Telluride vacation rentals & luxury cabins

Best time to go

• During spring: as the snow melts and the rivers rise, this is Whitewater rafting season in Telluride. There’s still the opportunity to ski right up until the start of April. As it’s a transitional season, the slopes are quieter than during the mid-winter peak, and more spring and summer activities are starting up. Temperatures start at around 11°C during early April and quickly climb up to around the high-teens and low-20s°C (around 70°F) during May.

• During summer: summer sees the mountains put on a fabulous display of flora, with the entire valley floor carpeted in flowers and the trails around Alta Lakes and the Bilk Creek Basin particularly beautiful. This is the time to visit some of the area’s most important attractions such as the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, Canyonlands National Park, and Durango with its hot springs and authentic Narrow Gauge railroad. Temperatures are around the mid-20s°C (around 77°F) but don’t be surprised if you need a jumper or two once the sun goes down.

• During autumn: autumn in Telluride brings a blaze of colours as the trees change from green to gold and red. The first snow of winter makes an appearance towards the end of September above the treeline, and as autumn progresses the snow becomes more prevalent through November. Autumn days are still reasonably warm, but temperatures do drop away quickly as you move into October and November.

• During winter: Peak season in Telluride brings dedicated snowboarders and skiers to one of the Rockies' best resorts. This is the time for backcountry skiing along Bear Creek Trail or trying ice climbing for the first time. The town opens up its ice-skating rink and there are plenty of family attractions to keep everyone happy. The temperatures drop away dramatically and rarely peak above freezing, although these cold temperatures are accompanied by bright blue skies and sunshine, so you’ll still need your sunblock.