Exploring Telluride in Summer – A Car-Free Adventure with TripOutside
Read the TripOutside Telluride summer destination guide
This summer, the crew at TripOutside.com came to experience Telluride the way we love it best—on foot, on two wheels, and on water. No car, no stress—just pure mountain vibes. They stayed local, explored like pros, and shared their favorite things to do in Telluride in the warmer months. Here’s their recap—and how you can plan your own unforgettable (and car-free) summer adventure.
🎶 Catch Live Music Surrounded by Mountains
Telluride’s summer is packed with music—from the iconic Bluegrass Festival to free weekly concerts in town and in Mountain Village. You’ll find locals dancing in the grass, picnicking with pups, and soaking up the magic of tunes at 9,000 feet.
🚴 Pedal from Peaks to Downtown
The TripOutside team rented full-suspension mountain bikes from our Bootdoctors shop in Mountain Village, took the free gondola up, and descended all the way into town via scenic singletrack. Their favorite trail combo: Meadows → Jurassic → River Trail. Don’t want to haul your bike back? Just roll into Christy Sports on Oak Street in downtown Telluride to return it there.
⚡ E-Bike Around Town with Ease
Telluride isn’t big—but it’s not flat either. E-bikes make it easy to cruise up hills, reach trailheads like Bear Creek Falls, or explore downtown without hunting for parking. We rent both cruiser and hardtail e-bikes at Christy Sports Oak Street, and our team will help you get dialed in for the ride.
🌊 Paddle the San Miguel or Escape to Trout Lake
TripOutside hit the river early in the season for some mellow paddling. For a more consistent spot (and alpine views for days), Trout Lake is a local favorite. You can grab inflatable paddleboards from Bootdoctors and head out for a peaceful morning on the water.
🌻 Stroll the Farmers Market + Explore Town
They wandered Telluride’s historic neighborhoods, sipped coffee at a donation-based café called The Well, and spent time mingling with locals at the Friday Farmers Market. It’s all part of the magic here—where mountain luxury meets down-to-earth community.
🚡 Ride the Free Gondola (Again and Again)
It’s iconic, it’s scenic, and it’s 100% free. The gondola connects Mountain Village with downtown Telluride and is dog-friendly, bike-friendly, and completely unforgettable. Whether you're chasing sunsets or commuting to your next trail, this is the best lift you'll ever catch.
Pro Tips for Your Trip
- No car needed: Between bikes, e-bikes, walking, and the gondola, you can get around easily without driving.
- Book ahead: Summer festivals fill up fast. Reserve rentals and lodging early.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, high-altitude weather can shift quickly.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the trails, wildlife, and locals. Check out TripOutside’s Telluride LNT Guide for tips.
Want to explore Telluride on two wheels or with a paddle in hand?
Stop by Christy Sports on Oak Street or Bootdoctors in Mountain Village for the latest rentals, gear, and local beta to get you out there.
See you on the trail. 👋
This blog was originally published on TripOutside.com. View the original post here.
Last updated: July 7, 2025
Exploring Telluride in Summer – A Car-Free Adventure with TripOutside
Read the TripOutside Telluride summer destination guide
This summer, the crew at TripOutside.com came to experience Telluride the way we love it best—on foot, on two wheels, and on water. No car, no stress—just pure mountain vibes. They stayed local, explored like pros, and shared their favorite things to do in Telluride in the warmer months. Here’s their recap—and how you can plan your own unforgettable (and car-free) summer adventure.
🎶 Catch Live Music Surrounded by Mountains
Telluride’s summer is packed with music—from the iconic Bluegrass Festival to free weekly concerts in town and in Mountain Village. You’ll find locals dancing in the grass, picnicking with pups, and soaking up the magic of tunes at 9,000 feet.
🚴 Pedal from Peaks to Downtown
The TripOutside team rented full-suspension mountain bikes from our Bootdoctors shop in Mountain Village, took the free gondola up, and descended all the way into town via scenic singletrack. Their favorite trail combo: Meadows → Jurassic → River Trail. Don’t want to haul your bike back? Just roll into Christy Sports on Oak Street in downtown Telluride to return it there.
⚡ E-Bike Around Town with Ease
Telluride isn’t big—but it’s not flat either. E-bikes make it easy to cruise up hills, reach trailheads like Bear Creek Falls, or explore downtown without hunting for parking. We rent both cruiser and hardtail e-bikes at Christy Sports Oak Street, and our team will help you get dialed in for the ride.
🌊 Paddle the San Miguel or Escape to Trout Lake
TripOutside hit the river early in the season for some mellow paddling. For a more consistent spot (and alpine views for days), Trout Lake is a local favorite. You can grab inflatable paddleboards from Bootdoctors and head out for a peaceful morning on the water.
🌻 Stroll the Farmers Market + Explore Town
They wandered Telluride’s historic neighborhoods, sipped coffee at a donation-based café called The Well, and spent time mingling with locals at the Friday Farmers Market. It’s all part of the magic here—where mountain luxury meets down-to-earth community.
🚡 Ride the Free Gondola (Again and Again)
It’s iconic, it’s scenic, and it’s 100% free. The gondola connects Mountain Village with downtown Telluride and is dog-friendly, bike-friendly, and completely unforgettable. Whether you're chasing sunsets or commuting to your next trail, this is the best lift you'll ever catch.
Pro Tips for Your Trip
- No car needed: Between bikes, e-bikes, walking, and the gondola, you can get around easily without driving.
- Book ahead: Summer festivals fill up fast. Reserve rentals and lodging early.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, high-altitude weather can shift quickly.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the trails, wildlife, and locals. Check out TripOutside’s Telluride LNT Guide for tips.
Want to explore Telluride on two wheels or with a paddle in hand?
Stop by Christy Sports on Oak Street or Bootdoctors in Mountain Village for the latest rentals, gear, and local beta to get you out there.
See you on the trail. 👋
This blog was originally published on TripOutside.com. View the original post here.
Last updated: July 7, 2025
