Are there fees or permits required for Cornet Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Cornet Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Cornet Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cornet Falls.

Nearby gauge (South Fork San Miguel River) · 166 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Cornet Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cornet Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Cornet Falls.

Colorado • 80 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

Clyde Charles Brown CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Michael and Antoni Hinczewski CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

dmtilley CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

kfwk_lobo CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Cornet Falls

Cornet Falls is a striking 80-foot cascade tucked into a red rock canyon just outside Telluride, Colorado. The falls drop dramatically over rust-colored cliffs, creating a photogenic torrent that rewards hikers willing to tackle a short, moderately steep approach. Its compact setting and wild rock framing make Cornet Falls a favorite quick outing for visitors in the Telluride area. The hike to Cornet Falls is an out-and-back of roughly 1.0 miles with about 300 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate for fitness and footing. Because the route is short but uphill in places, many visitors combine the walk with other nearby trails or plan a relaxed visit to enjoy the viewpoint. The nearest developed campground is Matterhorn, about 12.57 km away, so plan overnight stays accordingly.

The Setting

Cornet Falls sits at 9,186 feet in the high alpine of Colorado. The falls drop 80 feet.

Height: 80 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet, lies 2.8 miles to the southeast.

Bridal Veil Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; length: 1.0 miles; elevation gain: ~300 ft; difficulty: moderate. The route follows a dirt path that includes some rocky sections and a few steep inclines, winding through a scenic, forested stretch before opening onto the red rock canyon that frames the falls. Surface is primarily dirt with intermittent rock and root exposure; grade is moderately steep in places, and short steeper pitches lead to the waterfall viewpoint. Expect uneven footing—sturdy shoes and careful footing on wet rock are recommended.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 80 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cornet Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cornet Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Cornet Falls is in late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak. Fall also offers beautiful foliage along the trail.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain or during icy conditions in winter. Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks may be unstable or slick. Always stay on the marked trail.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Fork San Miguel River, 6.7 miles away, not on Cornet Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

166 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

28 29 40 55

Based on 14 years of record

2.35 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SOUTH FORK SAN MIGUEL RIVER NEAR OPHIR, CO

USGS 09171310

6.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 42 sq mi

Altitude: 8,484 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH FORK SAN MIGUEL RIVER NEAR OPHIR, CO (11 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

166 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

189 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

201 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

195 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

195 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

185 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

167 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

161 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tue — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to mid July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Telluride hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows Cornet Falls dropping about 360 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 80 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 9,195 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 246 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 148 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Cornet Falls near Telluride, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cornet Falls near Telluride, Colorado, showing about 360 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 9,195 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 360 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Cornet Falls is located approximately 1 mile from downtown Telluride. To reach the trailhead, head to the Jud Wiebe Trail access point near North Aspen Street and Tomboy Road. The trail to the falls begins here.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Limited parking is available near the trailhead in Telluride. Visitors are encouraged to park in town and walk to the trailhead if parking is full.

Elevation

9,186 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.943065° N, -107.810384° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak summer months. Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be slippery in wet conditions. Be cautious near the waterfall, as rocks may be slick.

This trail sits at 9,186 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 1.0 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

MATTERHORN

7.8 miles away · 28 sites

Reservable

Overview Matterhorn Campground is located along the San Juan Skyway (Colorado Highway 145), near the quaint town of Telluride, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Visitors enjoy the area for its beautiful scenery, hiking and off-road opportunities.Recreation The Galloping Goose Trail #449 can be accessed from the campground. This 8.4-mile trail leads past a restored train trestle, over two trail bridges and along segments of the historic Rio Grande Southern Railway. The trail is open to hiking, biking

Book on Recreation.gov