Located high up in the Rocky Mountains surrounded by towering 13,000 foot peaks, the Telluride Jazz Festival offers the opportunity to explore the endless outdoor recreation in the San Juan Mountains. The 160,000 acres of pristine wilderness are filled with trails, lakes, rivers and streams offering adventures for everyone, young and old, novice and experienced. Here in Telluride, you will find an abundance of fishing, hiking, historic mining sites, 4x4 Jeep roads, mountain-biking, stand-up paddle boarding and rock climbing throughout the region. With so many activities located close to the festival grounds in Telluride Town Park, it’s easy to set off on a morning adventure and return without missing a moment of the Festival!
Hiking
Single-track trails are scattered throughout the Telluride hillsides. Some are perfect for families while others offer a challenge for even the most intrepid adventurers. For beginners, we suggest heading up through the Bear Creek Preserve south of the festival grounds. Renowned as one of Telluride's most popular trails, this beautiful hike offers stunning views along the 2.5-mile climb up to the waterfalls. For the more adventurous hikers, we recommend touring the sunny-side of the canyon by way of the Jud Weibe Trail! For a complete list of trails and maps, click here.
Sightseeing
By foot, vehicle, or off-road jeep, Telluride offers some of the world’s best sightseeing in Colorado. Enjoy the FREE gondola ride to overlooks the town of Telluride. Once you discover this unique mountain mode of travel, you'll find stunning views from Station San Sophia at 10,500 feet. The ride from Telluride to Station San Sophia has an elevation change of 1,750 feet!
Take a short drive to the end of the box canyon to discover the old Pandora Mil and the tallest free falling waterfalls in Colorado - the iconic Bridal Veil Falls. For more information about sightseeing, click here.
Historic Sites
As a National Historic Landmark, the Town of Telluride is full of relics from the past. There plenty of Victorian-style buildings, mining sites and infrastructure to explore. We recommend starting at the Telluride Historical Museum and letting their expert staff guide your trip. All festival attendees receive free entry into the Telluride Historical Museum all weekend long. Read more here.
Fishing
In Southwestern Colorado, rivers, lakes, ponds and streams are bountiful and teeming with fish. Waterfronts are located within minutes from your back door and, fly-fishing is a great way to spend your morning before the festival starts. There are several outfitters in Telluride that offer half and full day guided trips.
Biking
Telluride is a bike town. When you notice of the hundreds of bikes parked on Main Street, that fact is undeniable. Telluride has trails suitable for every skill level, from paved paths perfect for families to advanced single-track trails for mountain bikes. Explore the many great places to ride in and around Telluride. To find your perfect trail, click here.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
SUP'ing is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors. The activity also offers a great core workout and increases skills of balance and agility. SUP'ing allows a wide range of athletic types to get involved at an easy learning curve amid the most spectacular views around Telluride.
For more ideas on how to explore the Telluride outdoors, click here.