Bear Creek, Telluride

National GeographicJul 29

Telluride transforms from a ski town in winter to a hiking paradise in summer, with a wide variety of scenic and easily accessible trails.

Ends at the base of Bear Creek Falls, ideal for beginners.

20 things in this story

Bridal Veil FallsSightTrailhead to Blue Lake; hike up gravel road to the cliff top.
Bear CreekTrailEnds at the base of Bear Creek Falls, ideal for beginners.
Telluride San Miguel River TrailTrailFollows riverbank up to the 20th-century Pandora Mill.
Blue LakeSightHidden alpine lake surrounded by meadows teeming with wildflowers.
Ajax PeakSightA 12,000-foot summit that can be reached from Blue Lake.
Jud WiebeTrailLocal favorite with steep switchbacks offering better panorama of town.
Tomboy RoadTrailOld mining road between Telluride and the town of Ouray.
See Forever TrailTrailOffers unobstructed views of the Wilson Massif and surrounding canyon.
Wasatch ConnectionTrailConnects to See Forever Trail for a longer loop back to town.
Valley Floor TrailTrailGently undulating path parallel to the river, good for spotting elk.
Telluride River TrailTrailFollows the river west, becoming the Valley Floor Trail.
Galloping GooseTrailSerene nature hike through forest, leading to Keystone Gorge.
Keystone GorgeSightDirt loop through woods along river with dramatic gorge views.
Deep Creek TrailTrailHigh-alpine terrain through aspen groves to waterfall at Mill Creek Basin.
Mill Creek BasinSightWaterfall destination on the Deep Creek Trail.
Sheridan Crosscut to Liberty BellTrailSteep, hard trail with alpine environment views near town.
Telluride Visitors CenterSightProvides trail maps and information.
Bear Creek FallsSight
Telluride Mountain GuidesPlace
Mountain TripPlace

Bear Creek