This trailhead sits at the end of the Bridal Veil Falls Road at 10,200 feet, sharing the same rough 4WD access route that leads to Black Bear Pass. The falls drop 365 feet in a single cascade — Colorado’s tallest free-fall waterfall. Small parking area with space for maybe 6-8 vehicles, no facilities. The hike to the falls base is short (0.8 miles) but steep, while continuing to the power plant ruins adds another challenging mile.
Access requires high-clearance 4WD for the final 2.5 miles from Telluride. Road gets progressively rougher with loose rock, steep grades, and narrow shelves. Same seasonal closures as Black Bear Pass — typically June through October depending on snowpack. No overnight parking allowed.
Gateway to Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall
Place Details
| Type | Trailhead |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 10200 ft |
| Nearest town | Telluride, Colorado |
| Miles from pavement | 2.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD |
| Access road surface | Rocky |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 8 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 0 nights |
| Best season | June-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |