Bear Creek Falls, Waterfall in Ouray County, Colorado.
Bear Creek Falls is a waterfall in Ouray County, Colorado, that drops about 120 feet over multiple tiers into the Uncompahgre River. The water creates a series of cascades against the mountain backdrop.
The waterfall sits near the Million Dollar Highway, which was built in the 1880s to connect mining communities across the southwestern Colorado mountains. This road was crucial for transporting silver ore and developing the region.
The trail to the falls passes alongside old mining structures from around 1870 that remind visitors of the region's silver mining era. These ruins show how miners once worked and lived in these steep mountains.
The falls are accessible from a parking area along Highway 550, roughly 3 miles south of Ouray, with space for several vehicles. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and water, as the path can be steep and rocky in places.
The waterfall flows steadily year-round because underground springs supplement the mountain snowmelt. This makes it a dependable destination even during drier months.
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