Working to make the Telluride backcountry a safer place to be in all seasons.
Backcountry Information
Winter Backcountry Information
The Telluride Mountain Club and the Peter Inglis Avalanche Education Fund are working together to make the Telluride backcountry a safer place to be. This page includes information regarding our backcountry radio program, including radio rental info and helpful backcountry links. Stay safe out there.
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go is a free avalanche awareness program. Not much science, no warnings to stay out of the mountains, no formulas to memorize. In 1 hour, you will see the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen, and how you can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches.
Helpful Winter Links
Telluride Backcountry Radio:
+ Radio Rental Program
Through the Peter Inglis Avalanche Education Fund, the Telluride Mountain Club is helping to promote the rental of six radios at Jagged Edge Mountain Gear (970.728.9307). Radios can be checked out by visiting Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, located on the corner of Willow Street and Colorado Ave. In order to rent out a radio, you will be required to provide your name and credit card information. Length of rental is determined on a case by case basis.
+ Channel Information
Radio Program Channel Information – The Telluride Mountain Club has been working closely with local entities and the PI Fund to increase awareness of the use of radios in backcountry terrain in order to create a safer environment.
Group Monitoring Channels–
Lower Bear Creek: 1-0 (Channel A)
Upper Bear Creek: 5-10 (Channel B)
Wasatch: 4-20 (Channel C)
Ophir Channel: 8-10 (Channel D)
Rescue Channel, when a rescue is underway: 9-11 (Channel E)
(Channels are associated with the BCA preset channels)
Learn more about intended radio use and protocols here.
Summer Backcountry Info
Do you have your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue Card? Colorado residents and visitors are well served by dedicated volunteer search and rescue teams. By purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card you are contributing to the Search and Rescue Fund, which will reimburse these teams for costs incurred in search and rescues across the State of Colorado. The CORSAR card is available for $3 for a one-year card and $12 for five-year card. Purchase it here now.
Gov. John Hickenlooper unveiled a comprehensive online map, the Colorado Trail Explorer, developed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife that includes more than 39,000 miles of trails in the state – that is 17,099 trails and 1,431 trailheads. There are 5,683 miles of hiking trails, 6,821 miles of mountain biking trails, 24,906 miles of motorized trails and unpaved roads, and 1,746 miles of paved bike trails. Check it out!
Camping in Telluride? Remember to camp with care. Check out local camping information here.
What to pack on a day hike?
Here’s a great checklist for what to pack on your next hike in the Telluride backcountry: Day Hiking Checklist. Heading out longer? Here is a comprehensive list for what to pack if you are headed into the backcountry on a multi-day adventure.
Get Your
SAR Card
Do you have your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue Card?
If you ever need to be rescued from the backcountry, it’s the thing you will want to have.
The Latest Backcountry News
Important backcountry news and events are below. Click here for all TMtC News.
