Hiking
Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of the amazing summer weather and spend a day hiking in the mountains? It’s tough to beat Telluride’s fresh, crisp mountain air, blue bird skies and the majestic beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Great hiking is so plentiful in and around Telluride that locals say there is enough hiking for you to go every weekend during the summer and not hike the same trail twice. The Telluride area has one of the highest concentrations of 14,000 foot peaks in the United States, and many of Telluride’s breathtaking trails abound just footsteps outside your door. With four amazing waterfalls, an old mining ghost town close nearby, and many trails starting right in town, Telluride boasts some of the most beautiful and easily accessible hiking in Colorado’s high country.
Whether you are a hard charger looking to conquer one our many 14ers, peaks over fourteen thousand feet tall, in the San Juan Mountains or you are just looking for an easy scenic loop to spend an afternoon on, there is something fun for you to hike in Telluride. We’ve listed a few of our favorites below to help you get started, but before you go please keep it in mind that the Rocky Mountains can be as dangerous as they are beautiful. So, please be prepared; always take the following items: water, sunscreen, weatherproof clothing, in the likely event that conditions change during the course of the day. Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. If it’s a warm summer day and you’re thinking about leaving your coat behind, keep the old high country saying in mind, “If you don’t like the weather just wait five minutes.” Just ask a friendly local or check out these sites for more ideas on where to hike.
San Miguel River Trail (Easy) If you’re looking for a beautiful trail for a stroll or good place to jog right from town, then this is the perfect place for you. The trial is about 2.75 miles one way with a 170-foot elevation gain. Find the trailhead 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 you continue west towards the valley floor, ending at Boomerang Road. Be careful not to enter the valley floor as it is closed off and not intended for public use.
Jud Wiebe Trail (Medium) – This hike has awesome views and is a longtime local’s favorite. The trail is 2.7-mile loop with a 1,200 foot elevation gain. Go to the north end of Aspen Street, then turn left and cross the bridge over Cornet Creek. The trail loops above town with breathtaking views of Bridal Veil and Ingram Falls, the town of Telluride, and the ski area, continuing to Tomboy Road and back to town. You can also find the beginning of our favorite challenging hike, Sneffels Highline Trail, here.
Sneffels Highline Trail (Hard) – This rugged trail is for when you’re feeling like you could give a mountain goat a run for its money. The trail makes about a 13-mile loop with a 3,600 foot elevation gain. Find the trailhead by following the Jud Wiebe Trail until you’re at .5 miles in and take the path to the left that crosses Butcher Creek. Turn right at the signpost and climb north. 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 (just over the bridge), and return to the Jud Wiebe Trail and back down to town for a much deserved drink at one of Telluride's great restaurants.
