Colorado | Telluride Mini Trek

Bubbling hot springs and historic hotels along with breathtaking views are just part of the telluride charm

USA
  • Telluride, CO rock formation

Trip Highlights:

  • Colorado mountains offer a mother lode of scenic hikes and colorful towns.
  • Photographers from around the world often descend upon the San Juan ranges to capture the spectacular hues.
  • Majestic snow-capped peaks, expansive alpine meadows, tumbling waterfalls, a charming Victorian hotel and more beckon hikers to explore.

Majestic snow-capped peaks, expansive alpine meadows, tumbling waterfalls, a charming Victorian hotel and more beckon hikers to explore the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado; home of Ryder- Walker Alpine Adventures. From bubbling hot springs and historic hotels, to the outposts of bank robbers and miners gone “mad”, Colorado mountains offer a mother lode of scenic hikes and colorful towns.
Ryder-Walker’s 5-day hiking adventure offers an exciting exploration of the region’s most spectacular trails. From remote valleys to high alpine passes replete with endless views, you hike beneath the shadows of the resident fourteen thousand-foot peaks as we thread our way through the most atmospheric towns of the San Juan mountains.

Hiking days are as challenging as you wish, and the scenery is breathtaking. At the end of the day a comfortable bed, hot shower, good meal, glass of local wine or beer, and the company of other mountain enthusiasts awaits. Photographers from around the world often descend upon the San Juan ranges to capture the spectacular hues, whether as a backdrop to budding alpine flowers in spring or in autumn when the aspens leaves change to gold.

Spend 5 days in world renowned Telluride. The trails lie along quiet mountain paths, with some optional rough and remote sections, and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks as trails climb to high passes. We follow abandoned Native American and mining routes, and traverse along streams beneath the shade of aspen, spruce, and fir trees.

Relax in the exquisite modern mountain accommodations in Telluride, reflecting the charm and character of its location and the simplicity of days past.

Enjoy dinner at any of the many fabulous local restaurants. Breakfast is usually a buffet taken at your leisure or at a local bakery in town – depending on hotel choice. Lunch will be a picnic either on a high pass with spectacular views or in a scenic meadow surrounded by tall peaks and cascading streams.

Trip Itinerary

Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.

If you fly into any of the regional airports you will need to rent a car for the duration of the trek. Settle into a superior hotel in this beautiful, historic town.

Drive to the remote vacation community of Trout Lake. The Hope Lake trailhead is a lengthy, beautiful drive ascending along a rugged, remote dirt road. Start with a fantastic traverse offering breathtaking views of Sheep Mountain and San Miguel Peak. Reach the head of the valley and enjoy moderate switchbacks up to the gorgeous lake.

Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1500 ft.

This is a spectacular, high elevation loop with expansive views over the Lizard Head Wilderness, and the Wilson range. The views are among the best in the area. The trail crosses through sub-alpine forest of aspen and conifers and meadows with mountain wildflowers, and climbs into a high alpine environment with dwarfed, tundra-like vegetation. One highlight of the hike is gaining the top of Black Face, the long, low ridge that you can see from the trailhead, and traversing right under the imposing tower of Lizard Head, which at just over 13,000 ft. is one of Colorado’s most technical peaks.

Distance: Up to 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 2800 ft.

There is an option to shorten the hike today by takingan alternate trail that branches off along the waytaking you to a beautiful picnic spot called WilsonMeadow.

Distance: 4.4 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1479 ft.

Today enjoy the fabled Wasatch Trail. Start with a bit of a boost from the gondola before you begin your ascent up See Forever ski run. The views on this trail are of all the surrounding peaks and they are breathtaking. Upon reaching Gold Hill ridge you branch off onto the Wasatch Trail which has gentle switchbacks descending to East Bear Creek Basin. Continue to town on the popular Bear Creek Trail.

Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1600/3800 ft.

Telluride Mini Trek | Colorado

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