Wasatch Trail #508

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

By the time that you reach the top of this incline, you'll be at an elevation over 13,000 feet. Take the proper precautions, and bring extra layers as weather changes quickly.

Connecting the town of Telluride to the Wasatch Saddle, the Wasatch Trail is one of the most scenic trails in the area. At first, you'll follow along Bear Creek and wind your way up to a dramatic waterfall. While most runners call it a day after the falls, the recommended route is to continue on the trail as it ascends out of the Bear Creek drainage.

As you begin to gain elevation, take in the views of the steeply eroded drainage. Soon enough, you'll find yourself traversing open alpine meadows. In the spring and early summer, the meadows are filled with wildflowers, and your best chance to view wildlife will be in this portion.

As you continue, you'll crest the San Joaquin ridge, which will take you to the Wasatch saddle. From here, you can return the way you came, take a short jaunt up the Blixt Trail to gain the summit of Oscar's Pass, or drop into the Bridal Veil Falls drainage to return to town via a different route.

Strenuous, but rewarding, this is a great trail if you're in the Telluride area.

Along the way, take your time to enjoy various wildflowers, and small mountain fauna, such as marmot and pika.