Hiking Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is often called the land of waterfalls and nowhere is that truer than at Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet. Located at the end of Telluride’s box canyon, this hike combines history, wild beauty, and a powerful natural spectacle. For van travelers, it’s one of those bucket-list stops that captures the spirit of the San Juan Mountains.

Trail Overview

• Distance: 2-3 miles round trip (depending on starting point)
• Elevation Gain: 859 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steady uphill)
• Rated: 4.8
• Highlights: Colorado’s tallest waterfall, canyon views, historic powerhouse
• Pets: Dogs on leash

The trail begins just outside of downtown Telluride. Hikers can start from the end of town and follow the rocky trail to the base of the falls or shorten the distance by driving to the trailhead if parking is available. Because the path is rocky in sections, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes to stay safe and comfortable. At times, when water levels rise, expect a creek crossing or two on the way to the falls. You can find maps and parking details through Visit Telluride.

One of the highlights of this hike is that you’ll pass three waterfalls along the way, each with its own character. The first can be reached by taking a short spur off the main trail, then returning to continue the climb toward Bridal Veil Falls.

For more details on distance, elevation, and current conditions, see the Bridal Veil Falls listing on AllTrails

Our Hiking Experience

The steady uphill climb was manageable and enjoyable for us. The rocky trail and switchbacks kept us engaged the entire way, and the anticipation helped keep our pace on the faster side. Passing the smaller waterfalls along the way felt like little previews of the spectacular scene we knew awaited us at the top.

Reaching Bridal Veil Falls was awe-inspiring. We heard its thunder before we saw the 365-foot plunge, mist drifting across the trail and soaking the rocks around us. The roar was so loud we had to shout over it to communicate. I hesitated to take out my camera in the heavy spray, but the view was too good to pass up.

Our Climb to the Bridal Veil Powerhouse

At the top sits the Bridal Veil Powerhouse, built in 1907, which is still the oldest operating AC power plant in the U.S. Standing there, we felt like we were part of both nature and history. We were so intrigued by the structure that we decided to continue our hike up a well-maintained jeep trail to the top to get a closer view.

From the base of the falls, a wide road with steady switchbacks continues upward. This section isn’t part of the main hike to Bridal Veil Falls but serves as an extension for anyone wanting to climb higher. The high-clearance road to it is well-traveled by hikers, bikers, and 4-wheel-drive vehicles. For us, the road offered a good opportunity to keep exploring a ways past the Powerhouse before we turned around.

For those wanting to continue on from there, the Bridal Veil Road, links to other hiking trails including, the Wasatch Trail, and Black Bear Road.

Climbing beyond the waterfall brought us to the historic Bridal Veil Powerhouse. From this vantage point, the view down the canyon toward the town of Telluride was spectacular. It felt like the perfect reward for tackling the Bridal Veil Falls Hike in Telluride, Colorado, where history and rugged mountain scenery come together in one unforgettable experience.

Another nearby hike we enjoyed was the Bear Creek Falls Trail in Telluride, which also rewards hikers with a waterfall.

Tips for Van Travelers

Parking: Like Bear Creek Trail, parking is limited near the trailhead. Many hikers walk or bike from Telluride.

Boondocking: Free camping near Telluride is scarce and often requires navigating rough roads. If you don’t have 4WD, consider campgrounds or nearby towns.

Best Time: Mornings are quieter and cooler. Weekends see heavier use.

Colorado Hikes: If you’re researching other hikes in the state, check out our Colorado page.

Nearby Attractions

• Bear Creek Falls Trail — A moderate hike right from downtown with a beautiful waterfall reward.
• Telluride Gondola — Free, scenic, and connects town to Mountain Village.
• Imogene Pass / Black Bear Pass — Legendary Jeep roads for those with 4WD and an appetite for adventure.

Final Thoughts

For us, the Bridal Veil Falls Hike in Telluride, Colorado was about more than reaching the waterfall. The sound of rushing water echoing through the canyon, and the views looking back over Telluride reminded us why this town is so special. Add in the history of the powerhouse perched above the falls, and the experience felt like living in a movie scene. Whether you’re visiting for a day or settling in with your van, this hike belongs on every Telluride itinerary.

If you’ve enjoyed following along in Colorado, you might also like our Maine Travel Guide for a completely different take on outdoor adventures.