15 FREE things to do in Telluride, Colorado this Summer
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Posted on May 19, 2010 by hart - Comments
Whoever said nothing in life is free? If you're looking to experience Telluride this summer, here are 15 FREE things to do in town - It will help your wallet stay happy!
1. Gondola Ride - Catch a ride on the free Gondola that connects the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. Open 287 days per year from 7am to Midnight (2am on big Festival weekends), this scenic ride is a must do. The short, 13 minute ride will leave you speechless as you're surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks.
2. Bridal Veil Falls – Want to check out Colorado’s tallest waterfall? Bridal Veil Falls is right in our backyard and is accessible by hike, bike, or 4 wheel vehicle. This is a beautiful historic site to see while visiting Telluride. Don’t forget your camera!
3. Farmers Market – South Oak Street becomes packed with regional farmers, fresh produce, and local crafts every Friday afternoon. Take a stroll through the Telluride Farmers Market and support local growers!
4. Telluride Town Park – There is no better place to spend your afternoon in the summertime sunshine than Telluride’s Town Park. When Town Park Stage isn’t being used for a major festival, take advantage of the kid’s fishing pond, playground, soccer & softball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, skateboard park, and more!
5. Free Festival Events – Our famous Summer Festival Season provides free events for locals and visitors. Mountainfilm hosts a gallery walk & breakfast talks with special guests; Balloon Rally offers a beautiful early morning liftoff and nighttime glow on Main Street; Heritage Fest offers Butch Cassidy’s first robbery reenactment, gold panning demonstrations, and more; Bluegrass Festival offers free performances & workshops in Elk’s Park; Plein-Air Fest offers hand-painted exhibits inspired by our backyard by nationally known artists; Fireman’s Fourth of July features a classic parade for the entire family and a firework show that rivals any that I’ve ever seen; Film Festival offers free outdoor films in Elk’s Park; Blues & Brews offers a free acoustic & blues competition.
6. St. Sophia Nature Center – Get out at the halfway station (called St. Sophia) of the Gondola and check out wildlife exhibits, hiking trails, and the beautiful scenery that makes up the Telluride Ski Resort in the Winter.
7. Adventure Rock – Check out the giant climbing rock in Mountain Village and test your bouldering strength. Adventure Rock is *Climb at your own risk* and don't forget to bring your climbing shoes.
8. Mountain Village Bike Park – Brand new bike park offers numerous trails for downhill riders of various levels and skills. Trail maps available outside on St. Sophia or in Telluride's Visitor Guide.
9. Fireside Chats – Visit the fire pit in Heritage Plaza, Mountain Village (everyother Thursday) for intimate history lessons of Telluride and its surrounding regions. Fun for the entire family!
10. Elk Pond – Fish Mountain Village’s stocked pond, across from the Fire station & Market. Reel in a big mountain trout!
11. Red, White & Blue – Free concert in Mountain Village over July 4th Weekend. Past performers have been the Blind Boys of Alabama and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Bring a blanket, some food, and your dancing shoes!
12. Mountainfilm’s Outdoor Series – Stretch out under the stars and watch a selection of films from past Mountainfilm Festival entries. Schedule & location TBA.
13. Frisbee Golf – Mountain Village offers an extensive Frisbee Golf course, weaving in and out of the thawed ski slopes. Course is free, so bring your own gear or rent from Boot Doctor’s.
14. Hiking – You can’t beat the hiking in Telluride… Almost any hike you take is going to give you breathe taking views and sometimes even a look at old mining structures still intact. Some popular hikes around town are: Bear Creek, Jud Wiebe, Imogene, Sneffels Highline, Ajax, Blue & Silver Lakes, and much more! Also, check out Mountain Village's new hiking trails & maps in the Telluride Visitor's Guide.
15. Free Box - A "Telluride Tradition" located right off Main Street, the name says it all. The Free Box is a place to exchange clothes, small trinkets, books, and many other trash or treasures. Be sure to swing by the Free Box and see what you can find!
Free Gondola Ride in Telluride, Colorado
