Top Hiking Spots in Telluride for Nature Lovers & Adventure Seekers
Let’s be honest—if “walking uphill while sweating through your backpack” doesn’t sound appealing, Telluride is about to change your mind. This cozy little mountain town in Colorado isn’t just a pretty postcard—it’s a hiker’s playground with trails so scenic they’ll make you question why you ever owned a treadmill.
Whether you’re here for an easy riverside stroll or you’re the type who thinks a hike isn’t legit unless you lose feeling in your legs by mile ten—Telluride’s got you covered. So grab your water bottle, lace up your boots (bonus points if they match your flannel), and let’s explore the best hiking spots in this alpine paradise!
Why Hike in Telluride? (Besides the Views That’ll Melt Your Brain)
First of all, Telluride is at 8,750 feet above sea level—which means you’re closer to the stars, the sun, and altitude-induced snack cravings. But in return, you get:
- Unreal mountain views
- Waterfalls that could star in shampoo commercials
- Wildflowers straight out of a Bob Ross painting
The best part? Many trails start right in town. You can literally finish your morning latte and hit a trail 10 minutes later. No car? No problem. Just follow the locals with trekking poles.
Easy Hikes (For Casual Walkers & Picnic Pros)
1. Bear Creek Trail
- Length: ~5 miles roundtrip
- Vibe: Easy, scenic, and ends with a boom (aka a waterfall)
This is the kind of trail that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something—even if you still had enough energy to scroll Instagram the whole way. Starting from town, it winds gently through forests and ends at Bear Creek Falls, where the mist is refreshing and the selfie potential is off the charts.
Pro Tip: Great for dogs, kids, and people who only packed snacks, not hiking gear.
2. River Trail
- Length: 4.1 miles out-and-back
- Vibe: Chill walk, river sounds, maybe a chipmunk sighting
This is your “I just want to breathe mountain air and not break a sweat” trail. It follows the San Miguel River through town, making it the perfect trail for people who like their hikes with a side of coffee (there are cafes nearby).
3. Idarado Legacy Trail
- Length: ~1.5 miles one-way
- Vibe: Walk, learn, admire old mining stuff
History nerds, this one’s for you! This mellow trail passes old mining ruins and interpretive signs that make you feel smarter with every step. Plus, you get a great view of Bridal Veil Falls, which we’ll talk about in just a minute…
Moderate Hikes (A Little Sweat, A Lot of “Whoa!”)
Jud Wiebe Trail
- Length: 3.1-mile loop
- Vibe: Fall-color Instagram jackpot
This one is a Telluride rite of passage. It’s steep at first (your thighs will notice), but then it opens up to beautiful meadows, sweeping town views, and aspen groves that explode into gold in the fall. Bonus: It loops right back to town, where cold drinks and hot pizza await.
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
- Length: 4.8 miles roundtrip
- Vibe: Rocky, rugged, and ends with the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado
This trail leads to Bridal Veil Falls—AKA “The Beyoncé of Waterfalls.” Towering at 365 feet, she’s dramatic, loud, and photogenic from every angle. It’s a bit of a rocky climb, so bring good shoes and stronger quads.
Cornet Creek Falls
- Length: 0.6 miles (yes, really)
- Vibe: Blink and you’re there—but what a view!
Short, spicy, and satisfying. This trail shoots straight up a bit of rocky terrain and ends at a beautiful red-rock amphitheater with an 80-foot waterfall. Perfect for when you want to look adventurous without committing to a full-on trek.
Pro Tip: Wear grippy shoes—sliding down red rocks isn’t as fun as it sounds.
Challenging Hikes (For Mountain Goats & Gluttons for Beauty)
Wasatch Trail
- Length: ~13 miles roundtrip
- Vibe: All-day alpine epic
Ready to climb like your life depends on it? This trail is not messing around. With steep switchbacks, stream crossings, and glorious wildflower meadows, this one is hardcore hiking with heaven-tier views. Worth every blister (almost).
Sneffels Highline Loop
- Length: 13 miles
- Vibe: Wildflowers, waterfalls, and sore calves
If you’re the kind of person who hikes for soul-cleansing beauty and muscle-crushing cardio, meet your match. This trail offers everything: peaks, streams, meadows, solitude, and the occasional “is that an actual marmot?” moment.
Hope Lake Trail (Bonus: a bit outside Telluride, but 100% worth it)
- Length: 5.5 miles
- Vibe: Secret lake + mountain backdrop = desktop wallpaper-worthy
Located near Trout Lake (a scenic 30-minute drive), Hope Lake is so beautiful it might bring a tear to your eye—or maybe that’s just the wind. The trail gently climbs to a turquoise alpine lake that’s cold enough to freeze your toes but too pretty to skip.
Things You Might See on the Trail
- Wildlife: Deer, elk, marmots, and possibly a bear (be loud, not lunch).
- Wildflowers: Indian paintbrush, blue columbine (Colorado’s pride), and meadows that look like rainbow carpets.
- Self-reflection: Why did I eat that extra burrito before this climb?
Where to Refuel After You Hike
Telluride knows hikers are always hungry. Check out:
- Brown Dog Pizza – Recovery carbs, done right.
- Steamies Burger Bar – Big burgers, big flavor, big happy.
- High Alpine Coffee Bar – For the hikers who “just need caffeine to survive.”
Where to Stay (So You Can Hike Again Tomorrow)
Whether you’re bougie or boho, Telluride’s got options:
- Mountain Lodge Telluride – Cozy, rustic vibes + hot tubs
- The Hotel Telluride – Classy and close to everything
- Town Park Campground – Wake up to trailhead views (and squirrels)
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Why Go |
|---|---|
| Spring (May–June) | Peaceful, green, might still see snow at elevation |
| Summer (July–August) | Peak hiking season—wildflowers galore |
| Fall (September) | Aspen leaves = golden magic |
| Winter | Trade boots for snowshoes (or skis!) |
Hiking Tips (From Someone Who’s Learned the Hard Way)
- Altitude is real: Drink water like it’s your job
- Dress like an onion: Layers, layers, layers
- Download trail maps: Cell service isn’t a given
- Bring snacks: Or risk turning into a hangry mountain troll
Final Thoughts
Hiking in Telluride isn’t just exercise—it’s a full-on experience. You’ll sweat, you’ll smile, and you’ll see views so good they’ll make your phone run out of storage. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, mountain summits, or just a quiet walk with a chipmunk or two, Telluride delivers in every way.
So get out there, hit the trails, and remember: The mountains are calling… and they want you to pack extra snacks.
