Valley Floor Trail Telluride

Telluride valley floor easy to moderate multi use trail in a protected area just to the west of telluride.

Valley floor trail telluride.

The telluride valley floor stretches for three miles along the co 145 spur. There are 15 to 20 km of groomed nordic trails for skate and classic skiing. Telluride s valley floor the expansive open space on your right you pass for several miles on your drive into town is one of the region s greatest triumphs in land preservation. The valley floor today the town of telluride open space commission in partnership with the san miguel conservation foundation manage the valley floor.

Click here to learn more. Valley floor hike telluride s valley floor hike is lovely for all ages and abilities offering opportunities for dramatic landscape views and mountain wildlife watching in all four seasons. An ideal place to start is at the corner of mahoney dr. Wildlife abounds on the valley floor from fish fowl prairie dogs and fox to herds of deer and elk.

It lies at the base of the telluride canyon next to the center of town. Start at the west end of telluride and follow the paved path that parallels highway 145. The valley floor located before the entrance to telluride represents one of the region s greatest achievements in preservation. This path connects to the galloping goose trail in lawson hill.

Follow the trail east and connect with the idarado legacy trail where you will find a gentle grade and interpretive signs with stories of telluride s mining heritage. This 570 acre forever wild protected gateway to telluride features meadows the san miguel river and a year round activity trail. The valley floor is well groomed nordic wonderland. And pacific st an intersection located on the san miguel river trail.

Just 15 years ago the land was on the national trust for historic preservation s list of most endangered places in the u s. Its fields are green in the summer and feature wildflowers and evergreen trees that welcome wildlife like the elk coyotes rabbits birds and controversial prairie dogs. This 3 mile stretch has been preserved as open space and creates a winter playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Management is guided by the conservation values detailed in the conservation easement and restoration projects and recreational uses regulated by the valley floor management plan.

The valley floor at telluride is one of the most peaceful places i have visited. From valley floor to box canyon the san miguel river trail is sandwiched by the idarado legacy trail to the end and the valley floor trail to the west. You can make a complete loop of the valley floor by connecting with the west end of the san miguel river trail on the south side of the valley floor.