Nature & Parks in Telluride

THE 10 BEST Telluride Parks & Nature Attractions

Nature & Parks in Telluride

Nature & Parks
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23 places sorted by traveller favourites
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What travellers are saying

  • K Pastore
    Hinsdale, IL694 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a moderate out and back right from downtown Telluride. The water fall and stream is a sight to see and well worth the elevation to trek.
    Written 31 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • K Pastore
    Hinsdale, IL694 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We chose to go counterclockwise. It was a slow climb of 1,300 feet with many beautiful views of downtown Telluride. The trail up and down is a bit rocky. It is easy to access from town is you arrive by Gondola. We took a ton of pictures and got really great views of the ski runs and mountains.
    Written 31 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Megan H
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was incredible, absolutely unbelievable and surreal. We started at the trailhead at 6am and got up to the first lake in about 2 hours with close to maybe 20 breaks averaging maybe a minute each. The 3.4 miles to the first lake is about 80% up various grades, it was rough. I workout but I hate cardio for those that can relate. When the sun hits the water it’s just breathtaking. The pictures of Gatorade blue waters is accurate. The hike up to the second lake was about 1 mile with all of the switchbacks and pretty much 110% uphill. While not as blue as the lower lake, still beautiful and freezing. The upper lake is another 1/2 mile about 85% uphill. This lake is as amazing as the lower. All in all it was about 10.5 miles with a few extra side paths to see some of the waterfalls.
    We are definitely coming back and doing the hike all the way up to the mountain peak. We spent around 8 hours hiking and relaxing at the lakes as we didn’t want to leave. There weren’t many people but the parking spaces get full. Highly recommend warm clothes if starting early, lots of water, multiple snacks, and the comfiest hiking shoes.
    Written 12 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Phil R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truly the best hike I’ve been on in Colorado. A beautiful waterfall every few miles, and not super tough to hike either!
    Written 4 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chemie71
    Pittsburgh, PA421 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My husband and I enjoyed this river walk in Telluride. It gets you away from the business of Main Street for a while. It wasn't crowded, but it was busy, which did not take away from the walk. I'd definitely reccomend for an easy walk along the river.
    Written 13 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jan K
    Pune, India200 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You will definitely make many different memories worth to remember at this place. This is where festivals are held. This is where we have celebrated 4th of July. This is where we were slacklining. This is where we were just chilling and watching sky.
    Written 20 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LVMac
    Orem, UT41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We've done nearly all the hikes around Telluride and this may be the gem of them all.

    The Sneffels Highlight Trail is a long-ish 15+ mile loop on the north side of Telluride. It starts and ends at the Jud Weibe trailhead, climbs up over a pass at over 12,000 feet and takes you through thick pine and aspen forests, wide-open alpine meadows, past crashing waterfalls and gurgling streams, up steep grades and along flat traverses. Most of all, this trail has scenery. Bring your camera and plan on being awestruck. You'll get great views of Telluride and the ski resort from way up high.

    If you're a trail runner and are feeling fit, the entire trail is runnable though a couple of sections are steep enough you'll be hiking. To run the trail, go clockwise as this makes the ascent more gradual. To hike it, consider counter-clockwise and get the climbing out of the way so you can have an easier stroll for most of the hike.

    This is a long hike so be prepared. Bring a lunch and plan to stop for a while and enjoy the break. Bring extra nutrition, too, in case this takes longer than you expect. We did this hike in about six hours hiking without hurrying and we took a break for lunch. We could see it taking much longer if the weather didn't cooperate or if someone got sick or injured. We didn't see many people--probably half a dozen the entire day, a Sunday in August.

    We were spent but happy when we got back. We sat down in the San Miguel river in town and (somewhat painfully) chilled our legs; we recovered quickly and were good to go the next day.
    Written 1 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • zĂĽmi
    Houston, TX330 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We drove from Silverton to Telluride via this beautiful pass. It took us about 2.5 hours to traverse it, but we stopped to take pics, enjoy the views and for a 45 mins hike at the highest point.
    We went with a 2019 Subaru Forester (clearance of about 8.7 inch). The trail (dirt-rock road) is easy up to the pass, with only 1-2 places where we had to watch a bit more closely. Didn't even switch on the AWD. The trail is quite wide, at times narrower, rocky with holes, dusty and shaky. I think that section is easy, just watch what you are doing and where you steering. We gently slid through a larger rock touching it with the underside of the engine block only once. At the pass we made a small hike further up the steep mountain side and found a beautiful lake there. That section is full of loose rocks and it continues on. The hardest part came right after the pass, when you start descending and just before the 180 degree curve. The big whole in the trail with big rocks pushes you slightly against the hill (left side) and basically, one wheel is against the hill, the other goes through that whole. I watched a Toyota Tacoma go through it, then started my descent too (switched on AWD). I backed up twice as I couldn't see exactly the location of that whole. A man helped me with hand gestures, inching down very slowly and steering as he commanded. At some point, my car was balancing on 2 diagonal wheels... Crazy feeling but went through this section without touching the ground. Thanks to the driver! This was the only section where it was hard and scary. Higher clearance cars can go through it much easier. The trail from here on is quite steep, loose rocks of all sizes, very narrow at times. You can touch the mountain wall with your hand from the car. But with AWD it went good and I could even enjoy the views until we arrived to the small ponds visible from above and after them, the Ophir village. Looking back, we saw the narrow ledge we descended upon, crazy... It looks like a hiking trail from the village... It is an enjoyable, at times adrenaline driven drive which requires your full attention and some previous experience with mountain roads. Just avoid sharper rocks and big wholes...
    Written 11 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Road Runner
    Tennessee30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a good time even if this ski resort is made for more experienced people. My son did fine here. Where we are from those greens are more like blues though. I’ve never heard of a double green. The mountains were beautiful and when you are riding up the lifts you feel like they are about to drop you off at a black diamond. The people were really nice and the equipment we rented from Telluride Sports was amazing. They do not have an actual lodge and you do not rent from an actual resort per se - you rent from just local shops around the mountain and your lodge is just various restaurants around the ski area. If you are new or a blue - try out the green runs first before exploring. If you are there for New Years go to the Mountain Village - it was so confusing and no one would give a straight answer on where to see these fireworks or the torch light parade/ just go to mt village to view it all and leave before it ends or you’ll be standing in line the whole night at the Gondola. I would return to this ski resort and I do highly recommend it. I am actually missing it right now. It was an amazing experience.
    Written 10 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jen
    Bakersfield, CA51 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This hike only took 40 minutes round trip. There was a steep incline and because it had just rained, it was quite slippery. I was wearing good hiking shoes so I was fine. However my kids were only wearing running shoes so it was slippery for them. The view was definitely worth the short hike!
    Written 28 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Taylor B
    Chicago, IL8,761 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located south of Telluride, Colorado, the Alta Lakes are a series of small, alpine lakes that sit at 11,300 feet in elevation near the ghost town of Alta. The three lakes are situated in a dramatically scenic area of the Norwood Ranger District in the Uncompahgre National Forest. From the lakes, visitors can see views of Bald Mountain, Silver Mountain and the Telluride Ski Resort. Despite the fact that there are no public facilities in the Alta Lakes area except for a few vaulted toilets, it doesn't stop people from visiting. The spectacular scenery attracts many outdoor enthusiasts for overnight stays in the dispersed camping sites or the privately owned Observatory Lodge. Access to Alta and Alta Lakes is only possible via Alta Lakes Road, which is closed to vehicles in the winter. Boating is limited because there are o boat ramps in the Alta Lakes. But kayaks and canoes are permitted. So is fishing. And there are trails for hikers and Jeep drivers. Access by snowmobile is permitted in the winter. To get to Alta, which once was the center for mining activity in the Alta/Gold King area from 1877 to 1948, take Alta Lakes Road or Highway 145 six miles south of Telluride. Turn left and stay on the road for four miles to reach Alta. Several original buildings are still standing. The town is located at a high elevation of 11,800 feet. In its heyday, a few hundred people lived there. To reach Alta Lakes, just follow the signs from Alta. You'll need a high-clearance 4X4 vehicle.
    Written 3 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kim B
    Minturn, CO57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't forget about skinny skin when you are in Telluride. It was very peaceful to be on the valley floor as a storm was rolling in, enjoying the meadow and staying warmer than alpine skiing.
    Written 7 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EmilyAFK
    Raleigh, NC7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The canopy adventure was a blast! Sierra and Sara were great guides for our group (we had four adults and two kids, both 9 years old). Epic views and thrilling zip lines - what more could you ask for?! :)
    Written 27 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • OregonJerry
    Portland, OR417 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Huge elevation climb and 5.5 mile tough hike on a rather challenging trail....but once at the lake a great place of rest and beauty as you rest before the easier downhill. Toughest also would be drive in and out of trailhead if not driving SUV.
    Written 9 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Betsy R
    Westport, CT323 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Trail Head off of Last Dollar Rd (which is by the Telluride Airport) also serves as trail head for Whipple. Fun thing is Deep Creek connects to Telluride town trail Jud Wiebe. (Jud Wiebe also connects to other trails). What I love about Telluride and Mountain Village is the connectedness to so many great trails. Do it.
    Written 19 August 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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