A Short Guide to the Best Hikes Near Telluride
Best Hiking Trails Near Telluride
Telluride is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the United States, and no vacation to this winter wonderland is complete without exploring its endless miles of hiking trails. Whether you’re hoping to capture glimpses of waterfalls and roaring rivers or get a high-elevation view of town, there’s a hike for just about anyone in Telluride.
Today, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the best hikes located near Telluride, Colorado.
Visit Bear Creek Falls on the Bear Creek Trail
Hoping to step away from civilization for a little while and get lost in the woods? Try out the Bear Creek Trail in the gorgeous Bear Creek Preserve, which leads to the tranquil and serene Bear Creek Falls. This 4.5 mile out and back trail does cover quite a bit of elevation gain, totaling 1,092 feet over the entirety of the route, but it’s more than worth the trek uphill to view these stunning falls and the endless Telluride views.
There is limited parking at the trailhead (which is located in a residential neighborhood), so we recommend pulling into Telluride Town Park and starting your trek from there. Stop and take a picture at the falls before heading back into town for a much-needed apres-hike cocktail to end your day in gorgeous Telluride.
Experience the Incredible Bridal Veil Falls Trail
If the falls on the Bear Creek Trail weren’t enough to get your blood pumping, try out the Bridal Veil Falls Trail, a 2 mile out-and-back hike that’ll sate your thirst for Colorado waterfall views. At 365-feet in height, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, and catching a glimpse of these gorgeous falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s a good idea to put on some good shoes for this hike, as the trail is quite rocky in places and it can be easy to slip. During the winter months, microspikes are incredibly helpful for navigating this steep route, and the payoff is more than worth it once you reach the frozen falls.
Get in Some Beautiful Views on the Telluride River Trail
Not looking to complete a steep hike but still want to enjoy some incredible Telluride mountain views? Check out the Telluride River Trail, a relatively mellow and easy 4.1 mile out-and-back trail that is perfect for those who are just becoming accustomed to the altitude.
Meander through the serene forests that lie along the banks of the river, stop by peaceful ponds and meadows, and get a glimpse of yet another set of beautiful waterfalls on this trail. The views during fall in particular are incredibly magical, but this trail can be completed during just about any season of the year.
Try Out the Telluride Via Ferrata for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Hike
If you’ve never covered a via ferrata route before, you might not know what you’re in for with the Telluride Via Ferrata. This particular kind of hike, known as the “Iron Way” in Italian, features more than just your typical hiking challenges like narrow pathways–instead, it is studded with cables that allow you to traverse over terrain that would normally only be accessible to rock climbers.
While this route is only 3 miles in total length, it’s a good idea to bring a guide along with you to ensure you’re completing it safely, and along the way you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the mountains that would’ve been inaccessible otherwise.
Challenge Yourself on the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail
Searching for a bit of a challenge while you’re visiting Telluride? Look no further than the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail, a tough 3.1 mile loop that will reward you with some incredible forest and mountain vistas. You can complete this loop in either direction, however, if you’d like to get the hard part out of the way first, it’s recommended to walk this hike counterclockwise to tackle the ascent first and enjoy the views. Near the top, there are a few well-placed benches to rest your weary bones on and capture some stunning photos before heading back into town.
This hike can be incredibly icy during the winter, so it’s a good idea to only attempt it during the warmer months. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the fall colors, the beginning of October is a great time of year to try out this beautiful trail.
Discover More Exciting Telluride Activities
Telluride is full of breathtaking hikes that offer glimpses of waterfalls, endless meadows, and beautiful peaceful forests, and you should not miss out on them the next time you’re in town. There’s something magical about this mountain town, and you’d be remiss if you didn’t spend some time exploring the awe-inspiring natural surroundings while you’re there.
Hoping to find out about more Telluride activities? Check out our guide to the best places to eat while you’re in town or take a look at our recommendations for the best day trips near Telluride.