Hiking is the most poplar summertime activity in the Rocky Mountains and the beautiful San Juan range near Telluride might just be the best place to enjoy a hike. Many of the trails start just outside of the town and provide terrain for any age and skill level. Here is a list of 5 trails worth checking out:
Bridal Veil Falls
This easy to moderate hike that takes about an hour to reach the top of the waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls are the tallest free falling falls in Colorado. At 365 feet in height, these falls attract visitors and adventurers from all over the world. A privately owned, historic power plant sits atop the falls.
San Miguel River Trail
This is an easy trail which stretches for 4.25 miles one way and gains only 170 feet in elevation.The San Miguel River Trail follows the San Miguel River through the length of the town of Telluride. This is the perfect strolling and jogging path with unbeatable views of the box canyon.
Blue Lake
The trail to Blue lake is a perfect day hike for adventure seeking intermediate hikers. The total distance is around 5.25 miles with approximate elevation gain of 2,000 feet. Blue Lake Hike is a picturesque trip among fields covered in beautiful wildflowers. The alpine lake is situated above treeline at 12,400 feet and along the trail hikers will find abandoned mining cabins and equipment.
Ajax Peak
Hiking to the top of Ajax peak follows a relatively short but steep trail with an elevation gain of 2,785 feet over a distance of 2.5 miles. Well acclimated intermediate and expert hikers will enjoy this nontechnical peak climb, which reaches its highest point at 12,785 feet and ends in panoramic 360-degree views of Bridal Veil Basin, Imogene Pass, Savage Basin, Silver Lake, and beyond.
Sneffels Highline Trail
This is a beautiful hike ideal for the expert hikers, who want to experience the high alpine country of the San Juan Mountains. Sneffels Highline Trail is a 13 mile loop of strenuous hiking with an elevation gain of 3,520 feet. It is a full day adventure but every step is worth the effort as the trail goes through old mining ruins, fields of wildflowers, aspen trees, and above treeline backcountry.
