Built together by the town of Telluride and the Forest Service in 1987, this short but steep trail was designed and named after the late Jud Wiebe (a Forest Service Recreation Manager). He passed away in 1986 before the trail’s completion. This trail begins in Telluride at the top of Aspen Street and ends at the Tomboy Road. The trail climbs on either end then contours through an aspen forest. Most views from this trail are of Telluride and the ski area. This is a family friendly trail and a favorite among local people.
Trail length: 2.7 miles. Open to: hikers, horses (to the Deep Creek Trail intersection from the trailhead) and mountain bikers.
Sneffels High Line
This trail is one of the most challenging and rewarding day hikes in the area. It climbs up into the high country of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness above timberline. It passes by old cabin ruins, mines and streams. When planning this hike, get any early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. The eastern access for this trail is from the Jud Wiebe trailhead at the top of Aspen Street. The western access for this trail is from the Mill Creek Road. From Telluride drive 1 mile west on Highway 145 to Forest Service Road 637 (Mill Creek Road) near the Shell gas station. Turn right on Mill Creek Road and follow it approximately 1.5 miles to the Telluride Town reservoir. br />
This is a high clearance road not recommended for passenger cars. There is parking near the reservoir. Trail length: 8.5 miles. Open to: hikers and horses.
Deep Creek
This is a good trail for early and late season hiking due to its southern exposure and lower elevation. There are some steep sections on either end of the trail. It is located almost entirely in aspen timber with a few scattered spruce and fir stands. The trail has panoramic views of the ski area and the San Juan Mountains. Waterfalls can be seen along the east end of the trail in the Mill Creek Basin. To get to the eastern trail access from Telluride drive west 1 mile on Highway 145 to Forest Service Road 637 (Mill Creek Road) near the Shell gas station. Turn right on Mill Creek Road and follow it approximately 1.5 miles to the Telluride Town reservoir. This is a high clearance road not recommended for passenger cars. There is parking near the reservoir. To get to the western access for this trail from Telluride drive west 2.5 miles on Highway 145 to
Forest Road 638 (Last Dollar Road). Turn right on Last Dollar Road and follow the road for about 3 miles. Turn right to enter the trailhead parking lot. This trail receives heavy bike use. Hikers use caution. Bikers please yield to hikers and horses. Trail length: 12 miles. Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers.
Eider Creek
This short spur trail connects to the Deep Creek Trail. The trail climbs steeply for2 miles, and then intersects the Deep Creek Trail. From Telluride drive 1 mile west on Highway 145. Turn right on Forest Road 637 (Mill Creek Road) near the Shell gas station. This dirt road is high clearance and not recommended for passenger cars. Drive about .5 mile to the first hairpin turn. This is the trailhead. Trail length: 1.6 miles.Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers.
Galloping Goose
Most of this trail follows the old Rio Grande Southern Railroad from Lizard Head Pass to Society Turn near Telluride. This route once had over 140 bridges and trestles, of which only one remains today. Incredible views of mountain peaks, old historic structures and scenic lakes and streams await those who venture out on this trail. Portions of this trail share forest and county roads. Other sections have steep grades and get light use. The trail is marked by the Galloping Goose logo beginning at Lizard Head Pass. This popular mountain biking trail can be done in sections or in its entirety. It offers a challenge without being overly technical. To get to the trailhead at Lizard Head Pass from Telluride drive about 3 miles to Highway 145 (Society Turn). Turn left heading south for about 11 miles to Lizard Head Pass. There is a rest area and interpretive site on the right side of the highway. The trailhead is on the left side of the highway on Forest Service Road 626. Trail length: 16.5 miles. Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers.
Wilson Mesa
This is a good trail for early season access and late fall color. It is primarily in spruce and fir with some aspen and a few small open parks. There are several small stream crossings and wetlands to navigate. The trail borders the Lizard Head Wilderness area for almost the entire length. This trail receives a lot of motorcycle use during the summer since it is the only motorized trail in the Telluride area. There are several access points for this trail.
Sunshine Mesa Access
From Telluride drive west about 5 miles.Turn south off Highway 145 on to the South Fork Road (County Road 63L). Go 2.5 miles to the Ilium Church Camp. Turn right on to Forest Service Road 623. Travel about 4.5 miles on this road to get to the trailhead. Silver Pick Road access: From Telluride drive west about 8 miles. Turn left on Silver Pick Road (County Road 60M). Follow this road for about 6.8 miles to the intersection of Forest Service Road 645 (Big Bear Road). The trail heads east and west from this point.
From Telluride drive west about 8 miles. Turn left on the Fall Creek Road (County Road 57P). Follow this road for about 9 miles. The trailhead is on the left before Woods Lake Campground. Trail length: 10.5 miles. Open to: hikers, horses and seasonal motorcycle use July 1 through Labor Day.
For information on other area trails visit the: National Forest Service Website
