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 · 141 ft³/s · Lower 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 Mar 2026

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

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. 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 1 hour ago Roaring

141 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

128 146 326 428

Based on 25 years of record

1.52 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER NEAR OURAY, CO

USGS 09146020

3.2 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 77 sq mi

Altitude: 7,590 ft

Weather Forecast

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

8465 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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