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Bear Creek Falls

4.6
·491k reviews·Telluride, United States

A breathtaking roadside waterfall on Colorado's Million Dollar Highway, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies, vibrant green

CrowdMedium
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View from Trail

Bear Creek Falls

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies, vibrant green

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking roadside waterfall on Colorado's Million Dollar Highway, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This dramatic cascade plunges into the Uncompahgre Gorge, directly beneath a bridge on the highway, making it a must-see stop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Pull Over Safely

Use designated pull-offs on the Million Dollar Highway to safely admire the falls. Don't stop in traffic!

🥾 Hike Beyond the Bridge

The Bear Creek Trail offers more intimate views of the falls and surrounding nature. Wear sturdy shoes!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Bridge View

The Iconic Bridge View

Million Dollar Highway (US-550)

Witness the dramatic cascade plunging into the gorge directly beneath the highway bridge. A true roadside wonder!

Bear Creek Trail Hike

Bear Creek Trail Hike

Trailhead near the falls

Embark on a moderate hike to discover multiple waterfalls and stunning canyon scenery. A must for nature lovers!

Frozen Winter Spectacle

Frozen Winter Spectacle

Bear Creek Falls

In winter, the falls transform into an icy wonderland. Snowshoes may be needed for closer access to the frozen cascades .

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Bear Creek Falls is a roadside marvel, but its accessibility can vary. While generally viewable year-round, winter conditions might require snowshoes for closer access to the frozen falls.Reddit Check local conditions before you go, especially if you plan to hike beyond the immediate overlook.

Beyond the Bridge

Many visitors admire Bear Creek Falls from the bridge on the Million Dollar Highway.Instagram+2 For a more immersive experience, consider the Bear Creek Trail for closer views and a chance to see multiple cascades.TikTok+1 Remember, the main falls are just a 'pit stop' on the way to more.TikTok

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clear skies, vibrant green
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Golden light, fall colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter (with snowshoes)
Why
Magical frozen beauty
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mystic Falls 🤘🏻 #summervlog #TravelMemories #telluride #telluridecolorado #colorado #coloradocheck #coloradohikes #waterfall #fyp #4u #foryourpage
@beezybreaks
33.1K likes • 213.4K views

🚗 Pull Over Safely

Use designated pull-offs on the Million Dollar Highway to safely admire the falls. Don't stop in traffic! Instagram+1

🥾 Hike Beyond the Bridge

The Bear Creek Trail offers more intimate views of the falls and surrounding nature. Wear sturdy shoes! TikTok+1

Free Day Trip to Telluride, Colorado: hidden waterfall + insane gondola rainbow #Coloradocheck #SummerVlog #travelvlog #TravelMemories #traveltip
@quingable
28.5K likes • 215.6K views
• Bear Creek Falls is a stunning roadside waterfall located just south of Ouray, Colorado, along the famed Million Dollar Highway (U.S. Route 550). This dramatic cascade plunges approximately 120 to 200 feet into the Uncompahgre Gorge, directly beneath a bridge on the highway, making it a must-see stop for travelers • . . . #vanlife #roadtrip #camping #outdoorsy #glamping #getoutthere #hiking #nat...
calidreamsvan
207 likes • 5.1K views

❄️ Winter Wonders

Frozen falls are stunning, but check conditions. Snowshoes might be necessary for closer access.Reddit

📸 Drone Views

Capture unique perspectives with a drone, but be mindful of regulations and safety. Instagram

Bear Creek Falls is for sale?! 🤯 This iconic Telluride landmark is up for grabs, but what does this mean for the future of the trail? Let’s dive into the details and explore potential outcomes.
annatelluride
199 likes • 6.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Pull Over Safely

Use designated pull-offs on the Million Dollar Highway to safely admire the falls. Don't stop in traffic! Instagram+1

🥾 Hike Beyond the Bridge

The Bear Creek Trail offers more intimate views of the falls and surrounding nature. Wear sturdy shoes! TikTok+1

❄️ Winter Wonders

Frozen falls are stunning, but check conditions. Snowshoes might be necessary for closer access.Reddit

📸 Drone Views

Capture unique perspectives with a drone, but be mindful of regulations and safety. Instagram

💰 It's Free!

Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Bear Creek Falls without any admission fees. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bear Creek Falls for its stunning roadside accessibility and the sheer power of its cascade, making it a must-see on the Million Dollar Highway. While many enjoy the quick view from the bridge, those who venture onto the Bear Creek Trail find even more beauty. Some note that winter conditions can impact closer access, requiring preparation.

What People Like

Spectacular roadside views
Easy accessibility
Impressive waterfall power

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Winter access challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bear Creek Falls is conveniently located just south of Ouray, Colorado, directly off the Million Dollar Highway (US-550).Instagram+1 You can easily access it by car. If you're coming from Telluride, it's a scenic drive, and some off-road trails like Black Bear Pass can lead you near the area, though they are more challenging.TikTok

Yes, Bear Creek Falls is a roadside attraction accessible by car. The main viewing area is right off the highway, making it a quick and easy stop for most travelers.Instagram+1

The highway (Million Dollar Highway) is built over the gorge where Bear Creek Falls cascades down, so you drive over it, not directly through it.Instagram There are overlooks to stop and view the falls.

The Million Dollar Highway is a famous stretch of US-550 known for its stunning mountain scenery, steep grades, and hairpin turns. Bear Creek Falls is one of its many scenic highlights.Instagram+1

There are designated pull-offs and parking areas along the Million Dollar Highway near Bear Creek Falls, allowing visitors to safely stop and admire the view.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Bear Creek Falls is completely free to visit! It's a natural roadside attraction, so no tickets or admission fees are required.Instagram

Bear Creek Falls is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, as it's a natural outdoor attraction. However, daylight hours are best for viewing and hiking.Instagram

There is no entrance fee for Bear Creek Falls. Enjoy this beautiful Colorado waterfall at no cost!

While you can view the falls from the highway, the Bear Creek Trail offers a hiking experience to get closer to the cascades and explore the surrounding area.TikTok+1 Access to the frozen falls in winter might require snowshoes.Reddit

Yes, Bear Creek Falls is an outdoor natural attraction and is open year-round. However, winter conditions can affect accessibility and the appearance of the falls.Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can admire the impressive waterfall from the highway overlook, take photos, and for a more adventurous experience, hike the Bear Creek Trail to see more cascades and enjoy the San Juan Mountains.TikTokInstagram+1

Viewing the falls from the roadside takes just a few minutes. If you plan to hike the Bear Creek Trail, allow at least 1-2 hours depending on your pace and how far you explore.TikTok

The roadside view is easily accessible for families. The Bear Creek Trail is moderate and may be suitable for older children who are comfortable with hiking. Always supervise children closely.

For roadside viewing, casual wear is fine. If hiking the Bear Creek Trail, wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots, layers of clothing, and bring water. In winter, warm, waterproof gear and possibly snowshoes are recommended.Reddit

Restroom facilities are not typically available directly at the Bear Creek Falls overlook. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby Ouray before or after your visit.

📸 📸 Photography

Mid-morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. Golden hour during sunrise or sunset can also yield dramatic shots.Instagram

Drones can offer unique perspectives, as seen in some content.Instagram However, always check current FAA regulations and local restrictions regarding drone usage in national forests and near protected areas before flying.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding gorge. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light or to smooth out the water's movement.

The bridge itself offers a dramatic perspective. The Bear Creek Trail provides various vantage points as you ascend, allowing you to frame the falls against the canyon walls.

Capturing the sheer power of the water as it plunges into the gorge from the bridge is a classic shot. Hiking the trail offers opportunities to photograph smaller cascades and the lush vegetation.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The roadside view of Bear Creek Falls is an easy win for families, offering a dramatic natural spectacle without much effort.Instagram Kids will be mesmerized by the sheer volume of water plunging into the gorge. For families with older children who enjoy a bit of adventure, the Bear Creek Trail offers a chance to stretch their legs and explore further, but be mindful of trail conditions and supervise children closely. Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited.

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

Bear Creek Falls is the quintessential roadside attraction for anyone traveling the Million Dollar Highway.Instagram+1 It's a perfect, quick stop to break up the drive and marvel at nature's power. You can easily pull over, take photos, and be back on your way within minutes. If you have more time, dedicating an hour or two to hike the Bear Creek Trail offers a more in-depth experience of the area's beauty.

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

The dramatic plunge of Bear Creek Falls, especially framed by the highway bridge, offers a striking photographic subject.Instagram The surrounding canyon and potential for varied light conditions make it a compelling location. For unique shots, consider using a drone (check regulations!) or hiking the trail for different angles and perspectives. Winter offers a completely different, frozen aesthetic that's a photographer's dream.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majesty of the Million Dollar Highway

Bear Creek Falls is famously situated along the Million Dollar Highway (US-550), a legendary stretch of road renowned for its breathtaking scenery and challenging driving conditions. This route, connecting Durango and Montrose, winds through the San Juan Mountains, offering panoramic vistas at every turn.Instagram+1 The highway itself is an attraction, with steep grades, sharp curves, and sheer drop-offs, making the drive an adventure in itself. Many travelers stop at Bear Creek Falls simply because it's a spectacular sight directly accessible from the road, a testament to the raw beauty of this region.Instagram

Exploring the Bear Creek Trail

While the roadside view of Bear Creek Falls is impressive, the Bear Creek Trail offers a more intimate encounter with the area's natural beauty. This trail, often described as moderate, leads hikers further into the canyon, revealing multiple cascades and a more immersive experience of the wilderness.TikTok+1 The path can be rocky and uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential. In winter, the trail can be covered in snow and ice, potentially requiring snowshoes for safe passage and closer access to the frozen falls.Reddit The hike is a rewarding way to appreciate the full scope of Bear Creek's power and the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

Winter's Icy Embrace

Visiting Bear Creek Falls in winter transforms it into a completely different, yet equally stunning, spectacle. The cascading water freezes, creating intricate ice formations that glitter in the sunlight.Reddit While the roadside view remains accessible, reaching closer vantage points or exploring the Bear Creek Trail might require snowshoes or other winter traction gear. The landscape takes on a serene, frozen beauty, offering a unique photographic opportunity for those willing to brave the cold. Always check local weather and road conditions before venturing out in winter months.

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