Bear Creek Falls

About

Bear Creek Falls is a moderate hike located within the 325-acre Bear Creek Preserve in Telluride, Colorado. The trail begins at the end of South Pine Street and follows a wide dirt road, formerly an old mining road, through aspen and pine groves in the Uncompahgre National Forest. The route is multi-use, shared with bikers, horseback riders, and hikers, and is open to dogs on leash. The trail leads to two distinct cascades: the Lower Bear Creek Falls, reached after approximately 2.3 miles, and the Upper Bear Creek Falls, reached after about 2.5 miles one way. The total round-trip distance is approximately 5.1 miles with an elevation gain of roughly 1,050 to 3,014 feet depending on the specific endpoint measured. The hike typically takes between 1.25 and 3 hours one way. Parking is available at the trailhead. The trail is accessible year-round, serving as a route for backcountry skiing, fatbiking, and snowshoeing in winter, though conditions can include ice and snow.