Waterfall Hero Hikes: Telluride Area (Uncompahgre)

The Telluride Valley is located in eastern San Miguel County at the headwaters of the San Miguel River. Much of the land immediately outside of town is part of Norwood Ranger District of Uncompahgre National Forest. Telluride itself is a small mountain town at the end of a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains best known for its ski resorts. The national forest area around town has countless trails, scenic views, and waterfalls. Once a mining town, the village has rebranded as a tourism destination in all seasons. The town sits at 8,750 feet above sea level and the surrounding mountains can be thousands of feet higher.

Directions:

Telluride is located in the San Juan Mountains of San Miguel County. From Montrose, head south on US-550 for about 26 miles and turn right on CO-62 west in Ridgeway. Go 23 miles to Placerville and turn left on CO-145 south. It's about 15 miles to the town of Telluride. There's limited parking in town, but Carhenge is a large free public parking right after entering town. Get a Forest Service map for directions to individual trailheads.

Map:

Trails:

Bear Creek Trail (#635):

Bear Creek Trail starts from the southeast corner of Telluride at the south end of Pine Street. The trail begins past the gate, following a gravel road. The trail passes through Bear Creek Preserve owned by the town of Telluride. Following Bear Creek upstream, in about 2 miles, Wasatch Trail (#508) splits to the right. The trail ends in another quarter-mile at Bear Creek Falls.

Points of Interest:

Bear Creek Falls:

Bear Creek Falls is beautiful waterfall accessed from Bear Creek Trail southeast of town.

Bridal Veil Falls:

Bridal Veil Falls is a 360-foot waterfall, one of the highest single drops in the state of Colorado.

Cornet Creek Falls:

Cornet Creek Falls is a 80-foot waterfall in a red rock natural amphitheater just north of town.

Wildlife:

The high elevation of Telluride and the surrounding San Juan Mountains are prime spots to view mountain wildflowers in the early summer. Fleabane are flowers in the daisy family.