Hike to Cornet Creek Falls - Telluride, CO

Telluride, Colorado has an abundance of waterfalls that are all very easy distances from the center of town – including Bridal Veil Falls, which is the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state!! Despite being a little over 3 months pregnant at the time of my trip this year, I was determined to still fit in a couple of new hikes! Of the three waterfalls that I wanted to check out, Cornet Creek Falls is the only one I was actually successful on. The altitude hit me way harder being preggers than I thought it would!

Cornet Creek Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that is easily accessible right from the center of town! I discovered it because it’s visible from the Gondola ride and ski area…and I googled it as soon as I got back to our condo! Directions are easy to follow and the hike from the trailhead to the falls is .25 miles per Telluride’s website. It’s definitely a short hike that won’t take up much of your day – so there’s no reason not to see it!

Main Street, Telluride Colorado — Main Street, Telluride

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Directions to trailhead: From Main St., head North on North Aspen Street. Continue straight once the road becomes gravel/dirt. Continue straight/right past the bridge and follow the trail to the waterfall. (Crossing the bridge puts you on the Jud Wiebe trail)

Restrooms: No – but this hike is pretty much straight out of the middle of town where you have ample opportunities for restrooms.

Distance of Hiking trail: .25 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to hard, only because the trail is very narrow, steep, and loose in some areas. Easy to moderate for experienced hikers/outdoor enthusiasts

Pets OK? Yes

Crowds: We didn’t see another soul there, although I would imagine in the later summer the crowds may pick up

Fees/Permits: free

Tips:

Know that North Aspen Street is very gradually steep, and if you are not used to the altitude you will probably be out of breath before you get to the trailhead!
There is extremely minimal parking close to the trailhead. You can either park around Main St. or if you are staying in town you can walk. If Telluride is busy I would not advise trying to park by the trailhead unless you are an early riser. Be aware of any towing signs – they will be enforced!
The trail can be hard to follow in one spot…we actually missed the trail and scrambled over very steep, loose/eroded soil and met up with it again before figuring it out.
Once again, the soil is very loose and steep in certain areas (bad erosion), but the last half of the trail is pretty good.
I would not suggest early morning for photographers. I was not pleased with the quality of my photos because the sun was not in an ideal spot.
I would be very cautious with small children. The trail follows Cornet Creek to the falls, and slipping into the creek could be very dangerous.
This trail would not be suitable for people who have difficulty walking.
Trekking poles would be beneficial for many parts of this hike
Wear proper hiking shoes to help with the loose soil
Be aware that it is totally possible to see wildlife – up to and including bears!!

Walking to Cornet Creek Falls, Telluride Colorado — Taking a break from the steep North Aspen Street!

Cornet Creek Falls, Telluride Colorado — Cornet Creek – when in doubt just follow it to the falls!

Make sure to pick a better time of day for lighting and bring your tripod if you are coming here to get awesome pictures!

At 80 feet, this waterfall is pretty impressive, but even so, it gets overlooked thanks to Bridal Veil Falls which 365 ft! Still, it’s easily accessible from town, and even though the trail needs some definite work, I would for sure recommend it for your trip there!