Details: Ajax Peak

Stunning, birds-eye-views of the high peaks of the Telluride area are the reward for hikers making the steep climb to the summit of Ajax Peak.

Trailhead to Ajax Peak

The trail mileage in this description assumes you park at the end of the Bridal Veil Road high above the east side of Telluride (see driving directions below). Add 4.0 miles to the round-trip distance and 1,300-ft. in elevation gain for the hike if parking at the 2WD lot near the Pandora Mine.

Near the end of the Bridal Veil Road is an intersection with the Black Bear Road marked with a sign reading, “One Way Only, Do Not Enter.” (The Black Bear Road is a very difficult 4WD road that begins off Highway 550, south of Ouray, Colorado.) Ascend the Black Bear Road on a series of steep switchbacks, passing the ruins of the Black Bear Mill and Ingram Falls. Beyond the falls the road curves around a very tight switchback called “Adios Corner” and climbs a series of rock slabs known as “The Steps” alongside a creek cascading down the gully to the right of the road. This is considered one of the most difficult parts of the road for vehicles.

After 1.1 miles you will see mining cables overhead. The trail to Ajax peak, marked with a rock cairn, starts on the left (north) side of the road between the second and third cable. The narrow, but well-defined trail ascends steeply through meadows on long switchbacks. As you gain elevation enjoy ever improving views to the east/southeast of Peak 13,510-ft. and Trico Peak (13,321-ft.) rising above Ingram Basin. Ballard Mountain (12,804-ft.) towers above Silver Lake to the southwest. Soon Lizard Head (13,113-ft.), Wilson Peak (14,017-ft.) and Mount Wilson (14,246-ft.) in the Lizard Head Wilderness are seen in the distance to the west.

After 2.2 miles the trail crosses scree covered slopes. Ignore any faint trails you see branching to the left. Instead stay on the main trail heading east.

Reach the top of the ridge at 2.6 miles. As you crest the ridge terrific views open to the high peaks rimming the north side of Savage Creek and the Marshall Basin cirque. Deep in the valley below the trail are the ruins of the Tom Boy Mine and the road leading to the mine.

On the ridge the trail turns left (west), crosses a scree-covered saddle and then climbs on moderate grades to the top of Ajax Peak (12,785-ft.) at 2.8 miles. The last section of the trail ascends on stable scree along the south side of the ridge, a bit below the ridge crest.

Atop Ajax Peak enjoy 360-degree views. From this perspective we have a birds-eye-view of Telluride nestled in the valley to the west. Mendoza Peak (13,275-ft.) towers above the head of Marshall Basin to the northeast. Mount Emma (13,581-ft.), Gilpin Peak (13,694-ft.) and Mount Sneffels (14,150-ft.) rise in the distance beyond Mendoza.

To the north, Chicago Peak soars over the Tom Boy Mine complex and the Savage Creek Valley. Further up the valley are fine views of Telluride Peak and the 13,000-ft. summits ringing the head of Savage Basin. The Tom Boy Mine/Imogene Pass road is seen snaking up Savage Basin and crossing the divide at Imogene Pass.

To the south the high summits surrounding the Bridal Veil Basin fill the skyline. Peaks easy to pick out on the horizon include Ballard Mountain, La Junta Peak (13,472-ft.) and Peak 13,614-ft. Telluride Peak and Trico Peak dominate the view to the east. If you look carefully you will be able to see Black Bear Pass on the divide to the south of Trico Peak.

When you are done taking in the views retrace your steps to the trailhead. Use care as you descend the steep trail. Keep an eye out for traffic along the Black Bear Road. Step off the narrow road to let vehicles pass safely.