Bear Creek Falls | Telluride

Information

Landmark: Bear Creek Falls
City: Telluride
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Bear Creek Falls, Telluride, USA Colorado, North America

Bear Creek Falls is a waterfall located in the Uncompahgre National Forest, approximately 4.8 kilometers southwest of Telluride, Colorado.

Visual Characteristics

The waterfall descends approximately 100 feet over a series of granite rock faces. The water is typically clear, with a white foam at the base. Surrounding vegetation consists of Ponderosa pine, aspen, and various undergrowth species.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is via the Bear Creek Trail, which begins at the end of South Pine Street in Telluride. The trail is unpaved and approximately 2.4 kilometers one-way to the falls. Parking is available at the trailhead, though it is limited. No public transport directly serves the trailhead; visitors typically drive or walk from Telluride.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Bear Creek is a natural waterway formed by snowmelt and rainfall in the San Juan Mountains. The falls are a result of erosion over geological time, carving through the metamorphic and igneous rock formations characteristic of the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking the Bear Creek Trail to the falls is the primary activity. The trail offers views of the creek and surrounding forest. Photography is possible from the trail and the immediate vicinity of the falls.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no facilities at the falls themselves. Restrooms are available in Telluride. Cell phone signal is intermittent along the trail and absent at the falls. No food vendors are present.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for hiking is from late May through October, after snowmelt and before winter conditions. Mid-morning offers direct sunlight on the falls. Water flow is highest in late spring and early summer.

Facts & Legends

The Bear Creek Trail was historically used by miners. Local lore suggests that prospectors in the late 19th century believed the creek contained gold, though significant deposits were never confirmed.