Cornet Creek Falls
A short, steep hike leads to an 80-foot cascade, offering rewarding views in the stunning Telluride landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Cornet Creek Falls
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A short, steep hike leads to an 80-foot cascade, offering rewarding views in the stunning Telluride landscape.
"Steep hiking in some places but so worth it; absolutely stunning waterfall!"
⚠️ Trail Safety First
Reviews warn the trail is steep & slippery; not for young kids. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Free Gondola Ride
Enjoy stunning views with the free Telluride-Mountain Village gondola. :mountain_railway:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cornet Creek Falls
Telluride, Colorado
An 80-foot cascade reached via a short, steep hike with rewarding views.
Telluride Gondola
Telluride, Colorado
Enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas and a free ride between Telluride and Mountain Village.
Bridal Veil Falls
Near Telluride, Colorado
A moderate 2-mile hike leading to three stunning waterfalls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Difficulty
Best Time for Fall Colors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Trail Safety First
Reviews warn the trail is steep & slippery; not for young kids. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Free Gondola Ride
Enjoy stunning views with the free Telluride-Mountain Village gondola. :mountain_railway:
🍂 Fall Foliage Peak
Visit early-mid October for Telluride's vibrant autumn colors. :maple_leaf:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Wear good hiking shoes; the trail can be tricky with loose dirt. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Trail Safety First
Reviews warn the trail is steep & slippery; not for young kids. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Free Gondola Ride
Enjoy stunning views with the free Telluride-Mountain Village gondola. :mountain_railway:
🍂 Fall Foliage Peak
Visit early-mid October for Telluride's vibrant autumn colors. :maple_leaf:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Wear good hiking shoes; the trail can be tricky with loose dirt. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cornet Creek Falls is praised for its beautiful cascade and rewarding short hike, offering stunning scenery. However, many reviewers caution that the trail's steep and slippery nature makes it unsuitable for young children or inexperienced hikers, contradicting some 'family friendly' descriptions.
"Short, steep, beautiful hike!"
Liudmyla Koptila
"So beautiful
Steep hiking in some places but so worth it
Bout hour hike"
CJ
"Exceptional. Great hike"
Philippe Capraro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cornet Creek Falls is located near the town of Telluride, Colorado. The trailhead is accessible from town, often described as a short hike from the main area. Many visitors arrive in Telluride via scenic drives through the San Juan Mountains. +1
Parking can be limited in Telluride, especially during peak seasons. It's advisable to check local parking regulations or consider using the free gondola to access areas near the trailhead if available.
While possible, winter visits may be challenging due to snow and ice, making the trail more hazardous. The fall and summer months are generally recommended for easier access and safer hiking conditions.
Telluride is accessible by car, offering stunning scenic routes. The nearest major airport is Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about a 1.5-hour drive away.
Telluride offers a free gondola system connecting the town to Mountain Village, providing convenient transportation and incredible views. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cornet Creek Falls is a natural attraction and generally does not require an entrance fee. The hike itself is free to access.
As a natural outdoor attraction, Cornet Creek Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, trail conditions can vary significantly with the seasons.
No, tickets are not required for Cornet Creek Falls as it is a natural site. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Typically, no special permits are required for hiking the Cornet Creek Falls trail. It's a popular local hike.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, many hiking trails in Colorado allow dogs on leash. It's always best to check local regulations before bringing pets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Cornet Creek Falls is described as short, often taking about an hour round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the falls.
Reviews are mixed. While some call it 'family friendly,' others emphasize it's steep, slippery, and potentially dangerous for young children due to loose dirt and narrow paths. Experienced hikers may find it moderate.
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip are highly recommended due to the steep and slippery nature of the trail. :athletic_shoe:
Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned at the immediate trailhead for Cornet Creek Falls. It's advisable to use facilities in Telluride before starting your hike.
Nearby attractions include the free Telluride Gondola for scenic views, Bridal Veil Falls for a longer hike, and the charming town of Telluride itself. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The base of the 80-foot waterfall offers dramatic shots. The trail itself provides opportunities for scenic mountain photography, especially during fall. +1
Morning light can be beautiful, but the falls are also stunning in the afternoon. Consider the angle of the sun to avoid harsh shadows.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth the water.
Absolutely! The gondola offers panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and the town of Telluride, perfect for breathtaking landscape shots. +1
The peak fall foliage season in Telluride is typically from early to mid-October, offering vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🥾 Experienced Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cornet Creek Falls Trail
It's crucial to assess your group's hiking abilities honestly. If you have young children or are not comfortable with heights and uneven terrain, you might want to reconsider or proceed with extreme caution. Wearing sturdy hiking boots with good traction is essential to navigate the tricky parts safely.
Despite the challenging aspects, the payoff is a beautiful 80-foot cascade. The short duration of the hike means it's accessible for many, provided they are prepared for the terrain.
Experiencing Telluride's Scenic Beauty
For those seeking more waterfall adventures, Bridal Veil Falls is another popular destination. It involves a moderate 2-mile hike and leads to three impressive cascades. This hike offers a different perspective on the region's natural beauty and is often recommended for its rewarding views.
Telluride is also renowned for its fall foliage. Creators on TikTok frequently showcase the vibrant autumn colors that transform the mountainsides from early to mid-October. Planning a visit during this time offers a spectacular visual feast, with the golden aspens and crimson maples creating a breathtaking backdrop for any outdoor activity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit