Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet, a 2-mile moderate hike with avalanche risk in winter months.
Free
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Hiking/snowshoeing to the falls is discouraged roughly December 1–April 30 due to avalanche and rockfall hazard, and the 4WD road to the canyon rim closes seasonally; the falls can still be viewed from the valley floor in winter (per Telluride Tourism Board and San Miguel County trail rules).
Bridal Veil Falls, at 365 feet, is Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall and a signature destination near Telluride. The moderate trail gains 859 feet over two miles and leads to stunning views of the cascade framed against the San Juan Mountains.
Access is managed by San Miguel County with a trail easement on U.S. Forest Service land. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. The maintained trail is closed December 1 through April 30 due to avalanche and rockfall hazard, though the falls remain viewable from the valley floor during winter.
Best visited May through November when the maintained trail is open and avalanche risk is lowest.
May through November are safest; hiking and snowshoeing to the falls are discouraged December 1 through April 30 due to avalanche and rockfall hazard, though the falls remain viewable from the valley floor in winter.
2 to 3 hours
Winter climbing via the maintained trail is hazardous due to avalanche risk; the 4WD road to the canyon rim closes seasonally.
Free
Via a 2-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
We track 6 waterfalls in San Juan Mountains.
telluride.com
Telluride Tourism Board official site (telluride.com): 365 ft, Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall; 2 mi RT, 859 ft gain, rated Moderate; no fee. San Miguel County's official Bridal Veil trail-easement page (sanmiguelcountyco.gov) confirms dogs must be leashed and notes a Dec 1–Apr 30 seasonal closure period on the maintained trail. Checked Sept 2026; no hard closure found for 2026 hiking season.
Checked September 2026.