Sunshine Trail AKA T35

About

The Sunshine Trail, also known as T35, is a 1.7-mile mountain biking route in Telluride, Colorado, situated on the Western Slope. The trailhead begins on Highway 145 just south of Mountain Village and north of Ophir. Riders can access the trail via a small wooden sign on the south side of the road, with limited parking available directly near the start. The trail terminates at Highway 625 (Illium Road), where pullouts on either side facilitate shuttles or the start of a return ride. The route is classified as difficult, though some riders consider it intermediate to advanced black diamond level. It features flowy narrow singletrack that passes through pine and aspen groves before ending in bermed dirt. The trail is typically open from April through October, with riding conditions often improving after rain or during monsoon season. The typical duration is approximately one hour, though some estimates suggest 34 minutes for faster rides. Pets are permitted on the trail. Riders can complete the route as a point-to-point descent or link it with the Prospect Trail and Alta Lakes variations. Returning to the start is possible by riding north on Highway 625 to connect with the Galloping Goose Trail back to Telluride, or by arranging a shuttle at the unmarked terminus on 625 RD.