9 BEST Telluride Hikes: A Complete Guide 2026
When I first started traveling in 2014, Telluride quickly became one of those places I dreamt so long and so wildly about visiting. When it finally happened, I was overcome with joy! I began making a list of the best hikes in town and started checking them off one by one in subsequent visits.
For those familiar, Telluride needs no introduction, but if you haven’t heard of this remote mountain town tucked inside a remote corner of the rugged San Juan Mountains, you definitely need to add it to your list! In this guide, I will share the best hikes in Telluride to help you plan your trip. I hope you enjoy these trails just as much as I have!
Telluride Hikes
Telluride sits at 8,750 feet (2,670 m) above sea level in a remote corner of Southwest Colorado. A free gondola connects the historic downtown Mountain Village, the ski town located a few miles to the west at about 9,512 ft (2,899 m).
The landscape here is easily the most dramatic in the state of Colorado, bringing together high alpine scenery and dramatic box canyons. The trail network spans gentle valley walks, breathtaking waterfalls, alpine lakes, and steep mountain climbs, making the area accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
No matter what you are looking for, Telluride welcomes you with some of the best hiking in the state of Colorado. Let’s get to the list!
9 BEST Hikes in Telluride
Telluride offers a seemingly endless network of hiking trails! This list focuses on routes you can start directly from town, as well as those near the Lizard Pass area.
1. Little Hawaii Trail
This waterfall is still quite the gem, though no longer “hidden”. The hike begins on the wider Bear Creek Falls Trail for about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) before splitting left down through a meadow. You’ll soon cross over a small bridge, where you will see trail restoration signs. Continue straight onto the steep hill with exposed tree roots.
At the top of the hill, turn left onto a more established path that winds through another beautiful meadow. Continue downhill to the next junction, then turn left again. Here the trail becomes eroded as you descend steeply towards the river. Once you get to the river, it’s all about finding the path of least resistance until you get up close to the waterfall!
I found the entire canyon to be incredibly beautiful! Locals are divided on keeping the location open, so please be respectful, stay on existing paths, and practice Leave No Trace principles. I hope one day with better trail infrastructure, this gem can be accessible to all in a sustainable way!
2. Bear Creek Falls via the Bear Creek Trail
Bear Creek Falls is one of my favorite hikes that starts just minutes from downtown Telluride. Unfortunately, there is no public parking at the trailhead, so you’ll have to park somewhere in town and walk here. The trail itself is an old 4X4 dirt road, which is honestly not my favorite type of hiking, but the reward is well worth it!
The trail steadily climbs through a beautiful Aspen forest, with the sound of Bear Creek accompanying you along the way. The end goal is the impressive 80-foot waterfall cascading over layered rocks. For the more adventurous, the Wasatch Trail continues deep into the backcountry towards Oscar’s Pass.
This hike strikes a great balance between accessibility and adventure. It’s perfect for hikers of all levels, including families and hikers looking for a classic Telluride experience. The waterfall itself is stunning in every season, from roaring spring flows to partially frozen winter ice formations.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
This is a must-do hike for waterfall lovers. While the hike is short, it is quite steep and rewards you with up-close views of the tallest waterfall in Colorado: Bridal Veil Falls. And to top if off, you’ll also pass two other waterfalls along the Bridal Veil Creek. Three waterfalls on a single hike? That’s hard to beat!
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach a viewing platform near the base of the falls. Some hikers continue along a social trail on the left for a different vantage point, but use caution if you choose to do so. If you’re visiting during winter, be sure to check current avalanche conditions before heading out.
Pro Tip: For the most impressive water flow, visit between May and early July. By late summer, the flow decreases a bit, but the dramatic scenery still makes this hike well worth the effort.
4. Blue Lake Via Bridal Veil Trail
Wait, which Blue Lake? There are literally so many “Blue Lakes” in Colorado. This particular Blue Lake sits very close to the town of Telluride, whereas the more popular “Blue Lakes” feature three blue-colored lakes near Ridgway/Ouray.
This hike can be very confusing stat-wise. It can be as short as 6 miles and 1900 feet of elevation if you can make it to the upper trailhead, but getting there requires a 4WD vehicle. Additionally, there’s only parking space for three, maybe four cars.
Alternatively, most hikers park at Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead, which makes it about a 10-mile (16.1 km) hike with 3,202 ft (976 m) of elevation gain. The first mile of the hike is along the Bridal Veil Falls trail, essentially a 2-in-1 hike! Either way, the reward for this hike is well worth the longer trek! Not only for the stunning Blue Lake, but also for the incredible scenery along the way!
5. Hope Lake Trail
Hope Lake is very high on my Telluride hiking bucket list, and reminds me why I consider the San Juan Mountains to be Colorado’s most spectacular mountains. The trail steadily climbs through old-growth pine forest before opening up into a stunning meadow! Above the meadow lies the beautiful, clear Hope Lake tucked beneath rugged peaks.
While many rate the hike as moderate, the consistent elevation gain and switchbacks likely make it feel like a workout!. The reward, however, is well worth the effort. Hope Lake itself is breathtaking, and adventurous hikers often continue beyond the lake to the saddle above for even more dramatic panoramic views.
With its incredible scenery, dog-friendly trail, and relatively uncrowded atmosphere, Hope Lake Trail is one of the best hikes near Telluride!
Subscribe Here!
If you’re enjoying this content, sign up for My Weekly newsletter!
6. Black Face Mountain
Driving West on CO-151 out of Telluride is an experience in and of itself and a must-do for anyone visiting the area! Just beyond the beautiful Trout Lake, you’ll reach Lizard Head Pass, where this scenic hike begins. This hike rewards you with sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains, with Lizard Head Peak and Wilson Peak stealing the show!
At roughly 2.1 miles, you’ll reach a junction where you’ll turn left towards Black Face Mountain. While this little peak is dwarfed by its surroundings, it more than makes up for it with spectacular views and relative ease of access!
For the more adventurous, you can continue beyond the summit of Black Face Mountain and connect with the Cross Mountain Trail, eventually descending to the Cross Mountain Trailhead. From there, it’s about a 2-mile hike back to Lizard Head Pass, but completing the full loop is well worth the extra effort!
Easy Telluride Hikes
These three hikes are family-friendly and perfect for those looking to be in nature without spending all day hiking.
7. Cornet Creek Falls Hike
This short but steep hike takes you to a stunning 80-foot (25 m) waterfall set against the beautiful red rock of the Telluride Box Canyon.
The hike begins just a few blocks off Colorado Avenue in Telluride (the main road through town). You will find a stunning hidden canyon with red rocks that gives the trail a unique Sedona-like vibe. The path follows the creek uphill, surrounded by lush trees and jagged rock walls.
This hike is short but steep. You will need to hike over loose soil, so sturdy footwear is essential. The adventure is absolutely worth the effort, and it is a perfect quick escape for beginners and families wanting a scenic mountain experience without a long trek.
8. Telluride River Trail [H3]
This family-friendly trail can be as long or as short as you’d like! When I took my parents to Telluride, my 70-year-old dad really enjoyed this hike! We took the trail west out of town, and to our surprise, the views were much more open this direction.
Going west on the trail takes you further into the narrow Telluride Box Canyon, and the views are stunning as the San Miguel River flows on one side. You can access the free Telluride Gondola along this trail as well!
9. Village Trail
For this hike, you’ll need to ride the free Telluride Gondola. From Mountain Village, you can use this free parking lot, while in Telluride you’ll need to pay for street parking.
I recommend hiking the trail one way. This is a unique opportunity, as the Gondola takes you to both the trail’s base and the summit, eliminating the need for a shuttle. Since I prefer downhill hiking, we rode up to the San Sophia station and hiked down to Mountain Village.
As of 2026, construction near Mountain Village can make the final mile a bit confusing. Keep an eye out for detour signage and use Google Maps to direct you back onto the Village Trail. Despite the navigational challenge, the stunning scenery makes this one of the most enjoyable hikes in Telluride!
Recommended Gear
You asked, and here it is! With over 15 years of hiking experience, I’ve spent plenty of time trying different gear, and here are my current favorites that I take on every hiking adventure! I hope you find these suggestions useful for your own adventure!
✅Osprey Stratos 24L daypack
For the past 5 years, I’ve been using this Osprey Stratos 24L daypack, and I will never stop talking about how much I love it! It carries all my essentials comfortably with plenty of pockets. The secure fit and back support keep all the weight evenly distributed. Honestly, sometimes it feels like I have no weight on my back at all!
✅Platypus Hydration Bladder
I have tried so many cheap reservoirs over the years, but I kept finding myself returning to Platypus. There is zero plastic aftertaste that is so common with bladders, which makes staying hydrated on longer hikes so much more enjoyable!
✅Nalgene Bottle
When I need extra fluid or want to mix in electrolyte powder, I always pack my 48-ounce Nalgene Bottle. It is lightweight, built to last through years of rough handling, and has never let me down when I am miles from the trailhead.
✅Katadyn Gravity Water Filter
This is easily one of the best gear investments I have made. Instead of tiring out my arms with the dreaded Sawyer Squeeze, I simply hang the reservoir up and let gravity do all the work while I sit back and relax. It can easily filter 3L in about a minute!
✅ALAFEN Collapsible Ultralight Poles
These collapsible poles are a lifesaver on steep hiking trails with their sturdy lightweight build. They also fold down small enough to easily fit into my backpack, which I think is very convenient compared to standard collapsing trekking poles.
✅Columbia Transverse Hike Waterproof Shoes
Comfortable footwear makes or breaks a long day outside, which is why Columbia is my go-to. I switched to Columbia from Merrill in 2019 and haven’t looked back since! They’re affordable, reliable, and waterproof, with solid support to keep my feet stable whether I am navigating dry rock scrambles or wet stream crossings.
✅Smartwool Hiking Socks
Switching to Smartwool hiking socks completely changed how my feet feel after a long day on the trail. The breathable merino wool wicks away moisture effectively, which has kept my toes comfortable and completely free of blisters mile after mile.
✅Under Armour Shirts
These long-sleeve Under Armour shirts are my go-to for long day hikes! The collar and long sleeves prevent sunburn, and the moisture-wicking fabric keeps me from getting too hot or too cold.
When To Visit
Telluride is a true four-season destination, and the best time to visit depends on your preference. For hiking and outdoor exploration, summer and fall offer the best weather and fully open trails. Winter turns the mountains into a snowy playground for skiing and snowshoeing. The town remains open and vibrant year-round!
Summer (June – August)
Summer draws the largest crowds to Telluride! And why not? With reliable weather, fully open trail networks, and vibrant alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, summer is hard to beat! Days can be typically warm and sunny, while evenings cool down quickly.
Music festivals are common, and I advise avoiding visiting during a festival. Arriving at trailheads before 8 AM will help you avoid the midday crowds and possible afternoon thunderstorms, which are quite common.
Winter (December – March)
Winter shifts the focus to snow sports and cozy mountain culture. Mountain Village attracts skiing enthusiasts, and the free gondola becomes the most convenient transportation system. Temperatures stay below freezing most of the season, but clear bluebird days are common!
After a long day on the snow, both downtown Telluride and Mountain Village offer a lively atmosphere with heated patios and seasonal dining options.
Fall (September – November)
Fall brings a clear shift in scenery, with fall colors typically beginning in mid-September and peaking towards the end of the month, attracting photographers and hikers alike. Driving West on CO-151 is quite the treat for Fall Foilage. By late October, the fall color is gone, and the town becomes very quiet as it gets ready for winter.
Spring (April – May)
In Spring, as the heavy snowpack melts, trail conditions can be muddy, and some of the high country can remain closed until late May, but the payoff is dramatic waterfalls and a lush green valley floor. Hotels drop from their peak rates, so it is a perfect window for visitors who prefer solitude and budget-friendly options
FAQs
Wondering what makes Telluride so special or what is a must-see? Here are the answers to the most common questions we are asked about visiting Telluride!
What is the best hike in Telluride?
With so many amazing trails, picking just one hike in Telluride depends on what you’re looking for. Fan of waterfalls? Bridal Veil Falls is the obvious choice. Prefer alpine Lakes? Look no further than Lake Hope. Craving sweeping mountain vistas? Consider hiking the Village Trail.
What is so special about Telluride?
The quaint town of Telluride is set against one of the most dramatic mountain views in all of Colorado. With a vibrant culture, rich history, and a growing food scene, Telluride should be on your bucket list. When you picture the quintessential Colorado mountain town, chances are, you are picturing Telluride!
What is a must-see in Telluride?
Downtown Telluride, the free Gondola, and Bridal Veil Falls are absolute must-sees in Telluride! If you have extra time, driving West on CO-151 out of Telluride is very scenic, particularly in autumn, when the landscape transforms into a sea of gold!
What is the best month to visit Telluride?
June is the best month to visit Telluride, providing the ideal balance with waterfalls at their peak flow, comfortable temperatures, lush greenery, and snow-capped mountains. However, July and August are better choices if you plan to tackle high country trails and roads without dealing with snow. Wildflowers typically peak in late July.
What are some hidden gems in Telluride?
Little Hawaii may not be a “hush-hush” secret anymore, but it remains one of the best best off-the-beaten path hikes in Telluride. Additionally, both Lake Hope and Black Face Mountain draw fewer visitors, making them the perfect spot to enjoy stunning views without the crowds.
Conclusion
I hope this guide for the Best Telluride Hikes gives you a solid starting point for planning your trip! Telluride has a way of staying with you long after you leave, and I truly hope these hiking trails leave an impression on you! Be present while hiking, leave the area better than you found it, be mindful of the weather, and save some mileage for another return visit. Happy hiking, and I hope to see you there!
