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A rigorous 12-mile, 5,000-foot ascent in the heart of the Sneffels Range to the north of Telluride.


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Map Key

13.1

Miles

21.0

KM

74%

Runnable

12,253' 3,735 m

High

8,944' 2,726 m

Low

3,695' 1,126 m

Up

3,696' 1,127 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The reward is unmistakable. The groves of aspen and conifer forest thin below 12,000 feet, and the trail breaks into the open with broad panoramas that include Telluride, the Telluride Ski Resort, and farther to the south, the Lizard Head Wilderness, encompassing Lizard Head and the Mount Wilson massif. -Additional contributions from Outdoor Project contributor Jonathan Stull.

Description

Despite the exposure and the effort, hiking above treeline in Telluride is a requirement for any outdoor adventurer worth the mud on their boots, and the Sneffels Highline is one of the best opportunities to experience this alpine environment.

The trails here are very well- marked, so navigating the Highline should be straightforward and without drama. All the better. From the Jud Wiebe Trail, ascend roughly a mile to the junction with the Mill Creek Trail. Almost immediately you'll reach a junction with the Sneffels Highline Trail to the right. Here the ascent begins in earnest. Ascend for about 3 miles, gaining 2,000 feet of elevation. At treeline, around 11,750 feet, the trail opens abruptly into Pack Basin. Continue ascending through alpine tundra to a saddle below Mount Emma; be careful here, as the trail ascends switchbacks on a very steep slope. The saddle below Mount Emma marks the highest point on the Sneffels Highline at 12,260 feet, 3.84 miles from the junction of the Sneffels Highline and Mill Creek trails. Begin descending through the larger Mill Creek Basin below Gilpin Peak and Dallas Peak. Once in the basin, the trail levels to a gentler descent for several miles. After several switchbacks, the Sneffels Highline Trail joins the Deep Creek Trail; keep left for about a mile. At a junction with the Mill Creek Trail, continue left for about 2 miles, passing the original junction with the Sneffels Highline Trail before rejoining the Jud Wiebe Trail. At the Jud Wiebe Trail, hikers have the option of continuing the Jud Wiebe Trail to completion or returning to the trailhead. Even at the end of a long day, the Jud Wiebe Trail is highly recommended.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trisha Cofield

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 10 votes

#2

in Telluride

#778

Overall
  4.9 from 10 votes
5 Star
90%
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10%
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Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Telluride

#164

in Colorado

#778

Overall
8 Views Last Month
6,023 Since Jul 19, 2016
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Photos

Telluride views.
Oct 26, 2023 near Telluride, CO
Snow condition on July 28, 2019 -- OK to hike on.
Jul 29, 2019 near Telluride, CO
San Miguel River Valley views.
Oct 26, 2023 near Telluride, CO
The Mill Creek Waterline Trail contours nicely along the mountainside.
Oct 26, 2023 near Telluride, CO
View from the trail.
Jul 28, 2020 near Telluride, CO
Footbridge along the Mill Creek Waterline Trail.
Oct 26, 2023 near Telluride, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 79 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jul 26, 2020
Jacob Torrey
13mi — 4h 32m
Jun 25, 2020
Melissa Gomillion
Aug 11, 2018
Mirka Gores
Hard run, but absolutely amazing views 12.1mi
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