Cappie’s Scoop: I’ve hiked here in the summer and winter. If you want to see pictures of the summer hike, check out Bridal Veil Falls – Summer. I’m a water dog so any trail with water, I’m there! Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!
Tips: Located just outside of Telluride, this multi-use trail is great in the summer and winter! We had a chance to do both seeing the waterfall running strong in the summer and frozen in the winter. See other post for summer pictures. Total roundtrip mileage is to the power station (top of the falls). There is also a new trail from the parking lot to the base of the falls and avoids the fire road. We checked this out but the trail is a little rough and uneven so be prepared for it if you take this detour. The trail does connect back to the fire road so you can continue up to the best viewpoint of the waterfall – so close that you feel the mist of the falls on your face! Want a longer hike, see our posts for Blue Lake and Lewis Lake which are on the same trail.
Directions: From the town of Telluride, head east on Colorado Avenue leaving the town behind you for about 2 miles. Colorado Avenue becomes Forest Service Rd 648 and ends at a parking lot. Parking for this hike fills up fast so be sure to go early or on a weekday. Some brave vehicles may even drive up the fire road as far as the power station where the trail continues past the waterfall behind a gate. Watch out for cars if your dog is with you.
Mileage (round trip) | 4.8 |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Gain (in feet) | 1368 |
Trailhead | 37.928665, -107.776533 |
Hike Time (in hours) | 3-4 |
Exposure | Mostly Sunny |
Scenery | Mountain Views, Trees, Waterfalls |
Facilities | Port-a-potty at trailhead. |
Fees/Permits | None |
More Info | https://www.telluride.com/play/activities/bridal-veil-falls |
Last Hiked | 12/8/2020 |