides navigate the rugged terrain, allowing you to sit back, take photos, and soak in the grandeur of the high San Juans.
Best For: Families, Photographers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.

2. Via Ferrata Adventures

Duration: 5 Hours
Why It’s a Must: Clip in and traverse sheer rock walls on iron rungs with a guide. The Telluride Via Ferrata hugs a cliff 600 feet above the valley, offering heart-pounding thrills and unmatched views of Bridal Veil Falls.
Best For: Thrill-seekers with a moderate fitness level.

3. Horseback Trail Rides

Duration: 3 Hours
Why It’s a Must: Feel the spirit of the Wild West come alive as you ascend to awe-inspiring overlooks, traversing through high-alpine meadows and wildflower basins. 
Best For: Newbies, equestrian aficionados, sightseers. Minimum height required - must be able to fit a small saddle.

4. E-Bike the Historic Galloping Goose Railroad

Duration: 3 Hours
Why It’s a Must: Cruise through time pedaling the off-road trail of the old Galloping Goose railroad bed, passing by the picturesque Trout Lake, ascending to the top of Lizard Head Pass.  
Best For: Groups, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. Minimum height required - must be able to fit an x-small adult bike.

5. Alpine Hiking & Trekking Tours

Duration: Customized based on interests and fitness levels
Why It’s a Must: Join a local guide to explore high-country trails like Waterfall Basin, Blue Lakes, Lizard Head Wilderness, or Sneffels Highline. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife abound.
Best For: Active travelers and photographers.

We love our trail systems in and around Telluride. Thanks to Telluride Mountain Club, our trail systems are continually expanding, being maintained, and preserved.  As our trails experience increased use, it’s more important than ever that we respect the trail, nature, each other, and practice proper trail etiquette. 

Historical Tours near Telluride

Telluride’s history is as rich and dramatic as its surrounding peaks. Originally inhabited by the Ute people, the area became a hotbed of mining activity in the late 1800s when gold and silver were discovered in the nearby canyons. Telluride quickly boomed into a rugged frontier town, complete with saloons, boarding houses, and its share of Wild West outlaws—Butch Cassidy famously robbed his first bank here in 1889. By the early 20th century, the town was also pioneering in technology; it was one of the first in the world to receive long-distance AC power, thanks to the Ames Hydroelectric Plant. Though mining faded by the mid-1900s, the town reinvented itself as a haven for artists, adventurers, and skiers—preserving its Victorian charm while evolving into the vibrant mountain destination it is today.

Telluride Historical Walking Tour
Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Departs from Downtown Telluride
Led by the Telluride Historical Museum or local storytellers, this guided stroll through the heart of town reveals the Wild West roots of Telluride. You'll walk past preserved Victorian buildings and hear tales of outlaws, miners, and the arrival of the railroad. This is the perfect gentle introduction to Telluride’s rich and layered past.
Why it’s one of the best: Intimate, educational, and ideal for all ages and abilities.

Immersive Hiking Tours in Telluride

For those looking to deepen their connection to the natural world, immersive hiking tours around Telluride offer a chance to slow down and learn from the landscape. Led by local naturalists and guides, these interpretive hikes explore alpine meadows, aspen groves, and high-altitude forests rich with biodiversity. Along the way, you'll learn to identify native wildflowers, medicinal plants, and animal tracks, while gaining insight into the delicate ecosystems that thrive in the San Juan Mountains. From the seasonal migration of elk to the quiet habits of pika and marmots, these hikes reveal the intricate web of life that often goes unnoticed. It's not just a walk in the woods—it’s a guided experience that fosters awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of Telluride’s remarkable mountain environment.

Foraging & Wildcrafting Tour in the San Juan Mountains
Duration: Half- or Full-day | Location: Near Telluride
Led by naturalists or herbalists, these educational hikes teach guests how to identify edible and medicinal plants in the high alpine meadows and forests around Telluride. Learn the ethics of foraging, seasonal timing, and how indigenous and early settlers used native plants for food and healing.
Why it’s one of the best: This tour connects you to the land in a hands-on, sensory way, offering an educational aspect to your adventure. 

Pro Tips for Your Telluride Summer Adventures:

• During the summer months of July and August, Tellluirde is prone to the monsoon season. This is a weather pattern that typically brings afternoon rain and thunderstorms. Plan your high-altitude activities for the mornings, and always be prepared for any weather conditions. It has been known to snow on the 4th of July. 
• Dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout varying activities and elevations.
• Book tours and rentals in advance during the peak summer season.
• Stay hydrated and take your time to acclimate to the high altitude for a more enjoyable experience.

Whether you're chasing high-alpine adventure, diving into rich cultural history, or simply seeking a deeper connection with nature, summer in Telluride offers an unforgettable variety of experiences. These top tours showcase the best of the region—from off-road mountain passes and ancient cliff dwellings to immersive hikes and ghost towns frozen in time. No matter which path you choose, each journey reveals a different side of Telluride’s wild beauty and storied past. So lace up your boots, grab your sense of wonder, and get ready to explore the best that summer in the San Juans has to offer.