Get Your Adrenaline Pumping with 4 Activities in Telluride
Top Adrenaline-Fueled Things to Do in Telluride
Telluride, Colorado is a town packed full of thrills. From the adrenaline rush of climbing a frozen waterfall to the heart-pounding intensity of a whitewater rafting adventure, this box canyon is home to far more thrill-inducing activities than an outsider might expect. So, for those of you who are looking for something more intense to do while you’re in town than just a simple hike, we’ve crafted the perfect guide for you.
Join us today as we explore 5 of the most adventurous activities you can participate in while staying within Telluride’s beautiful bounds.
Get Chilly Ice Climbing a Frozen Waterfall
Have you ever wanted to take your ice axe and crampons up to the top of a frozen waterfall? Not only will you be rewarded with incredible views, but your heart is sure to start pumping hard while you climb. At Telluride’s majestic Bridal Veil Falls, you can climb some of the most majestic waterfalls in all of Colorado. Often considered to be one of the best ice climbing experiences in the entire state, the Bridal Veil Falls route will challenge even the most experienced of climbers as you scramble up and down the ice-coated falls during the wintertime.
Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t until recently that Bridal Veil Falls became a hotspot for ice climbers. Although it was first climbed in 1973, it wasn’t until 2008 that the three pitches at this site were opened to the public. Partially due to its difficulty and the dangerous conditions, this climb is not one for the faint of heart.
For those who are just starting out on their ice climbing journeys and need some instruction to feel more comfortable, Mountain Trip offers half-day outings that are perfect for beginners and novices alike. This trip explores the Lower Ames and Lower Bear Creek to help you get more confident in your ice climbing abilities.
Get Bumpy on These 4X4 Off-Roading Trails
Off-roading is a beloved pastime of Telluride locals and visitors alike, thanks to the old trails and roads leftover from Telluride’s days past as a mining town. Here are a few off-roading trails to get your bumpy thrills in during your next trip to the San Juan Mountains.
Visit a Ghost Town and Three Alpine Lakes on the Alta Lakes Trail
Located only six miles south of Telluride, Alta is an abandoned ghost town that is perfect for a day trip. Explore old, dilapidated buildings from Alta’s past (some of which were used by Nicola Tesla himself) before heading over to the lakes for some scenic beauty. Get ready for some bumpy scenic driving along this beautiful road.
Drive Over a Mountain Pass for Incredible Views and History on the Ophir Pass Trail
If you’re craving an off-roading adventure with some views and interesting history attached, check out the Ophir Pass trail. Originally used as a hunting trail by the Navajo, today this trail is one of the most-driven in the area due to its incredible beauty. Drive up to heights as far up as 11,789 feet and enjoy the views above the treeline, as well as some adrenaline pumping fun as you navigate the twists and turns of the trail.
Face Your Fear by Climbing the Telluride Via Ferrata
The higher up you go in Telluride, the better the views get, and you won’t find any better way to sightsee while getting your blood pumping than by traversing the Via Ferrata.
Located off of Marshall Creek Road on its west end and off of Bridal Veil Falls Trail on its east end, this world-class adventure is one you don’t want to miss out on during your next trip to Telluride. Via ferrata is Italian for “iron path”, and it denotes hiking routes that have ladders, cables, and other steel implements installed into the rock, making the mountain terrain a bit easier to navigate as you climb across sheer and exposed cliff faces. There are places to catch your breath on the route as well, with sections that are more like a high-altitude hike than a rock climbing path. Take on this wild once-in-a-lifetime activity next time you’re visiting Telluride.
Take On Class II and III Waters in a Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Whitewater rafting is a popular pastime all over Colorado, where you’ll find some of the best class II and class III rapids in the entire country. For those adventurous souls who want to take on a thrilling adventure, head to the San Miguel River for the rafting trip of a lifetime.
There are plenty of companies that you can work with to create your next rafting adventure, such as Telluride Outside’s half-day trips to the upper and lower San Miguel River. Most of these trips will include transportation to the river itself as well as instruction for those who haven’t rafted before, followed by about 2 hours spent on the water. Even if you’re just a beginner, being a strong swimmer will certainly help you to enjoy your whitewater rafting experience.
Explore More Telluride Activities with the LocalVR Travel Guides
If you are a bit more adventurous than the average traveler, Telluride should be your number one destination. There are plenty of adrenaline-inducing activities to enjoy in this gorgeous locale and tons more we didn’t mention, such as mountain biking or downhill skiing. So for those of you who love to get your blood pumping and your heart racing, don’t miss out on these activities next time you visit Telluride, Colorado.
Want to learn more about things to do in Telluride? Check out more of LocalVR’s Travel Guides, like our overview on the best places to eat in Telluride or our guide to seeing wildlife in the area.