5 Things to Do in Telluride in May

5 Things to Do in Telluride in May
May 19, 2023 Jordan Verroi

Telluride is known for its spectacular winters and breathtaking summers, but it’s rarely talked about as a spring destination. While much of the town is closed for the off-season during April, there is actually plenty to do in May. In fact, this is one of the best times of the year for a quiet, relaxing vacation. With sunny, 50-degree days, no crowds, and more leisurely offerings, guests can enjoy a slower-paced trip during this time. Here are the Top 5 things to do in Telluride in May that you should know about:

1. Enjoy dinner on a whim!

Enjoy a spontaneous dinner, where ever you feel like eating that night! Since fewer visitors are in town during the spring, getting a dinner reservation in Telluride is easy. Even for classic fine-dining restaurants like the Sheridan Chop House (which reopened May 18th), reservations that normally need to be booked out weeks in advance can be made as late as the day of, in most cases. Enjoy an impromptu meal with your travel companion(s) at more casual dining options like Smuggler’s Union, Stronghouse Brew Pub, or Floradora Saloon with no reservation. For more dining options, explore the list of off-season hours (found here).

 

Dining at Crazy Elk

 

2. Go for a picturesque hike

Summer doesn’t begin in Telluride until mid-June, but it’s never too early to go hiking. Although not every trail is accessible in May, several hikes are ready to go by this time in both Telluride and Mountain Village. For a peaceful walk, try the Telluride River Trail, the Valley Floor, and the Bike Path in town, or the Boulevard trail in Mountain Village. For a moderate-difficulty hike, check out the Jud Weibe, Keystone Gorge, or Mill and Eider Creek in town and the Ridge Trail, Jurrasic Trail, and the Meadows trail in Mountain Village.

 

Picturesque Spring Hikes in Telluride, CO

 

3. Take a tennis or pickleball lesson

If you’re interested in resort activities, you’ll want to visit the Telluride Racquet Club just outside The Peaks Resort and Spa. If you’re an experienced Tennis or Pickleball player, you can request to reserve a court for your party for $50 per hour. If you’ve never played before or want to improve your skills, you can take a tennis or pickleball lesson starting at $40/hour. Group and private lessons are offered, so you can have fun playing and improving whether you’re solo or with friends and family.

 

Play Tennis or Pickleball at Telluride Ski Resort

 

4. Treat yourself to a spa day

What better to do on vacation than reach the ultimate level of relaxation with a full-on spa day? Thankfully, many of the spas in town stay open and offer a variety of treatments during the spring. The Peaks Spa, the largest spa in Colorado, offers massages and facials during this time of year. When you book a treatment there, you can also enjoy their spa facilities for the entire day free of charge, including their lap pool, indoor-outdoor pool, hot tub, steam room, workout facilities, and private lounges. If you’re staying in the Town of Telluride, treat yourself to a massage, facial, or mani-pedi at the Aveda Telluride Spa (located at the base of the Gondola). If all you’re looking for is a custom massage, you can also book with AromaSpa Telluride, Telluride Massage Company, or PURE Beauty & Wellness Spa.

 

Enjoy a Spa Day at The Peaks Resort and Spa

 

5. Spend a night out on the town!

May is the perfect time of year to get a drink in town without worrying about whether you’ll find a seat at the bar. Enjoy a free game of pool at the Ride Lounge anytime after 3pm, every day of the week. For good drinks, good music (request your favorite by using their Juke Box!), and friendly local faces, visit the Last Dollar Saloon. And for those looking for a late-night dive scene, O’bannons is the place to be. Stay out as late as you want, just as long as you don’t miss the last Gondola up to Mountain Village at midnight If you’re visiting before May 25th, be sure to catch the last shuttle to mountain village from the courthouse at 11:07pm.

 

Hit the Town in Telluride, CO

 

Even though the bike park and canopy tours remain closed until Mid-June, there is still so much to do in Telluride in the Spring. Take advantage of what’s offered this Spring, as it’s the best time to enjoy solitude. If you’re going to Telluride in May, you can expect a peaceful, relaxing, worry-free stay in the midst of the Rocky Mountains.

 

 

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