One of the more popular hiking trails near Telluride in Colorado is the Bear Creek Trail. It is popular for a variety of reasons, its proximity to town, the moderate incline, wildflowers, and the stream that runs next to the trail. Like any hiking in the Colorado high country, it is important to drink plenty of water as well as to be aware of the altitude and pace yourself. The trail is nice and wide, which also means that there is plenty of sunshine that can make it a hot hike on a summer day.

The trail winds its way amongst the groves of Aspen trees as it climbs its way for an elevation gain of a little over a thousand feet (300 meters). Although there aren’t many views of Telluride from the trail, the mountain peaks are visible from many locations on the trail making for some dramatic scenery. Because of its popularity, there will be many other hikers on the trail with you making the chances of seeing wildlife slim and perhaps not as much of an escape into nature as some other trails.

This was one of our first hikes of the season due to the fact that we haven’t been able to get out as much, so it felt really good to get out on a trail and hike for a few hours. With so many trails to choose from in the area, it is hard not to find one that meets your hiking skill and endurance level. The trail is considered to be moderate, but when hiking in the mountains, there are always going to be strenuous sections with some steep inclines. Hiking Bear Creek Trail was certainly a great way to start our stay in Telluride.