Waterfall Hero Hikes: Bear Creek Falls (Telluride)

Bear Creek Falls is a scenic waterfall on its namesake creek in San Miguel County, Colorado. The waterfall is located in just outside Telluride in Uncompahgre National Forest.

Hike Length: 5.6 miles
Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Telluride Area (Norwood Ranger District of Uncompahgre National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfall are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 37.93750,-107.81958
Waterfall GPS: 37.90586,-107.81200

Directions:

From Montrose, head south on US-550 for about 26 miles to Ridgeway and turn right on CO-62 west. Go 23 miles to Placerville and turn left on CO-145 south. In 12.7 miles, take the second exit in the roundabout to stay on CO-145. In another 2.9 miles, go straight through the roundabout to Colorado Avenue and turn right in 0.2 miles on South Tomboy Drive. In 0.2 miles is Carhenge, I think it's the closest free, public parking to the trailhead.

Map:

Hike Description:

From Carhenge parking, pick up the River Trail and follow San Miguel River upstream through town. In 0.5 miles, turn right on South Pine Street to reach the Bear Creek Trailhead. Bear Creek Trail (#635) follows the creek upstream to the waterfall. After 2 miles, Wasatch Trail splits to the right and the waterfall will soon be visible.