Bear Creek is one of Telluride’s most popular trails, and it’s fairly runnable. The grade is mellow by Telluride standards (8-10%), and only ~4.5 miles out and back. The reward: Bear Creek Falls, an 80 foot cascade at the trail’s end. Start from the Wasatch Trailhead at the end of South Pine Street. Though it climbs gradually uphill, the trail is wide and smooth packed gravel with great views of the valley. At the intersection, bear left to keep on the Bear Creek Trail. The trail narrows and gets a bit rougher at this point, but the eventual views from the base of the falls are worth it.
Lulum and Kame, Creative Commons
Features:
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Essentials
- 4.5 miles (7.2 km) out and back
- 1,182 feet (360m)
- South Pine Street
- Library Bus Stop
Current Weather & Forecast
Telluride, US
6:30 pm,
Jun 3, 2026
overcast clouds
21°C
L: 21°
H: 21°
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Other Routes in Telluride, CO
Telluride is a town with more ski trails than streets, but that doesn’t mean road runners have to miss out on the fun. We’ve mapped a 3.8 mile tour of downtown.
The Telluride Bike Path is the best long off-road route in Telluride. It’s up to 10 km out and back, or runners can hop on the Valley Floor Trail for a mixed-surface loop.
Run the San Miguel River Trail along the water. It’s easily accessed from downtown, 2.4 miles one way, and there are lots of add-on options.
The Galloping Goose trail follows an old railroad line from Mountain Village to Illium. It’s possible to continue on from here, but most runners do a 10 km out and back.
A favorite trail departing from Mountain Village to the Station St. Sophia Gondola terminal, crossing ski runs with great views to the west while traversing through aspen and spruce-dominated drainages. 3.5 miles. 1,127 foot gain
The Telluride Trail is the best way up the mountain from the village of Telluride. It’s 1.8 miles up, and it’s possible to return via the gondola.
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