A ski run down toward town in winter; run name not given
Telluride Trail
Hiking trail
About
The Telluride Trail #631 connects mid-mountain with town on the Telluride Ski Area. It starts about 200 yards from the San Sophia gondola station and switchbacks steeply down a ski service road to the gondola station in town, dropping more than 1,700 feet. The Forest Service mentions plenty of wildlife and wildflowers, plus views of the peaks around you.
The easy way is to ride the free gondola up and walk down, so it's downhill the whole way. Starting from town turns it into a hard climb. The Tourism Board rates it moderate, at 2.4 miles with 1,779 feet of elevation gain, about one to two hours. Near the bottom, the Camel's Garden Trail links over to the lower Bear Creek Trail.
When to go
Hike it in summer and fall. The Forest Service lists June as its season of use, so check conditions early in the summer. In winter it's a blue ski run.
The gondola closes for fall maintenance from October 26 to November 19, 2026, and runs November 20, 2026 to April 4, 2027 for winter. Its summer 2027 season runs May 20 to October 24, 2027, from 6:30 a.m. to midnight, according to the Town of Mountain Village.
Good to know
From San Sophia station, walk south on the Nature Trail about 200 yards to a log cabin. The Telluride Trailhead sign is on the road next to it.
No bikes are allowed, and you may meet vehicles on the road.
Dogs can ride the gondola in cabins marked with a paw print, usually every other cabin. San Sophia station sits at 10,540 feet, so pace yourself.
Price
- AdmissionFree
There's no entrance fee for the national forest, and the Tourism Board says the gondola is free for everyone.
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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