Telluride Hiking Trails-Hiking in Telluride
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Ski Mountain, Telluride Ski Resort-Bike where you
ski!
Moderate to Difficult - A variety of superb backcountry
trails on the ski mountain are accessed via the free
gondola, which runs continuously from 7 a.m. to midnight every day beginning May 23 until off-season.
Mountain bike beginning at mid-station at Station St. Sophia and about half that elevation gain from
Mt. Village. Call the ski area at 728-7538 for more information. Try the Telluride Trail, ride the gondola up
from Telluride, and
coast down, fun, but be careful, make sure your brakes
work.
Alta Lakes Trail-Great views!
Easy to Moderate - The 1870s mining town of Alta is on
the National Register of Historic Places and Alta Lakes
are picture postcard beautiful. It is 5 miles one way with a 1,700-foot elevation gain. Directions: go six miles
south of Telluride on Hwy. 145 (toward Cortez) to Alta Lakes Road. To reach the ghost town of Alta, stay on
the main road for 4 miles. To get to the lakes, turn
right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes.
Black Bear Pass-Bike, Jeep, Hike
Difficult - This is for experienced bikers only. Black
Bear Pass is a one way ride from Red Mountain Pass, and
extreme caution must be taken coming down the switchbacks to Telluride. It is 3.6 miles one way from Red
Mountain Pass to Bridal Veil intersection, a 2,520-foot elevation loss. Access: the one-way road begins off Red
Mountain Pass, climbs gradually, then makes a breathtaking plunge into Telluride alongside the 125-foot Ingram
Falls, and past Bridal Veil Falls.
Deep Creek-Recommended
Easy - This is 6.5 miles one way with a 1,672-foot
elevation gain. Access Deep Creek from the Jud Wiebe
trailhead at N. Aspen St. or Mill Creek. Cross the bridge over Mill Creek and turn right on the Deep Creek Trail,
which continues to Last Dollar Road. The trail has many forks, so a map/guide is recommended. Bikers can
make an 18-mile loop. Follow the trail to Last Dollar Rd., turn left and climb to the intersection with the paved
airport road. Ride down to Hwy. 145, then east
into town.
Galloping Goose Trail-Recommended
Moderate biking. A long and rewarding bike that is 20.6
miles one way with a 1,580-foot elevation gain. Take the
Bike Path west from town and go up to Lawson Hill entrance, follow single track down old railroad grade to Ilium
Valley. Make a sharp right turn at the road. Turn left over bridge to Sunshine Mesa. At first switchback, continue
straight onto the old railroad grade again. Trail continues above Ames to Ophir Loop (Hwy. 145). Loop can be
completed by taking South Fork Rd. back to Ilium single track and Lawson Hill or continue south (under the
highway) to Trout Lake and Lizard Head Pass.
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Ilium Road/Ames Historic Site
Easy - Ames is the site of the country's first
alternating current power plant built by George
Westinghouse, L.L.
Nunn, and Nikola Tesla. To get there, bike five miles west on Hwy, 145 from Telluride, then turn at the Ilium
Road turnoff that parallels the San Miguel River (south fork) to the historic Ames power plant. It is 6 miles one
way with a 1,250-foot elevation
gain.
Last Dollar-Recommended
Moderate - There is a 19-mile "Local's Loop" for bikes
with a 300-foot elevation gain. Access: 3 miles west of
town on Hwy. 145, turn right on the airport road and follow it for 2 miles to the dirt road that forks north just
before the airport. Continue for 1.5 miles, then turn left on Deep Creek Rd and ride down 2 miles to the highway.
Ride east toward town, turn right on South Fork Rd., then turn left on the Galloping Goose Trail and ride up to
the bike path back to town. A longer loop for bikers is available by following Last Dollar Road, then descending
to Sawpit and Hwy.145 via Rd. 58P. Another option is to continue north to Hwy.145 where an inspiring
panorama of mountain peaks awaits you at
Dallas Divide on the way to Ridgway, Ouray, or Montrose.
Ophir Pass-Recommended
Moderate to Difficult - Spectacular Ophir Pass is six
miles one way from Hwy. 145 to top of the pass with a
2,480-foot elevation gain. From Telluride, drive south on Hwy. 145 for 8 miles. Turn left onto a dirt road (watch for
post office sign) and proceed through "old" Ophir to the pass road. Ophir Pass climbs above timberline over a
scree field to the 12,789-foot summit. Return via the same route, or continue down to Red Mountain Pass and
make a long loop back to town via
Ouray.
Wilson Mesa Trail
Moderate - If you want awesome scenery mixed with
solitude (and colors in the fall), take this trail which
is 13
miles one way east from Woods Lake to Sunshine Mesa with a 3,700-foot elevation gain. To access: Drive 14
miles west of Telluride on Hwy. 145. Turn left on Fall Creek Road and follow for 7.75 miles to the trailhead. Park
here or continue another .25 miles to Woods Lake and park there. Or access from the top of Sunshine Mesa
and the trailhead to Bilk Creek heading
west to Woods Lake.
Bear Creek Canyon-Recommended-Steep-bring a lunch.
Easy to Moderate - This is an awesome bike from town, a
favorite of locals and visitors alike, because Bear
Creek's amazing serenity and beauty makes you feel like you are miles away from civilization. It's 2 miles one
way to the waterfalls with a 1,040 foot elevation gain within this 325-acre mountain canyon that is secured for
the public by the Telluride Land Trust. Enter the trail from the end of South Pine Street and follow Bear Creek up
the canyon and enjoy views of jagged peaks on your way to the waterfalls. About .25 miles before the falls,
watch for the sign on your right announcing the
trailhead to the rugged and challenging Wasatch Trail.
San Miguel River Trail-Take the kids on this.
Easy - This is a refreshing, easy ride, perfect for
those who want to acclimatize to the altitude. Recently
expanded, it's about 2.75 miles one way with a 170-foot elevation gain. Begin at the east end of town at East
Colorado and Columbine Street, past Town Park. All along the river, you can access side streets as it continues
west towards the valley floor, ending at Boomerang Road. (Do not enter the valley floor as it is closed to public
use).
Bridal Veil Falls-Spectacular
Moderate - These stunning waterfalls, over 300 feet in
length, entice many people to bike up the road. From
Pandora Mill to Bridal Veil waterfalls and the power plant, it's 1.8 miles and a 1,200 foot elevation gain. Or you
can bike to the bottom of the falls and get energized in the midst of the mist. Directions: Go east through town
on Colorado Avenue toward the mountain, pass the old Pandora Mine on your left, and follow the road marked
County Road. Continue on this dirt road and go up the switchbacks for 1.2 miles to the bottom of falls, or go the
extra .6 miles to the top of the falls. You don't have to stop here, though. Beyond the privately owned historic
power plant, the awesome Bridal Veil Basin, Blue Lake, and Silver Lake await you. Note: If you drive, park your
car at the base of the falls and bike up. Parking is not available at the top.
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Tomboy Road, Town of Tomboy, Imogene Pass &
Ouray-Long, Fun, Worth It!
Moderate to Difficult - Be prepared for the rugged
five-mile road to the fascinating town of Tomboy (2,650
foot
elevation gain) by taking plenty of water, food or snacks, and warm clothing. It's 7 miles to Imogene Pass (at
13,114 feet, it's a 4,350 elevation gain) and 18 miles total to Ouray. Start in town at the north end of Oak Street
and turn right on the dirt road (Tomboy Road). Continue past waterfalls and through a tunnel to arrive at the
mining camp of Tomboy. The road continuing on to the pass is a steep grade with loose rock and, after that, a
steeper downhill ride to Ouray. Several paths at the top of the pass lead to peaks. You can take a side trip by
making a left turn (marked) and explore the raw beauty of Yankee Boy Basin; continuing toward Ouray, you'll
pass by Camp Bird, historically one of the richest mines in the country. If you're going straight to Ouray, expect
this trip to take at least two hours
but, if you want to explore, expect to spend a good part
of the day.
Biking, Hiking, Climbing, Trekking in Telluride,
Colorado
Telluride Hiking: Telluride has four waterfalls,
high-altitude mining towns, the highest concentration of
14,000-ft.
peaks in North America and the most high-altitude passes. Colorful hiking includes fields of wildflowers that
begin to bloom in June and peak in July, with yellows, reds and burnt orange color in late September and early
October. Drive in or fly. Book
Lodging Here
We have a great HIKING and WELLNESS Program! Explore the
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program. Mountain chilled waterfalls, ghost towns and abandoned mines and the opportunity to summit a peak
or two are just out our backdoor. Create your own experience to match your ability level. Come to Telluride and
RELAX! Be pampered after hiking at altitude with massages, "Best Breakfast in Telluride", gourmet lunches, fine
dinners, relaxing happy hours and deluxe accommodations! Program Statistics: Miles: 50 Miles, Elevation Gain:
11,000 feet, High Point: 13,300 feet, Fun: Immeasurable
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From Town
Bear Creek Canyon
Easy to Moderate (Approximately 4 miles round trip from
town to falls)- This is an awesome hike, a favorite of
locals and visitors alike, because Bear Creek's amazing serenity and beauty makes you feel like you're miles
away from civilization. It's 2 miles one way to the waterfalls with a 1,040 foot elevation gain within this 325-acre
mountain canyon that is secured for the public by the Telluride Land Trust. Enter the trail from the end of South
Pine Street and follow Bear Creek up the canyon and enjoy views of jagged peaks on your way to the waterfalls.
About .25 miles before the falls, watch for the sign on your right announcing the trailhead to the rugged and
challenging Wasatch Trail.
Jud Wiebe Trail
Moderate - Great views all the way on the traditional
locals' hike with a 2.7 mile loop and 1,200 foot
elevation
gain. Enter at the north end of Aspen Street, then turn left and cross the bridge over Cornet Creek. Jud Wiebe
loops above town with views of Bridal Veil and Ingram Falls, town, and the ski area, then continues to Tomboy
Road and back to town. (Locals' warm-up: Skip the bridge and go straight on the Cornet Creek trail. This is only
1/4 mile round trip and can be steep at times, winding along a gorgeous creek with a surprise ending at lovely
waterfalls surrounded by red rock). You can also
access the Sneffels Highline Trail along the Jud Wiebe
Trail.
Bridal Veil Falls
Moderate - These stunning waterfalls, over 300 feet in
length, entice many people to hike, bike, or four wheel
drive up the road. From Pandora Mill to Bridal Veil waterfalls and the power plant, it's 1.8 miles and a 1,200 foot
elevation gain. Or you can hike or bike to the bottom of the falls and get energized in the midst of the mist.
Directions: Go east through town on Colorado Avenue toward the mountain, pass the old Pandora Mine on your
left, and follow the road marked County Road. Continue on this dirt road and go up the switchbacks for 1.2 miles
to the bottom of falls, or go the extra .6 miles to the top of the falls. You don't have to stop here, though. Beyond
the privately owned historic power plant, the awesome Bridal Veil Basin, Blue Lake, and Silver Lake await you.
Note: If you drive, park your car at the base of the falls and hike up. Parking is not available at the top.
Tomboy Road, Town of Tomboy, Imogene Pass & Ouray
Moderate to Difficult -Be prepared for the rugged
five-mile road to the fascinating town of Tomboy (2,650
foot
elevation gain) by taking plenty of water, food or snacks, and warm clothing. It's 7 miles to Imogene Pass (at
13,114 feet, it's a 4,350 elevation gain) and 18 miles total to Ouray. Start in town at the north end of Oak Street
and turn right on the dirt road (Tomboy Road). Continue past waterfalls and through a tunnel to arrive at the
mining camp of Tomboy. The road continuing on to the pass is a steep grade with loose rock and, after that, a
steeper downhill ride to Ouray. Several paths at the top of the pass lead to peaks. You can take a side trip by
making a left turn (marked) and explore the raw beauty of Yankee Boy Basin; continuing toward Ouray, you'll
pass by Camp Bird, historically one of the richest mines in the country. If you are going straight to Ouray,
expect this trip to take at least two hours but, if you want to explore, expect to spend a good part of the day.
Telluride Adventure
Desk-Flyfish, Hike, Rock Climb, Jeeping, More
San Miguel River Trail
Easy - This is a refreshing, scenic walk right along the
river, a great warm up trail or leisurely walk, perfect
for
those who want to acclimatize to the altitude. Recently expanded, it's about 2.75 miles one way with a 170-foot
elevation gain. Begin at the east end of town at East Colorado and Columbine Street, past Town Park. All along
the river, you can access side streets as it continues west towards the valley floor, ending at Boomerang Road.
(Do not enter the valley floor as it is
closed to public use).
Sneffels Highline Trail
Difficult - If you're hearing the call of the wild, this
is your answer for robust backcountry challenge and
endurance. Follow the Jud Wiebe trail and at .5 miles take the path to the left that crosses Butcher Creek. Turn
right at the sign post and climb north. This is a 13-mile loop with a 3,600 foot elevation gain. The trail will lead
you above timberline to Pack Basin, over a saddle and into Mill Creek Basin. Continue down to Mill Creek, turn
left to access the Waterline trail (over
bridge), and return to the Jud Wiebe and back to town.
Telluride Ski Area
Moderate - A variety of superb backcountry trails on the
ski mountain are accessed via the free gondola, which
runs continuously from 7 a.m. to midnight every day beginning May 23 until off-season. Hike or mountain bike
beginning at mid-station at Station St. Sophia, or begin your hike from Telluride or Mountain Village up to
Station St. Sophia - a respectable 1,600 foot elevation gain from Telluride, and about half that elevation gain from
Mt. Village. Call the ski area at 728-7538 for more
information.
Blue Lake
Access from Bridal Vail Falls. Moderate to Difficult.
Approximately 4 hours round trip covering 5 1/4 miles
with
an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. This is a
spectacular wildflower hike which ends above tree-line.
Area Trails
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Alta Lakes
Easy to Moderate - The 1870s mining town of Alta is on
the National Register of Historic Places and Alta Lakes
are picture postcard beautiful. It is 5 miles one way with a 1,700-foot elevation gain. Directions: go six miles
south of Telluride on Hwy. 145 (toward Cortez) to Alta Lakes Road. To reach the ghost town of Alta, stay on the
main road for 4 miles. To get to the lakes, turn
right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes.
Black Bear Pass
Difficult - Black Bear Pass goes from Telluride over Red
Mountain Pass. It is 3.6 miles one way from Bridal Veil
intersection to Red Mountain Pass, a 2,520-foot elevation gain. Please note that this is a popular Jeeping road
when hiking be extra careful. Access: Past Bridal Veil Falls the road begins makes a steep asent up to the
pass alongside the 125-foot Ingram Falls and then desends over Red Mountain Pass.
Deep Creek
Easy - This is 6.5 miles one way with a 1,672-foot
elevation gain. Access Deep Creek from the Jud Wiebe
trailhead at N. Aspen St. or Mill Creek. Cross the bridge over Mill Creek and turn right on the Deep Creek Trail,
which continues to Last Dollar Road. The trail has many forks, so a map/guide is recommended. Bikers can
make an 18-mile loop. Follow the trail to Last Dollar Rd., turn left and climb to the intersection with the paved
airport road. Ride down to Hwy. 145, then east
into town.
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Galloping Goose Trail
Easy hiking - A long and rewarding bike or hiking trip
that is 20.6 miles one way with a 1,580-foot elevation
gain.
Take the Bike Path west from town and go up to Lawson Hill entrance, follow single track down old railroad
grade to Ilium Valley. Make a sharp right turn at the road. Turn left over bridge to Sunshine Mesa. At first
switchback, continue straight onto the old railroad grade again. Trail continues above Ames to Ophir Loop (Hwy.
145). Loop can be completed by taking South Fork Rd. back to Ilium single track and Lawson Hill or continue
south (under the highway) to Trout Lake and Lizard Head Pass.
Ophir Pass
Moderate - If Imogene Pass just whets your appetite for
more four-wheel excitement, try spectacular Ophir
Pass. It's six miles one way from Hwy. 145 to top of the pass with a 2,480-foot elevation gain. From Telluride,
drive south on Hwy. 145 for 8 miles. Turn left onto a dirt road (watch for "post office" sign) and proceed through
"old" Ophir to the pass road. Ophir Pass climbs above timberline over a scree field to the 12,789-foot summit.
Return via the same route, or continue down to Red Mountain Pass and make a long loop back to town via
Ouray. 4WD required.
Wilson Mesa Trail
Moderate - If you want awesome scenery mixed with
solitude (and fabulous colors in the fall), take this
trail
which is 13 miles one way east from Woods Lake to Sunshine Mesa with a 3,700-foot elevation gain. To
access: Drive 14 miles west of Telluride on Hwy. 145. Turn left on Fall Creek Road and follow for 7.75 miles to
the trailhead. Park here or continue another .25 miles to Woods Lake and park there. Or access from the top of
Sunshine Mesa and the trailhead to Bilk Creek
heading west to Woods Lake.
Lizard Head Wilderness Area
Varies - This area boasts some of the Southwest's most
rugged and pristine mountains, with three 14,000 foot
peaks and ideal high-altitude hiking. No vehicles or mountain bikes are allowed in wilderness areas. Call the
U.S. Forest Service for further information about
camping. 327-4261.
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