How to Go Paragliding in Telluride, CO – Beginner Friendly & Epic Views

Introduction: Wanna Fly Without Feathers?

Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever looked at a bird soaring through the sky and thought, “Man, that looks peaceful… and slightly terrifying,” then paragliding might just be your spirit sport. And when it comes to flying over jaw-dropping mountain scenery? Telluride, Colorado, is where it’s at.

This place isn’t just “pretty.” It’s “I want to sell my belongings and move here” pretty.

So if you’re ready to swap your hiking boots for a harness and float like a leaf on a mountain breeze (but way cooler), let’s glide right into the best paragliding spots in Telluride. I promise laughs, tips, and maybe a few reasons to conquer your fear of heights.

Why Paragliding in Telluride is Absolutely Worth It

First off, Telluride is not your average sleepy ski town. It’s a high-altitude haven for adventurers with a taste for scenic drama. We’re talking:

Jagged mountain peaks?
✔️
Waterfalls that look like they were Photoshopped by Mother Nature?
✔️
Air so crisp it could be bottled and sold in Brooklyn?
✔️✔️✔️

In Telluride, you don’t just paraglide—you float through a real-life screensaver. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned thrill-chaser, the views from the sky will leave you speechless (until you remember to yell, “I’M FLYINGGGG!”).

The Best Places to Paraglide in Telluride

Now for the juicy part—where to throw yourself off a mountain (safely, of course).

1. Telluride Town Launch (aka “The OG Fly Zone”)

Location: San Sophia Overlook via Gondola
Skill level: Newbies to pros
Altitude: Around 11,800 ft (AKA “holy moly” high)

This is the most iconic (and easiest to access) spot in town. Hop on the FREE Gondola—yes, FREE, we love a budget-friendly thrill—and you’ll be at the launch in no time.

From this spot, expect:

Epic views of town below that’ll make your Instagram explode
A flight path that swoops you past waterfalls, pine forests, and maybe an eagle or two
A smooth ride that’s perfect for beginners, yet thrilling enough for seasoned flyers

Fun Fact: Most people land wishing their flight was longer. (Some land crying. But like, happy tears.)

2. Gold Hill Launch (For Those Who Like Extra Drama)

Location: Near top of Lift 14
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced flyers—or tandem with an instructor
Altitude: Around 12,000 ft (aka even more “OMG”)

This one’s for the bold souls (or those trying to impress a date). It requires a short hike and a little courage, but it rewards you with longer airtime and wilder views.

You’ll get:

Closer fly-bys of mountain ridgelines
A more “I’m starring in a Red Bull documentary” feel
A chance to test out thermals and air currents if you’re going solo

Pro Tip: This site is best in the morning when the winds are calm and your breakfast burrito hasn’t made a comeback.

3. Bald Mountain (Off-the-Grid & Oh-So-Gorgeous)

Location: Just outside town
Skill level: For folks looking for peace, quiet, and a little extra solitude with their soaring

This hidden gem is less busy, a bit more rugged, and absolutely dreamy.

Expect:

Total zen as you fly over forests and remote hills
Fewer people (but more wildlife—wave at the deer, not the bears)
A more private paragliding experience if you’re not into crowds or GoPro swarms

Don’t Know How to Fly? Try Tandem Paragliding!

If the closest you’ve come to flying is jumping on a trampoline or falling off a swing as a kid—fear not! Tandem paragliding is your gateway to the skies.

Here’s How It Works:

You get strapped into a comfy harness with a certified pilot behind you.
You run a few steps, your feet leave the ground, and boom—you’re flying.
You scream (optional), laugh (likely), and enjoy the ride while your pilot does all the work.

It’s kinda like Uber, but for clouds.

Top Tandem Paragliding Operators in Telluride

Telluride Paragliding

Experienced, friendly pilots
Great reviews from fellow sky-screamers
They’ll even snap your airborne glam shots

Telluride Air

Chill vibes, epic flights
Custom options depending on how much wind-in-your-face you can handle
Ask for the “smooth cruise” if you’re nervous

Bonus: Both companies make safety a top priority, so even your grandma could give it a go (and probably out-brave you).

Best Time to Go Paragliding in Telluride

Timing is everything when you’re flying through the sky like a majestic tortilla chip.

Best Season: May to September

The skies are clear, the air is warm(ish), and the winds are just right. Plus, the wildflowers below are showing off.

Best Time of Day: Early morning

It’s calmer, cooler, and you can brag all day afterward.

Winter Flights?

Technically possible. But let’s be real—if it’s snowing sideways, maybe opt for hot cocoa and a fireplace instead.

What to Bring (and Not Bring) for Your Flight

Do Bring:

Sneakers or hiking shoes (leave the heels at home, Cinderella)
Light jacket or windbreaker
Sunglasses with a strap (unless you like donating them to the sky gods)
GoPro or phone with a secure mount
A tiny bit of courage

Don’t Bring:

Giant bags
Loose scarves
Pet chihuahuas
Your existential crisis (that can stay on the ground)

Safety Stuff You Should Know (But in a Non-Boring Way)

You might be wondering, “But is this safe?”

Answer: Safer than trying to parallel park in downtown traffic.

All tandem pilots in Telluride are USHPA certified (aka they’ve passed serious training and have actual licenses to glide). Flights only happen in safe weather, and you’ll get a full pre-flight briefing so you won’t be flying blind.

General Requirements:

Ages 12+
Weight limit typically 250 lbs
Good general health (and a good sense of humor helps)

Local Tips and Funny Flyers’ Stories

“I was so scared I almost backed out… then I flew and now I won’t shut up about it.” – Dave, 37, now officially a paragliding evangelist

“I brought my boyfriend, and he screamed louder than me. I think I proposed mid-flight.” – Lara, 29, adrenaline romantic

Local Tip: Bring a snack for afterward—you’ll land with a serious case of the “air munchies.”

Turn It Into a Full Day of Fun

Just because your feet touch the ground again doesn’t mean the adventure has to end. Stick around Telluride for:

A gondola ride and picnic at Mountain Village
A stroll to Bridal Veil Falls (it looks even better from below)
A beer and burger at Smuggler’s Brewpub (because you earned it)
Ziplining, hiking, or just reliving your paragliding video 36 times

Final Words Before You Soar

Look, you can spend your vacation watching squirrels in the park… or you can literally soar with the eagles in one of Colorado’s most jaw-dropping mountain towns.

Paragliding in Telluride is:

Safe
Scenic
Slightly scary in a good way
Absolutely unforgettable

So go ahead. Take the leap. Scream a little. Smile a lot. And don’t forget to wave at the world below.