Hiker’s Journey to the Best Hikes in Telluride

Lace up your hiking boots and head into the great outdoors of Colorado! While the white-capped mountains of winter are exhilarating for snow sports enthusiasts, those who prefer to traverse them without snow will find winding trails and beautiful scenery in warmer months. Colorado towns large and small offer glorious and breathtaking views and hikes, but there’s a special small-town hikers’ paradise, Telluride. Many of the Telluride hiking trials allow your furry family member to tag along, as long as they stay leashed.

San Miguel River Trail

This out-and-back trail is easy-going and only 4.1 miles long. The elevation gain of just 242 feet is perfect for beginners looking to explore. The trail that officially starts at Town Park is a nice stroll along the banks of the San Miguel River, but it can be picked up from many different streets around town, allowing you to adjust the length of your hike to fit your skill level.

Bridal Veil Falls

There are several ways to get to Bridal Veil Falls that offer a beautiful hike. The majestic and picturesque falls are the highest in Colorado, measuring 365 feet. The most popular trail is the 4.8-mile out-and-back with an elevation gain of nearly 1,400 feet. Park at the end of the town’s main street and follow the trail to the falls. If you’re up for an even bigger challenge, carry on to the historic home at the top of the falls.

Jud Wiebe Trail

Locals will tell you one of the best hikes in Telluride is the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail. The three-mile loop starts and ends in town and is a moderate hike. Travel through conifer forests, aspen groves, mountain meadows and more. Experience the power of the San Miguel River and beautiful Insta-worthy mountain vistas every step of the way. This is one of the first trails to melt out in the spring and hikers visiting late spring or throughout the summer will experience beautiful wildflowers in full bloom.

Sneffels Highline Loop

A big challenge means a big payoff. Sneffels Highline Loop is considered the most challenging hike in Telluride. The 13-mile loop includes an elevation gain of 3,520 feet! The reward is the beautiful high alpine country of the San Juan Mountains and all their gloriously breathtaking views, alpine basins, meadows, and fields of wildflowers. Prepare for the hike with plenty of food and water, and schedule it later in your visit, after you’ve acclimated to the altitude and thinner mountain air.

Bear Creek Falls

The moderate, out-and-back trail is a total of 4.6 miles and has an elevation change of 1,050 feet on its way to the Upper and Lower falls. It can take up to 1.5 hours to reach the upper falls. Two miles in on trail #635, you’ll reach the lower waterfall, and later the upper waterfall. The trail is multi-use, so you’ll be sharing it with other hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The trail also connects to Wasatch Trail, which continues up the canyon.

Black Bear Pass

The moderate, out-and-back trail is 17 total miles and has an elevation change of 1,843 feet. Black Bear Road crests at Black Bear Pass at an elevation of 12,840 feet, then descends through a set of infamous switchbacks that give the trail its moderate rating as it takes you high above Telluride. You’ll pass by Bridal Veil Falls, where you can take a break near the highest waterfall in Colorado!

Blue Lakes Trail

The moderate-to-hard hike is what you make of it. The adventure is anywhere from 7-11 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,600-3,650 feet. The trail stops when you want it to – at the first lake or the third. About three miles from the starting point is Lower Blue Lake, where you’ll find aspen forests, waterfalls, and more. The perfect turquoise color comes from buoyant particles of sediment called rock flour, which distorts light and reflects back the blue-green shade. Continue on to Middle Blue Lake, only a short distance and elevation gain away. At the junction to the lower and upper lakes, bear left and cross a small creek and head northeast up the slope to arrive for a view of the lower lake from above. About a quarter mile ahead you’ll finally arrive at Upper Blue Lake, and its glass-clear water. For the truly adventurous, continue on to Blue Lakes Pass through strenuous switchbacks, rocky paths, and more difficult terrain. Reach the end and look back on the entire Blue Lake Trail below!

The Great Outdoors of Telluride

From skiing and snowboarding in the winter, to hiking, biking, and more in the warmer months, Telluride is a Colorado destination you don’t want to miss for your outdoor adventures. As you plan all the best hikes in Telluride and the adventures you’ll experience, don’t forget to book a vacation rental with Lodging in Telluride as your ‘home base’. For you and your favorite hiking buddy or small family, choose a cozy studio-style unit. For larger groups wanting to tackle the summits together, there are units as large as six bedrooms! If you’re not tired from a day on the trails, make a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen, then stretch out and relax in a private bedroom or open living space. Ask about pet-friendly rentals, too.