Telluride Hiking Trail Guide

Known for its world-class skiing, Telluride is also home to incredible hiking trails. Those who visit Telluride in the spring and summer are sure to enjoy the expansive trails-you could hike a different trail each weekend and still not reach all of the stunning landscapes when summer ends. Telluride's trails are a hiker's dream-full of crazy climbs, wondrous waterfalls, and high alpine lakes. From multi-day adventures to family-friendly trips, there are endless reasons why hikers should vacation in Telluride! Check out some of our favorite Telluride hiking trails, from easiest to strenuous, that showcase all the beauty that the town has to offer.

Our Favorite Telluride Hiking Trails

Easy Hikes

• Bear Creek Falls: One of Telluride's most popular trails, Bear Creek Falls is a well-marked wooded trail that ends with a glorious set of waterfalls and a gorgeous view overlooking the town. Distance: 2.5 miles one way to the waterfalls. Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet.

• Keystone GorgeThis serene hike is a little more secluded than Bear Creek Falls. The trail follows along the San Miguel River and gives you perfect views of Wilson Peak.Distance: 2.5-mile loopElevation Gain: 508 feet

Moderate Hikes

• Bridal Veil Falls: You don't want to miss this enchanting hike-visitors love that it doesn't take long to get to Bridal Veil Falls, which is "Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet." People come from all around the world to experience the treasures this area has to offer.Distance: 1.8 miles one way to the top of the waterfalls. Elevation Gain: 1,650 feet

• Blue Lake: A wonderful alpine lake waits for you at the end of this exhilarating hike-it's situated above the tree line at 12,400 feet. You'll also get to admire the gorgeous wildflowers, abandoned mining cabins, and so much more! Distance: 5.25 miles round trip. Elevation Gain: About 2,000 feet.

• Sneffels Highline: Inexperienced hikers should be cautious of this 12.4-mile-long trail that takes an estimated eight hours to complete. The challenge is worth it as many travelers have called this the most beautiful hike of their life. The breathtaking scenery is indescribable of mountain views, floral meadows, and waterfalls. The best timeframe to visit this trail is from May through October. You can look at the trail map here.

Challenging Hikes

• Ice Lake: Ice Lake is probably one of the most beautiful hikes in Telluride; it's full of waterfalls, wildflowers, and of course the gorgeous lake. Once you reach your destination, admire the spellbinding mountains reaching high above spectral blues in the water. Distance: 7 miles out and back. Elevation Gain: 2,562 feet
• Lizard Head Trail: While the first few miles of this hiking trail are well-maintained, the terrain quickly becomes rocky and hard to navigate. We recommend you have poles and sturdy boots while venturing on this challenging trail that will take you into the Lizard Head Wilderness. Before your hiking journey, please familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace Principles to keep the glorious Colorado wildlife pristine and untouched by man. The trail is 18.4-miles long and will take around 11 hours to complete. The best timeframe to visit this trail is between June and September. You can view the trail map here.
• Lewis Lake: Lewis Lake is one of the most popular hiking trails in Telluride, but the hike is pretty challenging. It is 11.3-miles long and should take around six and a half hours to complete depending on your skill level and how often you stop for pictures. Some magnificent views on this hiking journey are dazzling waterfalls, remnants of Telluride, Colorado mining history, and hillsides adorned with wildflowers. You can view the trail map here.