Lower Bear Creek Falls

About

Lower Bear Creek Falls is a moderate hiking destination in Ophir, Colorado, on the Western Slope. The trail follows Bear Creek through a forested valley within the 325-acre Bear Creek Preserve, which is managed by The San Miguel Conservation Foundation in partnership with the town of Telluride. The preserve contains aspen and pine groves, and the trail leads to an 80-foot cascade. The site sits at an elevation of approximately 9,650 feet in the San Juan Mountains. The hike typically takes about two hours and is accessible year-round, including winter months when snow and ice may require microspikes. Parking is available at the trailhead, and pets are permitted. The trail is well-marked and generally considered easy to navigate, making it suitable for family visits. Wildlife such as birds and chipmunks are commonly sighted along the route.