Hiking in Telluride
Hiking in Telluride, CO
Looking to make gains around Telluride? The ones that come with elevation, that is. With a landscape made for walkin’, here’s a quick guide for some of the best hiking trails in and around Telluride.
Keep in mind for any trail on the list that it’s going to be over 8,700 feet. Meaning it might take you longer to trek than the usual 2 miles/hour rate, especially if you’re going up! So if you usually spend your time at lower altitudes, take a couple days to get used to the lighter supply of oxygen around here.
To that, you’ll need more water and sun protection in this neck of the woods. Bring 1 liter of water for every 2.5 miles, carb-loaded snacks, and coverage from the closely looming fireball in the sky. Now let’s get to trail browsing.
Best 14er Hike near Telluride
Mt. Sneffels
Mt. Sneffels is Telluride’s fourteener, and is a must-summit for anyone who is looking for a challenging and rewarding hike in the area. Sneffels is so renowned for its devastatingly good looks, it’s nicknamed “The Queen of the San Juans” and is the second highest peak in the range.
For this hike, prepare to carve out most of your day for getting to the remote trailhead and bagging the summit. If you’re not in possession of a 4WD vehicle, expect to add about 4 miles onto the trek given that the road gets quite rough up Yankee Boy Basin. The trailhead is accessible just outside of Ouray off county road 361.
Things to keep in mind for Sneffels: The earlier in the season you go, the more snow you’ll have to trudge! Bring the hiking poles, plenty of food, water, sunscreen and layers for your day in the high country. And be sure to start early and be off the summit by noon, as afternoon thunderstorms roll in daily around 1 PM.
Best Hike in Telluride for a Hot Day
Keystone Gorge Loop
Keystone Gorge follows the San Miguel River with gorgeous pine trees the entire way. There are two scenic bridge crossings, a few rocky sections to scramble, and plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the river.
You can also add on the Galloping Goose trail for a few more miles if you haven’t had enough! This section includes a historic coal chute site from the old freight trains that transported ore out of Telluride’s mines.
The Keystone Gorge comes with a surprising amount of solitude you won’t find on other trails in and around Telluride, which makes it another enjoyable trail to explore in the heat of summer.
Best Hike for Young Children
Bear Creek Falls
Bear Creek Falls is definitely Telluride’s most popular hiking trail. It’s a great option for trekking with young children due to the gradual and wide road leading to the falls, along with the gorgeous views and rewarding splashes from the waterfall at the end. This is also a great trail to start with during your Telluride adventures to help you get acclimated to the elevation, if needed!
The trailhead starts at the end of downtown on Pine Street from the festival grounds. Depending on how long you hang out at the falls, the round trip takes around 2.5 hours to complete.
Best Hike if You Only Have 1 Hour
Cornet Falls
Cornet Falls is a spectacular 80 foot waterfall trickling inside an enclosed cliff. It’s a short hike to the falls that does come with a steep climb to reach them. The views along the way are fantastic, and it’s easy accessibility makes it more than a worthwhile hike while you’re in town.
The trail has been closed seasons past due to rockfall, so check the status on the trailhead before heading up. If it turns out the trail is closed, doing the first section of the Jud Weibe trail nearby is a great alternative.
Best Hike in Telluride Off the Beaten Path
Alder Creek
Alder Creek is light on maintenance but heavy on views! This undulating hunting trail provides panoramic scenery of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Sneffels. The trail ends at the junction with the Dallas Trail in the Mt. Sneffels wilderness. This is also an incredible trail for wildflowers and fall colors!
You’ll have to put on your navigation hat for this trail as it can be difficult to follow in some areas. There are three creek crossings along the way, and the trail overall tends to lean on the muddy side through spring and summer.
Best Hike in Telluride with a View
Lizard Head
While every trail around Telluride offers impeccable scenery, the Lizard Head trail takes the cake for the massive views of multiple 14 and 13,000 foot peaks. The trail itself is high, climbing to 12,000 ft. where you’ll find these spectacular views.
The trail crosses a saddle, and traverses down the south side of Lizard Head mountain. Along the way are gorgeous alpine meadows, aspen hallways, and hopefully sights of climbers on the pinnacle.
The trailhead is located right off CO 145, about 12 miles south of Telluride. It’s easily accessible from the Lizard Head overlook, or from the Cross Mountain Trailhead.