Telluride Bungee Jumping Guide: What You Can Do Instead
You’re packing your bags for Telluride, Colorado — a magical mountain town where the views are majestic, the air is crisp, and your sense of adventure is off the charts. And now you’re thinking: “You know what this trip needs? A bungee cord, a tall platform, and a few seconds of sheer terror.”
I get it. There’s something wildly appealing about throwing yourself off a ledge with nothing but a glorified elastic holding you back from making friends with the canyon floor.
But I’ve got good news and bad news.
Bad news: Telluride doesn’t have any bungee jumping spots.
Good news: You can still get your adrenaline fix — and possibly a few airborne selfies — with some wild, high-flying alternatives that are just as fun (and a lot easier on your ankles).
So don’t close the tab! Grab your helmet, your courage, and maybe a pair of “adventure pants,” because Telluride’s about to take you on one heck of a ride — bungee or no bungee.
First Things First: Can You Bungee Jump in Telluride?
Let’s rip off the band-aid.
Nope. Nada. Not today.
There are no commercial bungee jumping operators in Telluride, Colorado. No towering bridges, no crane jumps, and definitely no back-alley bungee set-ups run by some guy named “Crazy Cliff.”
But don’t pout yet! Let’s talk about what’s nearby — and what’s better.
Closest Places to Go Bungee Jumping (If You’re Willing to Road Trip)
If you’re dead set on the classic bungee jump (you brave soul), you’ll need to hop in a car and take a little drive — okay, a big drive.
1. Royal Gorge Bridge – Canon City, Colorado
Distance from Telluride: About 5.5 hours (with snacks and good music)
Experience Level: For people who laugh in the face of gravity
This is one of the tallest bridges in the U.S., and while it’s not open for regular bungee jumping year-round, special events like the Go Fast Games sometimes allow jumps. Think of it like bungee jumping’s Comic-Con — limited, wild, and full of adrenaline-hungry humans.
Bonus: You can walk the bridge, zipline across the gorge, and scream internally at the view. Win-win.
2. Go Jump Denver – Skydiving (Because Why Not?)
Distance: ~6.5 hours from Telluride
Activity: Skydiving with full bungee-style freefall feels
Can’t bungee? Just leap out of a plane instead! It’s basically the same thing, except you’re falling from way higher, and someone is strapped to your back yelling “WOOHOO!” with you.
What to Do Instead in Telluride (Where You Don’t Scream Alone)
So, Telluride doesn’t have bungee. But it has something better: a smorgasbord of high-altitude, jaw-dropping, pants-wobbling adventures that make bungee look like child’s play.
Ready? Let’s take a tour.
1. Telluride Via Ferrata: Because Who Needs a Floor Anyway?
Imagine clinging to a cliff, 500 feet above the valley, your toes on tiny metal rungs, your heart in your throat. That’s the Via Ferrata, which loosely translates to: “This looked fun until we got halfway across.”
- Strap into a harness
- Clip into a cable
- Walk sideways across a literal rock face
It’s basically mountain ballet… if ballet dancers also cried from fear and joy at the same time.
Thrill Factor: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
View Factor: Screensaver-worthy
2. Paragliding: Glide Like an Overconfident Eagle
Don’t want to fall off a bridge? Cool. How about floating off a mountain?
Paragliding in Telluride is the kind of peaceful thrill that makes you whisper “whoa” every 10 seconds. You’ll take off with a pro pilot and catch some of the best views in the Rockies — no jumping, no screaming (unless you want to).
- No experience needed
- You’ll be flying over forests, ski slopes, and maybe a moose
- Guaranteed bragging rights for at least 6 months
3. Ziplining in Mountain Village: Tree-Hugging, But Fast
Okay, you’re not leaping off anything here, but you are flying through trees at high speed while strapped into a harness. It’s like bungee’s responsible cousin — still a thrill, just with helmets and safety briefings.
Telluride Canopy Adventure includes:
- 5 ziplines
- Wobbly sky bridges (start your core workout now)
- Rappelling stations that make you feel like a mountain ninja
You’ll laugh, you’ll scream, and you’ll probably want to go again.
Mountain Biking: For Those Who Think Gravity Is Optional
Telluride’s trails aren’t just beautiful — they’re wild. Take the gondola up, pick your path, and hold on tight. Whether you’re bombing down switchbacks or casually rolling through meadows, this is one way to earn that post-ride pizza.
Pro tip: Armor is cool now. Wear it.
Best Time to Do This Crazy Stuff
Telluride adventure season = June to October.
In that sweet spot, you get:
- Clear skies
- Warm days
- The full menu of outdoor thrills
Avoid winter if your dream is to dangle off cliffs. That’s more of a ski-and-hot-chocolate vibe.
Where to Stay (So You Can Brag From the Hot Tub Later)
Stay near Mountain Village to be close to all the good stuff — ziplining, biking, hiking, and gondola rides.
Budget-Friendly:
- The Bivvi Hostel (hipster-friendly)
- Mountainside Inn (affordable + cozy)
Feeling Fancy?
- Madeline Hotel & Residences (luxury + spa)
- Inn at Lost Creek (views for days)
Bonus points if you pick a place with a hot tub. You’ll want it after the Via Ferrata.
Safety Tips for All This Madness
- Don’t go rogue. Use licensed guides for anything involving heights, ropes, or falling.
- Wear proper gear. You’re not just “winging it.”
- Check the weather. It’s less fun to paraglide in a thunderstorm.
- Be honest about your fear of heights. Laughing nervously is normal.
FAQs (AKA: “Am I Going to Die?”)
Q: Why doesn’t Telluride have bungee jumping?
A: Too remote, not enough bridges, and probably a few mountain goats who wouldn’t approve.
Q: What’s the closest experience to bungee jumping in Telluride?
A: Via Ferrata and paragliding — both are wild, high-up, and totally Instagrammable.
Q: Can I combine these in one trip?
A: Yes! Zipline in the morning, climb a cliff after lunch, paraglide before dinner. Then collapse in a hot tub with a huge grin.
Final Words: No Bungee? No Problem!
So, there you have it — the truth, the alternatives, and the bucket-list thrills you didn’t know you needed. While Telluride might not offer traditional bungee jumping, it more than makes up for it with crazy-beautiful, high-flying adventures that’ll make your heart race and your spirit soar.
Who needs a bridge and a cord when you can walk across a cliff, soar like a bird, or zip through the trees like a caffeinated squirrel?
Your adventure awaits — just don’t forget your harness.
