Prospect Loop Trail

The route is approximately 26.5 kilometers long and generally takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete on a mountain bike. This duration can vary based on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The Prospect Loop Trail in Telluride offers a varied cross-country experience. You'll encounter grinding but mostly mellow climbs, followed by fun, winding descents. The trail is primarily singletrack, but some sections are wider, giving it an 'xc-skiing feeling'. Expect roots and tight switchbacks, and be aware that it can be quite muddy in places, especially after rain. The downhill sections are often flowy and weave through dense trees.

This trail is rated as 'difficult' due to its significant climbs and technical descents with roots and tight switchbacks. While some climbs are mellow, the overall experience is more suited for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers. Beginners might find certain sections challenging.

You can access parts of the trail via the mid-station of the Telluride Gondola. Parking is available in Mountain Village, and you can use the gondola to reach the mid-station. Keep in mind that accessing certain sections this way during operating hours typically requires a bike park pass.

The best time to ride the Prospect Loop Trail is generally during the summer and early fall months when the snow has melted, and the weather is favorable. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially earlier in the season or after rainfall. The dense woodland provides good shade, making it enjoyable even on warmer days.

While the trail itself may not require a specific permit, accessing certain parts of it, particularly via the Telluride Gondola mid-station during its operating hours, typically requires a bike park pass. It's advisable to check with the Telluride Bike Park for current pass requirements and regulations before your visit.

The trail offers beautiful views, especially in its first quarter. Much of the ride takes you through dense woodland, including spruce forests in Prospect Basin, providing a cool and shaded environment. You'll also traverse sections of the Telluride Ski Resort. A notable highlight is a specific viewpoint found early in the loop.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll ride on parts of Prospect, Valley Floor, Jurassic, Meadows, Upper Valley Floor, Boomerang Road, Tommy Knocker, Village, River Trail, Shift Boss, Crystal, Rundola Course, Boulevard, San Miguel, Marmot, Camel's Garden Trail, Ore Hopper, Galloping Goose Connector, Kave, La Cura, Skunk Creek, Lower Galloping Goose, No Brainer, Basin Trail, Ridge Trail, Basin Road, Telluride Bike Path, Magic Meadows Trail, and World Cup.

The Prospect Loop Trail is a shared trail, open to hikers as well. While specific dog regulations for this particular trail are not detailed, it's generally recommended to check local rules for the Telluride Resort area regarding dogs on trails, especially within a bike park context. Always keep dogs on a leash and pack out all waste.

The Prospect Loop Trail traverses the Telluride Ski Resort, and accessing certain sections, particularly via the Telluride Gondola mid-station, may require a bike park pass during operating hours. The bike park offers a network of trails, and understanding its rules and operating schedule is important for a smooth experience on the Prospect Loop.

Yes, there is a key viewpoint located in the first quarter of the loop that offers beautiful vistas. The trail itself passes through the scenic Prospect Basin, characterized by spruce forests and sections of the Telluride Ski Resort, providing a constantly changing backdrop.