Telluride MountainFilm kicks off the summer festival season each year over the Memorial Day weekend. Typically, many of the area's hiking and biking trails will have dried off by this time, but it's not guaranteed. You might even run into a late spring snow at that time. Regardless, spring and early summer is a great time to visit Telluride and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy during your stay. The Telluride area is typically green and lush in early summer from snowmelt and spring rain.

Late May / early June is usually a great time to try river rafting while the water is flowing fast, and jeep trails have opened up for higher elevation exploring. For hikers, the Bridal Veil basin is surrounded by waterfalls at this time of year. As June progresses, the higher elevation flowers begin to bloom, and all trails should be open.