Palmyra Peak

Palmyra Peak is usually considered to be the most intimidating terrain at Telluride. This peak rises above the rest of the resort, and the approach is ominous. The hike is steep, and the descent is even steeper. Skiers and riders can access this terrain from the top of the Prospect Express chairlift (Lift #12).

Palmyra Peak at Telluride in early ski season
Palmyra Peak trail map

Terrain Info

Steep, extreme terrain. Hiking access only.

Palmyra Peak Stats

Never Enter Closed Terrain – Avalanche hazards exist in this area of the mountain. Never enter closed terrain, including traversing into closed areas which are intended to be closed from above.

The main ski trail that cuts down the center of the couloir from Palmyra Peak is named Senior’s. A short way down this trail, Roy Boy cuts off to the skiers right. Tram Shot, Sunrise, and Electric Shock are the ski trails that descend from the ridge on the skier’s left.

Palmyra Peak at Telluride Ski Resort as seen from Prospect Bowl
Palmyra Peak as seen from the Prospect Bowl
Palmyra Peak at Telluride Ski Resort
Palmyra Peak including Jello's Bowl, Upper Gold Hill Chutes, Black Iron Bowl

Jello's Bowl

Jello’s Bowl really only has one trail that is marked for skiing, but this chute cuts down through the bowl in memorable fashion. If you ski here, you will leave tracks that everyone else can drool over. Find more info about Jello’s Bowl here.
Jello's Bowl on a powder day at Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado
Powder Day in Jello's Bowl, photo taken from Prospect Express with upper Gold Hill Chutes in far background.

Hiking to Palmyra Peak

You can expect the hike to take two hours or more. The hiking trail starts at the top of the Prospect Express Lift. It crosses above the Black Iron Bowl and Jello’s Bowl terrain along the way. You will be finishing the hike above 13,000′ in altitude, so you can expect it to be colder up here and you can also expect it to be windy. 

The temperature will drop about 4°F to 5°F. for every 1,000′ that you ascend (this depends on lots of factors). The peak is approx. 4,400′ above the town of Telluride, so it may be about 20°F colder up here before you consider the wind chill factor.

warning sign on hiking path up to Palmyra Peak at Telluride
Palmyra Peak hiking path toward summit picture from Prospect Bowl
a skier hiking up Palmyra Peak at Telluride
boot hiking tracks up Palmyra Peak at Telluride Ski resort
the boot hiking path up to Palmyra Peak just above Jello's Bowl at Telluride