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Bear Creek Falls
Hiking Trail
Hard
4.4 mi
1,074 ft
Hike to a stunning 80-foot cascade direction from downtown Telluride.
Bear Creek Falls is one of Telluride’s iconic hikes. This 4.4-mile out-and-back route ends at a spectacular 80-foot waterfall that flows year-round.
To reach this hike, you can access the trail directly from downtown Telluride, with parking options available at the town park, or additional free parking lots further away.
The trail winds up a narrow mountain valley, with beautiful views of aspen trees and the peaks high above. As you approach the falls, the trail becomes steeper, narrower, and more challenging. You will pass a junction with the Wasatch trail, which leads to higher elevations and connects with various trails in the area.
You may continue on the Wasatch trail if you want a longer and more challenging hike, or turn left and follow the sign to Bear Creek Falls, as shown here. You will shortly reach a large boulder that marks the end of the trail and the beginning of the falls.
Bear Creek Falls is a stunning sight to behold. You are able to see the water plunging down from a high cliff into a pool below, creating a misty spray and a rainbow on sunny days. You might climb up the boulder to get a closer view of the falls, or find a spot on the rocks or grass to relax and enjoy the scenery.
After admiring the falls, retrace your steps to get back to your car. Written by Greg Heil
Bear Creek Falls is one of Telluride’s iconic hikes. This 4.4-mile out-and-back route ends at a spectacular 80-foot waterfall that flows year-round.
To reach this hike, you can access the trail directly from downtown Telluride, with parking options available at the town park, or additional free parking lots further away.
The trail winds up a narrow mountain valley, with beautiful views of aspen trees and the peaks high above. As you approach the falls, the trail becomes steeper, narrower, and more challenging. You will pass a junction with the Wasatch trail, which leads to higher elevations and connects with various trails in the area.
You may continue on the Wasatch trail if you want a longer and more challenging hike, or turn left and follow the sign to Bear Creek Falls, as shown here. You will shortly reach a large boulder that marks the end of the trail and the beginning of the falls.
Bear Creek Falls is a stunning sight to behold. You are able to see the water plunging down from a high cliff into a pool below, creating a misty spray and a rainbow on sunny days. You might climb up the boulder to get a closer view of the falls, or find a spot on the rocks or grass to relax and enjoy the scenery.
After admiring the falls, retrace your steps to get back to your car. Written by Greg Heil
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasatch Trail Climb | 0.53 mi | 138 ft | 4.9% |
| Wasatch Trail Climb | 1.53 mi | 630 ft | 7.8% |