Are there fees or permits required for Bear Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Bear Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Bear Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bear Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 139 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Bear Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bear Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bear Creek Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 5 other waterfalls also named Bear Creek Falls, see below

Uncompahgre National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

gmeador CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Zruda CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

JackAZ Photo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Bear Creek Falls

Tucked into the high-country slopes of Uncompahgre National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bear Creek Falls is a compact but rewarding cascade framed by native pines and rocky canyon walls. The setting feels intimate — rugged geology and rushing water — making it a popular stop for hikers looking for a relatively short outing with a scenic payoff. The route to the falls follows a well-marked Forest Service route (BEAR CREEK NRT, Trail #6241) and delivers the kind of up-close waterfall views that make Colorado backcountry hiking so memorable. Access is commonly done as an out-and-back hike of roughly 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. USFS mapping records also list the trail at 4.06 GIS miles (their measured route), and the tread is primarily native material with some steeper pitches and brief scrambling. Camping is close at hand—Amphitheater Campground lies about 2.52 km away—so Bear Creek Falls is easy to combine with an overnight stay in the forest.

The Setting

Bear Creek Falls sits at 8,465 feet within Uncompahgre National Forest, fed by the Uncompahgre River, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet, lies 8.2 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Cornet Falls (80 ft, 9.1 mi).

Bridal Veil Falls Cornet Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Bear Creek Nrt (#6241), a 4.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

BEAR CREEK NRT #6241

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

4.06 mi

Trail Description

BEAR CREEK NRT (Trail #6241) is an out-and-back route managed by the U.S. Forest Service in Uncompahgre National Forest. The commonly cited route to the falls is about 2.4 miles round trip with 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating; USFS GIS data records the trail at 4.06 miles. The tread is native material (dirt and rock), the typical grade ranges 12–20%, and the route includes Class 3 sections where short, confident scrambling and steady footwork are required. Expect a natural, sometimes uneven surface with roots and rock steps rather than a graded or paved path. Steeper pitches can feel fairly brisk on the ascent; take care on exposed Class 3 moves, wear sturdy footwear, and allow extra time if traveling with dogs or inexperienced hikers. Amphitheater Campground is approximately 2.52 km away for those looking to make this a day-and-night trip.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bear Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bear Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Bear Creek Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Uncompahgre National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain or sudden temperature drops. Watch for wildlife and stay on the trail to avoid damaging the environment.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

139 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.52 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER NEAR OURAY, CO

USGS 09146020

3.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 77 sq mi

Altitude: 7,590 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER NEAR OURAY, CO (5 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

139 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

159 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

149 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

139 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

150 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

164 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

168 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

149 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Ouray hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 367 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 8,459 feet.

The ground changes about 260 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 59 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bear Creek Falls near Ouray, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bear Creek Falls near Ouray, Colorado, showing about 367 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 8,459 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 367 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Bear Creek Falls is accessible via the Bear Creek Trail, which begins near the town of Telluride. The trailhead is located at the end of South Pine Street.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead in Telluride, but it may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

8,465 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.999895° N, -107.660167° W

Land Management

Uncompahgre National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Start early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in the mountains.

This trail sits at 8,465 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

AMPHITHEATER (CO)

1.6 miles away · 35 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Amphitheater Campground is located near the town of Ouray, Colo., at an elevation of 8,400 feet. Visitors enjoy the area for its beautiful scenery and great hiking and off-road trail opportunities.Recreation Many hiking trails are found in the immediate area, including the popular Upper Cascade Falls Trail, which begins at the campground. Baby Bath Tubs and Chief Ouray Mine trails can also be accessed from the same trailhead. The campground is a favorite among jeep and off-road enthusias

Book on Recreation.gov