Telluride Hot Air Balloon Festival June 2-4, 2023

One of the most picturesque places in Colorado holding an event that they've held for nearly 40 years. It should be a great weekend for awesome photos.

The 39th annual Telluride Balloon Festival in early June will include crisp early morning launches and an evening 'glo' along Main Street. If you've never visited Telluride, believe me, it is well worth your time; with this balloon festival, even more so.

The 1870s in Colorado saw many taking the journey into the San Juan Mountains to find their fortune in gold and silver. Columbia was a tent camp in the valley of the mountains that many miners used. Columbia turned into a town, and in 1878 that town's name was changed to reflect what was happening in the area at that time: the search for telluride minerals. They named the town Telluride.

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Anyone who's visited Telluride can tell you that when you're there, you just feel 'Colorado.' For example, if you were to send a picture of Main Street to a stranger across the world, they would probably say, 'That's Colorado.' Telluride's annual balloon festival would be a perfect time to visit; whether it's your first or fiftieth time.

The 2023 Telluride Balloon Festival

Friday, June 2: Static display of balloons for 5th grader participation.
6:30 a.m. launches from Telluride Town Park, on Saturday and Sunday morning.
Young Life sells coffee, hot chocolate, juice, muffins, and more.
Saturday night Main Street 'Glo' at 7 p.m.
*Subject to change

TRAVELING TO TELLURIDE FROM FORT COLLINS

Depending upon how much time you want to spend on the road, you have three route options to Telluride:

Google Maps

STAYING IN TELLURIDE FOR THE BALLOON FESTIVAL

You can go all out by trying to get a room at The Imogene, or you can go 'less expensively' by staying in lovely Ouray (they have a shuttle to Telluride,) and stay at Twin Peaks Lodge.

10 Awesome Telluride Colorado Hikes You Probably Haven't Done Yet

Have you ever hiked Telluride, Colorado? There are a number of awesome hikes close to town. Here are some of the best hikes according to Alltrails.com.

Telluride Colorado Isn't Just for Wintertime, You Can Enjoy Summer Activities Too

Telluride has been famous for a long time for its blue skies and world-class skiing. However, this gem nestled near the San Juan mountains is also an amazing summer destination with tons of outdoor activities. Scroll on to see all the fun you can have in Telluride during the warmer months of the year.