Bear Creek National Recreation Trail

This rugged, steep chasm above Ouray in the San Juan Mountains seems like an impossible place to build a trail, but 19th century miners did just that, blasting and hacking a trail along cliffs with dizzying drop-offs to the creek below. The trail begins a few miles south of Ouray, with a parking lot along U.S. Highway 550. You’ll marvel at the miners’ efforts as you climb up the gorge, which eventually widens and spreads into lush forests. Stop at the old Grizzly Bear Mine after 2.2 miles and the Yellow Jacket Mine after four miles, where old equipment and buildings remain as a testament to the will of these hardy miners. Return the way you came.

Pro Tips

Recommended season(s): Mid-summer – early fall.

—R. Scott Rappold