Beginner’s Guide to Rappelling in Telluride – What to Know Before You Go
So… you want to lower yourself off a cliff using nothing but a rope, a harness, and your questionable sense of adventure?
Welcome to Telluride, Colorado — where the mountains are high, the views are breathtaking, and people actually pay money to rappel off giant rocks on purpose. If you’re ready to face your fear of heights (or just want an epic photo for your dating profile), this guide is for you.
Get ready for a fun, slightly ridiculous, and totally useful tour of the best rappelling spots in Telluride. We’ve also got tips on gear, guides, safety, and where to eat after you’ve survived hanging by a rope.
Wait… What is Rappelling, Anyway?
Rappelling (or abseiling if you’re feeling fancy) is basically the act of lowering yourself down a vertical drop using a rope. It’s part adventure sport, part gravity test, and 100% awesome when done right.
In Telluride, it’s not just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. With cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls galore, this mountain town is basically a giant adult jungle gym.
Why Telluride is a Rappelling Paradise
Here’s the deal: Telluride isn’t just ridiculously beautiful—it’s also naturally set up for rappelling. We’re talking:
- Steep canyon walls
- Towering waterfalls
- Secluded rock faces
- Friendly outdoor guides who won’t laugh if you scream on the way down (probably)
Also, this place has the kind of views that make you forget you’re terrified of heights.
Top Places to Go Rappelling in Telluride (AKA: Where to Scare Yourself for Fun)
1. Bridal Veil Falls
Let’s start big. This baby is Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, coming in hot at 365 feet of roaring beauty. You can’t rappel directly down the waterfall unless you’re a pro with permission and possibly superpowers—but there are nearby cliffs that offer guided rappelling routes with waterfall views.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Dramatic scenery
- Epic photo ops
- The sound of rushing water to drown out your screams
Skill Level: Intermediate to expert (don’t wing it)
2. Via Ferrata (East End Cliffs)
Technically, this is a climbing route with metal rungs and cables bolted into the rock. But many guided tours include short rappelling sections or alternate rope routes nearby. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a daredevil squirrel, this is it.
Why It’s Cool:
- You’re literally clinging to a cliff with views of the box canyon
- Some rappelling add-ons for extra spice
- Looks dangerous, but is surprisingly beginner-friendly (with a guide)
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate thrill-seekers
3. Bear Creek Canyon
Looking for a place to dip your toe into the world of rappelling (without full-on panic)? Bear Creek is your new best friend. This lush, green canyon is a local favorite for first-timers, with mellow drops and guided tours galore.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Beginner-friendly routes
- Waterfalls and forest vibes
- You might see a deer (or at least pretend you did)
Skill Level: Beginner and “I think I can do this?” types
Cornet Creek Falls / Ingram Falls
These spots are a little more off-the-radar, which means fewer crowds and more peaceful screaming. Both have smaller waterfalls and rock walls that are ideal for intermediate rappellers and guided canyoning trips.
Why It’s Awesome:
- Waterfall rappels = bragging rights
- Stunning hidden locations
- Feels adventurous without needing a helicopter rescue
Skill Level: Intermediate with a guide
Wilson Peak Area
This one’s for the hardcore folks who eat granola straight out of the bag and carry ropes like accessories. Near Wilson Peak (yes, the Coors beer mountain!), there are high-altitude cliffs and technical rappels that require serious skills.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Isolation and challenge
- Crazy views
- That sweet, sweet adrenaline rush
Skill Level: Advanced (aka “not your first rodeo”)
Need a Guide? (Yes. The Answer is Yes.)
Unless you are a certified rope wizard, get yourself a guide. Telluride has amazing local tour companies who’ll make sure you have fun, stay safe, and don’t get stuck halfway down a rock like a confused bat.
Top Local Guides:
- San Juan Outdoor Adventures
- Telluride Mountain Guides
- Mountain Trip
What They Provide:
- All gear (helmet, harness, ropes, jokes)
- Safety training
- Cool facts about the rocks you’re clinging to
- Encouragement (and maybe snacks)
What to Bring (Or You’ll Regret It Mid-Rappel)
Packing light is great. But not packing smart? Not so much.
Checklist:
- Helmet (protect that noggin)
- Harness (a.k.a. your vertical underwear)
- Gloves (no rope burn, please)
- Grippy shoes
- Stretchy, non-jeans clothing
- Water and snacks (because you earned it)
Optional:
- GoPro (for humblebrag footage)
- Sunglasses (bonus style points)
- A spare pair of clean underwear (hey, you never know)
Best Time to Go Rappelling in Telluride
June to September is prime time! The weather’s warm(ish), the trails are clear, and your toes won’t freeze off. Avoid early spring (slippery rocks from snowmelt) and winter (unless you’re rappelling in your dreams).
Safety Tips (Because Gravity Doesn’t Take Breaks)
- Always double-check your gear (then check it again).
- Never rappel alone. (No solo hero moves.)
- Watch the weather—it changes fast in the mountains.
- Use anchors you trust. (Trees are friends, but not always reliable.)
- Listen to your guide. They literally do this for a living.
Local Secrets: Where to Refuel After You Rappel Like a Champ
After hanging off cliffs all day, you’ll need serious food. Here’s where the locals go:
- Brown Dog Pizza – Because melted cheese is the reward of champions.
- Ghost Town Coffee – Grab a breakfast burrito before your climb.
- Smuggler’s Brewpub – For celebratory beers and stories no one will believe.
Want a place to crash? Look into:
- Alta Lakes camping – If you like stars and campfires
- Mountain Lodge Telluride – If you like showers and pillows
Final Words: Go Forth and Rappel!
Whether you’re a total beginner or a rock-hugging maniac, Telluride is the kind of place where gravity becomes your best frenemy. The cliffs are calling, the ropes are ready, and the views are so good, you might cry a little (we won’t tell).
So grab your gear, your courage, and maybe a friend to scream with—and go rappel like the mountain legend you were born to be.
And remember: “What goes up… must rappel down.”
