Worth it? YES: a rewarding waterfall hike you can start on foot from Colorado Ave, on a wide, followable road grade, with the option to push higher onto the Wasatch Trail for a big day. The play — go in the morning (beat the crowds and afternoon storms), turn around at Bear Creek Falls, or continue up Wasatch if you're fit and acclimatized.
Who it’s NOT for: Anyone wanting a flat, casual stroll — it's a steady uphill climb at altitude (a real hike, not a walk). Winter visitors expecting easy footing — it's snow-covered in winter; treat it as a summer/shoulder hike (or a snowshoe) and confirm conditions. Solitude-seekers on a peak summer day — it's one of the most popular hikes right out of town, so it's busy. Anyone underestimating the altitude on day one — the climb from ~8,750 ft is more taxing than the mileage suggests; acclimatize first.
Skip it if: It's winter with snow on the trail and you're not equipped, you want a flat/casual walk, or you haven't acclimatized yet (save the climb for a later day). For a shorter town walk, Jud Wiebe is the loop option.
Time needed: ~2.5–4 hours round trip to Bear Creek Falls and back (~2+ miles each way with gain); a full day if you continue up the Wasatch Trail/Basin loop. (research: Telluride Tourism Board — verify distances)
Best time: Summer and early fall, mornings (beat crowds + afternoon thunderstorms); wildflowers midsummer, aspens in late September/early October. Snow-covered in winter — a snowshoe route at best; confirm conditions.
Cost: $Booking: None — it's a free public trail from town, no permit or reservation. Confirm current trail status/closures and go early on peak summer days.
a rewarding waterfall hike you can start on foot from Colorado Ave, on a wide, followable road grade, with the option to push higher onto the Wasatch Trail for a big day. The play — go in the morning (beat the crowds and afternoon storms), turn around at Bear Creek Falls, or continue up Wasatch if you're fit and acclimatized.
Who is Bear Creek Trail for?
Bear Creek Trail is for mountain hiking and summer festivals.
Who is Bear Creek Trail not for?
Bear Creek Trail is not for Anyone wanting a flat, casual stroll — it's a steady uphill climb at altitude (a real hike, not a walk). Winter visitors expecting easy footing — it's snow-covered in winter; treat it as a summer/shoulder hike (or a snowshoe) and confirm conditions. Solitude-seekers on a peak summer day — it's one of the most popular hikes right out of town, so it's busy. Anyone underestimating the altitude on day one — the climb from ~8,750 ft is more taxing than the mileage suggests; acclimatize first.
When is the best time to visit Bear Creek Trail?
Summer and early fall, mornings (beat crowds + afternoon thunderstorms); wildflowers midsummer, aspens in late September/early October. Snow-covered in winter — a snowshoe route at best; confirm conditions.
How expensive is Bear Creek Trail?
Bear Creek Trail is budget ($). Meravella shows prices as bands and never publishes exact figures it hasn't verified.
Basis research · last verified Sat Aug 08 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time). Prices are shown as bands; confirm live before you go. We never rank by commission.
