Below is some hiking information we have copied directly from a trail guide that we found in the Telluride Visitor's Center in the summer of 1998.

River Corridor Trail

Difficulty - easy
Access the River Corridor Trail from Town Park or side streets throughout town. The trail is flat and follows the river through town and continues to Boomerang Road just west of town.

Ames Road Trail

Difficulty - easy
Five miles down valley (west) of Telluride turn left on Illium Road. Road begins as pavement and turns to dirt after gravel plant. Follow through scenic Illium Valley to the town of Ames. Follow the highway back to town or return same way.

Bear Creek

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
At the south end of Pine Street, cross river, and begin first half mile of somewhat steep climb into Bear Creek. This hike gradually climbs for approximately four miles up to waterfalls.

Bridal Veil Falls

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
Two miles east of Telluride (box canyon), just past the Idarado Mine, follow the jeeping road up to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. Another short climb up the road will take you to the refurbished hydroelectric plant on top. This is private property - so please do not trespass!

Fall Creek/Woods Lake Trail

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
Ride or drive 12 miles west of Telluride on Hwy. 145 to Fall Creek Road. Head up the dirt road approximately seven miles towards Woods Lake. Just below Woods Lake on the left is Wilson Mesa Trail.

Illium Trail

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
The trail begins three miles west of Telluride at the Conoco Station. Look for the trailhead sign on the right after you turn into Society Business Park. Follow the railroad grade (single track) down into Illium Valley. Return the same way. This trail is one of the locals' favorite.

Local's Loop

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
Ride three miles west of town on the paved bike trail. Take a right up the Airport road. At the top (when you see the runway on your left) take a right for a good downhill into Deep Creek. At the bottom, cross the bridge and take a left; downhill to the highway. Turn left and follow the highway to Illium road and turn right. Follow Illium past gravel plant and approx. 1/2 mile past church camp (white houses). Look for single track on left and follow railroad grade back up to Hwy. 145. 16 mile loop from town.

Ophir Pass Trail

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
Mining road with a moderate to steep climbs to pass. Take Hiway 145 south to Ophir turnoff, exit left (approx. 9 miles from Telluride). Follow dirt road into and through town of Ophir. Road climbs to top of pass and continues to the Million Dollar Highway and Silverton.

Sunshine Mesa

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
Drive or ride down valley on hwy. approximately nine miles to Silver Pick Road. Dirt road climbs gradually for approximately four miles. When road forks, stay left. Road meanders across Sunshine Mesa. Please close all gates behind you. On east end of mesa, take left down switchbacks to return to highway. Left on hwy. takes you back to Silver pick. Right takes you back to Telluride.

East Wilson Mesa

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
Begin nine miles down valley at Silver Pick Road. Take second right up towards Silver Pick basin (approx. four miles). Climb up to Wilson Mesa trailhead and take left onto single track. Trail follows base of Mt. Wilson (east) and takes you to Bilk Creek. Wilson Mesa Trail crosses creek and climbs up to dirt road; take dirt road down into Illium Valley. Take railroad grade trail back to Telluride or go back to hwy. to return to Silver Pick.

Last Dollar Road

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
A long ride. Take Airport Road to just before airport and veer right onto dirt road. Follow downhill into Deep Creek and cross bridge. Continue straight for moderate and steep climb up and over to Hastings Mesa. After long downhill on the north side, you will come to a intersection. Left will take you seven miles to Sawpit (shorter loop). Right will take you to Dallas Divide.

Tomboy Road

HIKING - moderate
BIKING - moderate
Start at the north end of Oak Street and follow road to the ruins of Tomboy (approx. five miles) - all uphill. Continue up to Imogene Pass. Hardy riders may want to continue for a fast downhill to the town of Ouray. Ride offers some the best views of the valleys and mountains surrounding Telluride.

Cornet Falls

Easy to access on foot because of its proximity to Telluride, Cornet Falls plunges more than 50 feet from a sheer sandstone escarpment above the popular Jud Weibe hiking trail.

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