Moderate--Access from the top of Bridal Veil Falls. 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 at the lake.
Bridal Veil Falls
Moderate--hiking, biking, 4 x 4 drive. These stunning waterfalls, 365 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 is 1.8 miles and a 1,200 foot elevation gain. Or you can just hike or bike (if you do not mind the 4x4 traffic in mid-summer) up to the bottom of the falls and become energized in the midst of the mist. Directions: Go east through town on Colorado Avenue toward the mountain, pass the old Pandora Mill 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. The gate is the trailhead (next to the privately owned historic power plant) for hikes to the awesome Bridal Veil Basin, Blue Lake and Silver Lake. Parking is available at the top but you will need to do a 3 point turn.
Deep Creek
Moderate-- This is a 4– 5 hour hike one way with a 1,672-foot elevation gain. Access Deep Creek from the Jud Wiebe trailhead at N. Aspen St. 8.5 miles one way. Or from Mill Creek 6 miles to the corral off Last Dollar Road. The trail has many forks, so a map/guide is recommended. To hike only one way, consider dropping a car off at the corral.
Jud Wiebe Trail
Moderate--hiking, biking, photo opportunity. 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. A 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 a lovely waterfall surrounded by red rock. You can also access the Sneffels Highline Trail along the Jud Wiebe Trail.
Lizard Head Wilderness Area
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. 970-327-4261. Bring a map and Telluride Hiking Guide book.
San Miguel River Trail
Easy--Better known as the River Trail this is a refreshing, scenic walk 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 3 miles one way with a 170-foot elevation gain. Begin at any section of the trail and walk east to Pandora Mill or west to Boomerang Rd.
Silver Lake
Difficult--1 ½ hour one way hike from the trailhead at the top of Bridal Veil Falls. After a 10 minute walk from the power plant, cross the river. There is no bridge and water can be high after snow melt, so shoes should be removed. A switchback climb to Silver Lake. Lovely views and alpine flowers with a tranquil lake full of trout at the end.
Sneffels Highline Trail
Difficult--An 8 hour loop. 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.
Tomboy Road, Town of Tomboy, Imogene Pass & Ouray
Moderate to Difficult--hiking, biking, 4 x 4, photo opportunity. 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 Telluride 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 Tomboy Ruins. The road, continuing on to the pass, is a steep grade with loose rock. In summer hikers compete with bikers and 4x4 vehicles.
Wasatch Trail
Difficult-- About 6-8 hours to complete the loop. You can either start at the Bear Creek trailhead and exit at Bridal Veil Falls or start the other way around. If you can be dropped off at the top of Bridal Veil Falls then you cut off 1200 ft. of hiking, and exit at the Bear Creek trailhead. Maximum elevation 13,050 feet. Great views, wonderful alpine flowers. Bring a map as there are two critical junctions that do not have sign posts.
Wilson Mesa Trail
Moderate--hiking, biking, photo opp. 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. Bring a map and Telluride Hiking Guide book.
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