Near Ajax Peak + Telluride Peak
Views down toward Telluride from near the top of the falls and Powerplant.
Near Ajax Peak + Telluride Peak
Ajax Peak summit ridge.
Near Ajax Peak + Telluride Peak
The Bridal Veil Powerhouse.
Near Ajax Peak + Telluride Peak
Telluride Valley view from the Black Bear Pass switchbacks.
Near Ajax Peak + Telluride Peak
The Bridal Veil Powerhouse.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Ajax Peak + Telluride Peak

4.5 (2 Ratings)
Steep trail to epic views surrounding Telluride.
12.4
mi
Distance
5,143
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Fall ColorsViewsWaterfall

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
12.41mi
Distance
5,143ft
Elevation Gain
5,143ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
13,489ft
High Point
9,024ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Park at the bottom of the Black Bear Road or drive up the switchbacks as far as you feel comfortable and hike from there. You might need to get dropped off because there's not really parking on the road. You'll probably be walking by the time you reach the top of Bridal Veil Falls, otherwise, get dropped off here. The views down-valley of Telluride and the box canyon are exquisite, especially in the fall with the golden aspens lighting everything up. Eventually, you leave the rough Black Bear Road road for the Ajax Peak Trail on your left with quite a few singletrack switchbacks. Keep switching back until you reach the summit of Ajax and enjoy the views along the way. From there, follow the ridgeline south, you'll often see a faint trail to follow. The trail goes over many different terrains, including a couple of Class 3 rocky sections to climb. When you reach the summit of Telluride Peak (13,509') take in all the beautiful 360-degree views that the summit provides. You can see the route you just hiked, Imogene Pass, and several 14ers out in the distance. When you're done at the summit, you can keep walking over to Imogene Pass if you care to do so, but the Telluride Peak is certainly the highlight of the day. Your roundtrip mileage and elevation will depend on where you start the trail from. If you can't drive any of the initial switchbacks, there is a trail to Bridal Veil Falls that decreases the mileage rather than walking the road the whole way to the top of the falls.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Ashley Peterson