Telluride Live

About

The Galloping Goose Trail #499 runs 17.6 miles between Lizard Head Pass and the Telluride area, according to the Forest Service. It follows forest roads, single track and stretches of the old Rio Grande Southern railway grade, passing a restored train trestle and two trail bridges. It's open to hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

The Tourism Board rates it moderate, with 1,450 feet of elevation gain over the full trail. It's mostly smooth, with a few short, steep technical sections and a four-mile stretch of dirt road between Sunshine Mesa and the Ilium Trailhead. Riders who want an easy downhill start at Lizard Head Pass and head north. For a shorter outing, try the 6-mile out-and-back from town to the Ilium Trailhead.

History

The Rio Grande Southern was a narrow-gauge railroad built by Otto Mears. It ran from 1891 through 1951 between Durango and Ridgway by way of Lizard Head Pass, built to carry silver from Rico and Telluride, and was taken apart in 1952 and 1953. Galloping Goose was the nickname for seven railcars it built from automobiles in the 1930s to keep its mail contract.

When to go

This is a summer and fall trail. The Forest Service lists June as its season of use, and the south end at Lizard Head Pass is above 10,000 feet, so check conditions before you go.

Good to know

For the north end, the Forest Service says to drive west on Highway 145 about 3 miles, turn south at the first intersection to stay on 145, and park on the east side. Cross the highway, walk Society Drive a quarter mile to San Miguel River Drive and turn right. About 100 yards past the bus stop, a dirt road drops toward the river. That's the trail.

There's no drinking water at the trailhead.

Price

• AdmissionFree

There's no entrance fee for the national forest.

Prices checked November 2026 on the website of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. They can change, so check before you go.

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