Day Trips from Telluride
← All Telluride day tripsDay Trips from Telluride: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Telluride, CO. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
11 state parks near Telluride
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness
CO 81415, USA
Just 1 hr 52 min from Telluride, rated 5.0 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
CO, USA
Just 2 hrs 13 min from Telluride, rated 4.8 stars by 1,625 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Uncompahgre National Forest
CO 81403, USA
Just 1 hr 48 min from Telluride, rated 4.8 stars by 1,872 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
USA
Just 1 hr 36 min from Telluride, rated 4.8 stars by 5,679 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Perins Peak State Wildlife Area
CO 81301, USA
Just 2 hrs 5 min from Telluride, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
San Juan National Forest
USA
Just 1 hr 53 min from Telluride, rated 4.8 stars by 4,442 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
Delta, CO 81416
Just 1 hr 57 min from Telluride, rated 4.7 stars by 993 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
Montrose, CO 81401
Just 1 hr 17 min from Telluride, rated 4.5 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Billy Creek State Wildlife Area
Montrose, CO 81403
Just 1 hr 3 min from Telluride, rated 4.2 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Walter Walker State Wildlife Area
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Just 2 hrs 33 min from Telluride, rated 4.1 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Dolores River State Wildlife Area
CO 81331, USA
Just 2 hrs 1 min from Telluride, rated 4.0 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Telluride
What are the best state parks near Telluride, CO?
The best state parks near Telluride offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Telluride?
Most state parks near Telluride charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Telluride are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Telluride offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Telluride?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Telluride. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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