Bear Creek Falls: Colorado’s Amazing Hidden Hiking Gem

Telluride, Colorado, is located in San Miguel County at an elevation of 8,750 feet. With a reputation for world-class skiing, it's easy to understand why some consider this one of Colorado's best 'winter towns.'

Read More: 12 Awesome Summer Activities You'll Find in Telluride Colorado

If you visit this mountain town during the non-winter months, you'll discover much more to do than skiing. Summer and fall are a great time of year to enjoy the hiking trails in the Bear Creek Preserve, a public open space managed by the San Miguel Conservation Foundation.

Get our free mobile app

Bear Creek Falls: Telluride's 'Other' Waterfall

Telluride is home to Colorado's highest free-falling waterfall, Bridal Vail Falls. The 365-foot falls are breathtaking but require a 4X4 vehicle or a 1-mile hike which rises 830 feet if you want to see them up close.

One alternative is Bear Creek Falls via the Bear Creek Trail, located near the entrance to Telluride's Town Park. This 2.3-mile hike is a more gradual ascent to an 80-foot waterfall that allows you to enjoy pine and aspen groves with views of Ballard Mountain, La Junta Peak, and Wasatch Mountain.

Hiking Up To Bear Creek Falls

Hiking the Bear Creek Trail in September means beautiful weather and fewer crowds. Just be sure you check the forecast before you get started. The trail features a moderate incline to the top of the falls. The trail can become slippery if you hike in the rain. If you are interested you can watch a reel of this hike I recorded over the recent Labor Day Weekend.

Parking in Telluride

Skip paying for parking at the garage in town and look for the Carhenge parking lot near West Pacific Avenue. Arrive before 10a and you can easily find a spot here. Enjoy a short stroll down the Telluride Trail which follows the San Miguel River through town. It's about a 5-minute walk to the trailhead from the parking area.