Telluride, CO: Cornet Falls
Just a 30-minute trek from downtown, this short-and-steep trail lands at the base of Cornet Falls, an 80-footer that is one of Telluride's most accessible cascades.
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Visible from Telluride’s gondola, the 80-foot Cornet Falls is the town’s most accessible cascade. Get a closer look at this photogenic landmark on a 0.9-mile hike north of downtown. Begin by heading north on Aspen Street to the Jud Wiebe Trailhead and continuing north on the right (east) side of Cornet Creek. Skip the left turn for the Jud Wiebe Trail and follow the narrower path alongside the creek, climbing a set of rock steps and several switchbacks that gain altitude faster than the creek itself.
Cliffs on both sides of the ravine close-in at trail end where a great view of the water spilling over the rocky shelf awaits. Though the pool is small, a few hundred feet of scrambling over the scree field to the right will land you at the base of the 80-foot shower. If the water volume isn’t bolstered by spring melts—or choked by summer heat—spend a minute cooling down underneath it before you turn around and head back to town.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland
Trail Facts
- Distance: 1.5
Waypoints
COR001
Location: 37.93797, -107.8137946
Begin this hike from Colorado Avenue (Telluride’s “Main Street”). Walk north on Aspen Street and climb toward the Jud Wiebe Trailhead.
COR002
Location: 37.9403139, -107.8127003
A couple of large rocks mark the end of the road and the beginning of the trail. Stop to orient yourself at the map kiosk before proceeding uphill on the main path.
COR003
Location: 37.9411515, -107.8123891
Just a few hundred feet from the trailhead, bypass the bridge and the Jud Wiebe Trail to stay on the east side of Cornet Creek. The trail narrows as it climbs alongside the flowing water.
COR004
Location: 37.9419807, -107.8118741
Climb several short switchbacks above the creek. It’s a rocky, hard-packed trail but it is loose in places: watch your step.
COR005
Location: 37.9427422, -107.8104901
The trail ends short of the fall’s drop zone. If you decide to continue to the base of the shower, do so with caution. The rocky slope on the bowl’s east side is loose and difficult to traverse.
Cornet Falls
Location: 37.9430807, -107.8104257
A hiker standing near the free-falling water from Cornet Creek.
Trailhead
Location: 37.9403308, -107.8127003
The trailhead on Aspen Street is also the beginning of the popular Jud Wiebe Trail.
Bridge
Location: 37.9411092, -107.8123677
Bypass this bridge that begins the Jud Wiebe Trail.
Trail
Location: 37.94116, -107.8123891
This unmarked route bypasses the sign.
Steep
Location: 37.9425815, -107.8112197
The trail is steep in some sections and though hard-packed, it can also have loose rocks that make it slick.
Steps
Location: 37.9421499, -107.8117669
View
Location: 37.9429453, -107.8108335
Looking back toward Telluride from the area near Cornet Falls.