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Hiking & Walking: Colorado

Quick Facts

Bear Creek Trail (Ouray Ranger District)

Beginning Elevation:	8,440 Feet (2573 Meters)
Difficulty:	Moderate
Elevation Gain:	2,760 Feet (841 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,200 Feet (3414 Meters)
Length:	4.2 Miles (6.8 Kilometers) to the Yellow Jacket Mine Junction
Recommended Season:	Summer
Trail Number:	#241
Usage:	Light
USGS Maps:	Ouray Quad, Ironton Quad, Handies Peak Quad, Wetterhorn Peak Quad

Outfitters and Guides

General Description

The trail is steep and narrow with many switchbacks at the beginning. Travel time to the Yellow Jacket mine is 4 to 5 hours.

Half of the trails length has ledges and cliffs. Portions of the trail also cross unstable rock and talus. Please use care not to cut switchbacks or throw rocks. Travel off the trail is not advised.

Camping sites are limited and first sites are within a mile of the Yellow Jack mine.

Horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted.

Directions from Ouray: Take Hwy 550 two miles south. Trail parking is on the east side of US 550 immediately south of the tunnel.

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Recreation Opportunities