Bridal Veil Falls

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

The town of Telluride is positioned at the end of a deep, glacier-cut gorge. There are few sights quite like driving into town late in the day, when the sun levels on the horizon and beams golden hues that skirt the summits of the surrounding peaks. At the end of this canyon, Bridal Veil Falls cascades to the canyon floor below, and at 365 feet, it is the tallest free falling cascade in Colorado. Bursting from a hanging valley over a vertical cliff and surrounded by 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, it is one of the most dramatic scenes in the state, if not the lower 48. -Additional route contributions from Outdoor Project contributor, Jonathan Stull.

This road is also open to vehicles so expect to share the road with cars traveling up and down the pass. Go early to avoid too much traffic.

Come prepared for a leg-burning climb on a wide, dirt road. Can be hot and dusty in the summer so be sure to start early.

Shortly past where the Idarado Legacy Trail ends, continue up the dirt road past the mill. It's 1.2 miles to the base of the 365-foot falls or you can continue to the top of the falls, the power plant and a vantage point of the valley below. Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state of Colorado.

While you won't have much solitude on this route, you'll enjoy some stunning views of the canyon, downtown Telluride, Ingram Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The grade is steady, but not too steep and the dirt road is wide although a little rocky around the switchbacks.

Aspens, willows and a variety of wildflowers.