Telluride, Colorado is one of those places that feels like a dream—towering peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and trails that lead to some of the most jaw-dropping mountain scenery in Colorado. If you’re looking for some easy (but stunning) hikes to add to your summer itinerary, these three are absolute musts.
Hope Lake Trail
This hike is the definition of a hidden gem. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Hope Lake Trail offers a gradual climb through alpine meadows before revealing an unreal turquoise lake at the top. It’s 5.7 miles round-trip with moderate elevation gain of 1,149 ft, but trust me—it’s worth every step. Perfect for sunrise or a midday paddle on the stand up paddleboard and picnic with a view.
[Read my full Hope Lake Trail guide here.]
Cornet Creek Falls
Short on time? Cornet Creek Falls is a quick 0.5-mile round-trip hike right from downtown Telluride that leads to a striking 80-foot waterfall. It’s a little steep but totally doable, making it the perfect leg-stretch before or after a day of exploring town. Just be careful after rain—the trail can get slick, so proper shoes are a must!
[Read my full Cornet Creek Falls hike report here.]
Blue Lakes Trail
Okay, so the full Blue Lakes hike is a bit more intense, but the first lake? Super doable and beyond worth it. The trail winds through wildflower meadows before revealing a brilliant blue alpine lake straight out of a postcard. This may be one of the most popular hikes in all of Colorado, and for good reason—the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can continue to the upper lakes or even tackle Mount Sneffels (a Colorado 14er)—but for an easy summer hike, the lower lake is the perfect goal.
[Read my full Blue Lakes hike report here.]
Final Thoughts: Best Hikes in Telluride
These three hikes showcase some of the best scenery Telluride has to offer without requiring an extreme effort. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, alpine lakes, or wildflower-filled trails, these routes are perfect for a summer adventure. Lace up your boots, hit the trail, and soak in those San Juan mountain views!
While you are in the area, explore the other side of the San Juan Mountains. Stop by Ouray, the Switzerland of America, for breathtaking hikes, views, and adventures. Find the best adventures on my San Juan Mountains section guide here: Check it out!
Got a favorite easy hike in Telluride? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new trails to explore!
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.
