Bear Creek Falls
Bear Creek Falls
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Scenic waterfalls that tumble down into Telluride's box canyon in the San Juan Mountains.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
423 reviews
Excellent
339
Very good
73
Average
6
Poor
4
Terrible
1
LizB
Ohio627 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
We hiked this trail twice in a week - not too challenging for our lowland lungs and wide trail so we could social distance. We could hear the sounds of the creek for most of the hike and there are several side trails to see other views of the creek. Final trail to the upper falls is steep. Go early to get more shade and avoid the crowds who seem to start up about 9-10:00. We noted that at most 20 percent of hikers wore masks and that many do not seem to even try to maintain social distance.
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gypsymoth05
Tyler, TX61 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We had adults and children ages 7-12.
We made it! I wouldn’t say this hike was easy but if you take your time and are at least a little in shape, you’ll be fine!
The hike is 99% up hill.
We hiked 1.5 hours up. When you get to the huge bolder and you think your done...don’t stop!!! Keep going up the trail to the waterfall!! If you can touch the waterfall you know you are at the top!
Don’t quit. The last hike up to the waterfall is worth the hike!!
Took us 30/45 minutes to get down to the trailhead.
We made it! I wouldn’t say this hike was easy but if you take your time and are at least a little in shape, you’ll be fine!
The hike is 99% up hill.
We hiked 1.5 hours up. When you get to the huge bolder and you think your done...don’t stop!!! Keep going up the trail to the waterfall!! If you can touch the waterfall you know you are at the top!
Don’t quit. The last hike up to the waterfall is worth the hike!!
Took us 30/45 minutes to get down to the trailhead.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
QSMcN
Amelia Island, FL180 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Beautiful cool morning for the supposedly
“ easy” hike to Bear Creek Falls. Gradual assent/ a little flat/ more assent. Once you get to the huge boulder at the falls there is a rather steep scramble up rocks but the end view is worth it all. Plenty of spots to relax, eat a snack, take some pictures and head back down - the easy part.
“ easy” hike to Bear Creek Falls. Gradual assent/ a little flat/ more assent. Once you get to the huge boulder at the falls there is a rather steep scramble up rocks but the end view is worth it all. Plenty of spots to relax, eat a snack, take some pictures and head back down - the easy part.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurers11805
Charlotte, NC225 contributions
Jun 2022
After Judd Falls in Gothic/Crested Butte Colorado this hike is our fav. It took us nearly 4 hours to complete as we stopped many times to take picture and selfies. It was a beautiful sunny, cool day. We rate it on the difficult side as we're not used to the altitude so we took our time. I'm sure the locals consider it a moderate hike. Its nearly 4.5 miles round trip. Our visit at the falls was magnificent. We lingered for 1/2 hour along with many other hikers. The first part of the hike is rocky and ascending, then it flattens out a bit and the last 1/2 mile is steep. The mountain views during the hike are inspiring. Wear good hiking footwear as the trail is very rocky and will take a toll on your feet. Also pack some water.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fellowfoodie26
Dallas, TX44 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Rated as intermediate, I’d say it’s a bit tough due to the length and incline along the way as well as adjusting to high altitude (we did this the day after our arrival to Mountain Village), especially if you go beyond the gigantic boulder at the end and climb the trail to the right to get closer to the waterfalls. My hiking sticks saved my knees and irrevocably helped me complete the approximate 5.2 mile hike back to the starting point at the end of Pine St./river. Bear Creek was definitely one of my family’s favorite hike among the many excursions. It was relatively “easy” for my teen son, but there was some huffing on my part. Take as many breaks as needed, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent, and pace yourself—it took my family about 4 hours with plentiful picture-taking. Wondrous views of verdant trees and greenery, scattered along the never ending San Juan mountains, and the peaceful, rushing river along the way all made an unforgettable impression for us all.
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen
Bakersfield, CA54 contributions
Jul 2020
We did all three waterfall hikes while visiting telluride and this was my all time favorite. There was a steep incline almost the entire way up. So if u have bad knees, u have been forewarned. The pay off at the end was completely worth it. The view along the way was beautiful. You could see the mountains and also the meadows. Definitely a must do hike! We spent about 3 hours round trip.
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen C
Middleton, WI290 contributions
Sep 2020
My husband and I didn't do the hike (I didn't actually even know there was a hike), but we stopped at the pull off on the Million Dollar Highway to see the falls from above. It was pretty with a beautiful light blue pool at the bottom. What made this stop even more interesting, though, was the fact that just across the valley was the Uncompahgre River (I believe), which was the weirdest (and yet really amazing) shade of yellow/orange! A woman who overheard my husband and I wondering out loud mentioned that is because of run off from the local mines. That made for a unique stop.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wgm51
Albuquerque, NM128 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a relatively easy trail - about 2.5 miles to the Falls starting at the end of S. Pine Street. The trail does climb most of the way but is not steep until very near the Falls. It is a beautiful hike and you can walk right up to the base of the Falls at the end. Go early to avoid the crowds since this trail is very popular.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan K
Pune, India194 contributions
Aug 2022
I decided to cover some miles and this place was recommended to me by many people. So I went there. It took me some time to get to the waterfalls but it was wort it! I have seen many kinds of trees and insects but luckily no black bear in the area at the time I was there. Anyway there is even board that tells you what to do when facing black bear. So be careful!
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,781 contributions
Jun 2021
No hiking required. There is a great pull out parking area, plenty of spaces, for a great view to this long and thin waterfall (200feet). Kind of weird rock formation around the waterfalls as well.
It is right on the Million Dollar Highway near Ouray
It is right on the Million Dollar Highway near Ouray
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long of a hike is bear creek trail? And is it possible for a 3 and 5 years old?
Written June 23, 2019
The answer on how long it is completely depends on your own fitness level. I have seen locals jog by me and do it as a several hour run. I tend to take it slower than even my my own fitness level would allow, simply because I love looking around and soaking in the beautiful scenery, smells, and sounds. I can’t remember specifically, but I think generally it is about a five hour trip for me.
I do remember taking my twin daughters on this trail when they were about five, and they did not make it past the point where the town disappears. :) I would say you could certainly start by walking up with them a ways, and see how it goes. My hat is off to you if you can get them all the way to the falls!
Written June 23, 2019
Is Bear Creek Falls in Telluride or Ouray? The address in TA says Telluride, but Google Maps shows it in Ouray. Thanks for the info.
Written May 26, 2019
Bear Creek Falls is in Telluride. Ouray is on the other side of the northern facing mountain with Imogene Pass at the top, but the Bear Creek Falls trail leaves from the south side of Telluride. You leave from the town of Telluride and hike up to the south. Definitely ask anybody in town, as it is a popular trail, and they can point you to the right trail head. Enjoy!
Written May 27, 2019
Is this park open during early March and what conditions should I expect both getting there and hiking to the falls?
Written August 22, 2018
I’m a summer visitor I know nothing about ski season
Written August 22, 2018
fahull
Hilton Head, South Carolina
where do you park when you go to hike bear creek falls?
Written January 15, 2018
There are parking places along the street about a block away and major parking lot at beginning of town about a 10 minute walk away.
Written January 22, 2018
Hi everyone!
Has anyone hiked this in May? I'm looking for information about current conditions on the trail as I'll be in town this weekend.
Also-between this hike, Bridal Veil Falls hike, and Jud Weibe Trail, which do you think gives the best views of Telluride?
Written May 11, 2017
I think you could if you have spikes for the bottom of your shoes. Shouldn't be a issue.
Written November 27, 2016
How far is this trail and what is it like? My husband and I both have bad knees but daughter wants to go hiking
Written June 25, 2016
2 miles up alright. Like straight up. In snow and ice it would be a bear. I wouldn't do it.
Written November 28, 2016
Is there a company that takes you there on an ATV tour?
Written June 20, 2016
No way. It's a walking trail only. Not hard. There are plenty of ate tour companies you can contact
Written June 21, 2016
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