Are dogs allowed on Ballard Mountain Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Ballard Mountain Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Ballard Mountain Trail?

No, Ballard Mountain Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Ballard Mountain Trail?

Ballard Mountain Trail is rated expert. It is 6.4 miles long with 4,531 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

Uncompahgre National Forest/Colorado

Ballard Mountain Trail

Telluride, Colorado

6.4 mi

Distance

4,531 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 6m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

You can hike up the Bear Creek/Wasatch Trail from Telluride, CO. Go across the creek on a nice foot bridge and climb the steep hill towards the tree line. The San Juan mountains around Telluride offer some of the best adventures and views in Colorado. The mountain is almost 13,000 feet above the town of Telluride. It's Seldom Explored, and it offers pristine Alpine forests, wildflowers, local history, and jaw dropping views. The Ballard Trail is a 4700 foot climb that takes three miles to complete. This trek is not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy walking the trails a little more secluded. The San Juan Mountains have an overlooked gem in Ballard.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,681 ft

Max:3,881 ft

1,381 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

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Address:CO

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Ballard Mountain Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Bear Creek Trail

Telluride River Trail

Coonskin Mountain Ski Trails

Owl Gulch

Imogene Pass

Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail

Other trails in Uncompahgre National Forest

Bear Creek Trail

Blue Lakes Trail

Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail

Hope Lake Trail

Imogene Pass

Upper Box Canyon Falls

Campgrounds near this trail

Telluride Town Park Campground

Mill Creek Basin Backcountry Camp

Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

Mary E Campground - Norwood RD

Imogene Pass - Camp Bird Dispersed Camping

Sunshine Campground

Similar trails in Colorado

Sky Pond Trail

Emerald Lake Trail

Flattop Mountain Trail

Chasm Lake Trail

Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail Loop

Royal Arch Trail