National GeographicJul 29
This Colorado town is one of the best places to hike this summer
Telluride transforms from a ski town in winter to a hiking paradise in summer, with a wide variety of scenic and easily accessible trails.
20 things in this story
- Bridal Veil FallsSightTrailhead to Blue Lake; hike up gravel road to the cliff top.
- Bear CreekTrailEnds at the base of Bear Creek Falls, ideal for beginners.
- Telluride San Miguel River TrailTrailFollows riverbank up to the 20th-century Pandora Mill.
- Blue LakeSightHidden alpine lake surrounded by meadows teeming with wildflowers.
- Ajax PeakSightA 12,000-foot summit that can be reached from Blue Lake.
- Jud WiebeTrailLocal favorite with steep switchbacks offering better panorama of town.
- Tomboy RoadTrailOld mining road between Telluride and the town of Ouray.
- See Forever TrailTrailOffers unobstructed views of the Wilson Massif and surrounding canyon.
- Wasatch ConnectionTrailConnects to See Forever Trail for a longer loop back to town.
- Valley Floor TrailTrailGently undulating path parallel to the river, good for spotting elk.
- Telluride River TrailTrailFollows the river west, becoming the Valley Floor Trail.
- Galloping GooseTrailSerene nature hike through forest, leading to Keystone Gorge.
- Keystone GorgeSightDirt loop through woods along river with dramatic gorge views.
- Deep Creek TrailTrailHigh-alpine terrain through aspen groves to waterfall at Mill Creek Basin.
- Mill Creek BasinSightWaterfall destination on the Deep Creek Trail.
- Sheridan Crosscut to Liberty BellTrailSteep, hard trail with alpine environment views near town.
- Telluride Visitors CenterSightProvides trail maps and information.
- Bear Creek FallsSight
- Telluride Mountain GuidesPlace
- Mountain TripPlace