Bear Creek (607)
Bear Creek trail (607) begins at the confluence of Bear Creek and the Dolores River and merges with a portion of the Highline Loop National Recreation Trail, eight miles upstream. This is a great trail winding alongside Bear Creek through ponderosa pines and aspen. It ends at Sharkstooth Trail (620) and from there can provide access to the Colorado Trail.
Bear Creek Trail is CLOSED TO ALL MOTORIZED VEHICLES except an 1.8 mile section between Gold Run (618) and Grindstone Trail (608) junctions where motorcycles / e-bikes are allowed, accessed from the Gold Run TH off W. Mancos Road (561) from June 1 - October 31.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 14 mi – one way
Beginning Elevation: 7,960’
Ending Elevation: 11,200’ at Sharkstooth Trail (620)
Bear Creek Trail begins at the confluence of Bear Creek and the Dolores River and merges with a portion of the Highline Loop National Recreation Trail, eight miles upstream. This is a great trail winding alongside Bear Creek River through Ponderosa Pines and Aspen. It ends at Sharkstooth Trail (620) and from there can provide access to the Colorado Trail.
The following trails can be accessed from this trail:
- Little Bear Pack Trail (217) – branches off the (607) at mile 2 to the left. You may use it as a loop as it circles back around to (607) for 1.75 mi or branch off it to the 0.5 mi Pack Loop Connector (218) which leads to Hillside Drive (436) gravel road.
- Little Bear Trail (609) – branches off the (607) at mile 4 and is a popular bike turn around spot as the (607) trail gets slightly technical after this. This non-motorized 2.5 mile trail may be difficult to find and can be quite steep. It connects to Rough Canyon Trail (435) then 1.5 mi to Hillside Drive (436) gravel road.
- Gold Run Trail (618) - branches off the (607) at mile 6 to the right. This is a 2.25 mile motorized single track connector from the trailhead at West Mancos Road (FS 561 and the Aspen Loop Trail) to Grindstone Trail (608). This trail leads to a well-established trailhead with parking, pit toilets and a corral, and is open to motorcycles traveling .
- Grindstone Loop Trail (658) – branches off the (607) at mile 8 to the left. This non-motorized 4.8 mile trail can be an out and back or use it to connect with 4 mi Grindstone Trail (608) which is open to motorcycles and make a loop back to the Bear Creek Trail (607). Motorized travelers will take the Grindstone (608) to the Hillside Connector (614) to tie into the Hillside Drive (436) gravel road while non-motorized may continue .75 mi to connect with the Colorado Trail.
- Morrison Trail (610) – branches off the (607) at .3 mi to the right. This 11 mile trail, open to motorcyles and e-bikes in certain sections, travels a steep 2.75 mi then flattens out and intersects the motorized BC Rim Trail (227) or continue to the OHV Aspen Loop System (631).
At a Glance
Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
---|---|
Restrictions: | Bear Creek Trail is CLOSED TO ALL MOTORIZED VEHICLES except an 1.8 mile section between Gold Run (618) and Grindstone Trail (608) junctions where motorcycles / e-bikes are allowed, accessed from the Gold Run TH off W. Mancos Road (561) from June 1 - October 31.
|
Closest Towns: | Dolores, CO |
Water: | Purification recommended. |
Restroom: | Pit Toliet |
Information Center: | Dolores Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Dolores Public Lands Office turn left right onto Hwy 145 N heading into the town of Dolores. Continue 22 mi. Trailhead is on the right and clearly marked.
Parking:
5-10 spaces
Activities
Mountain Biking
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Horse Riding
OHV Trail Riding
General Info:
General NotesNew Trail Information: Bear Creek Trail is no longer a motorized single track trail from the trailhead located off of Hwy 145, to Gold Run trail (#618).
From Gold Run trail to Grindstone trail (#608) is a motorized single track portion of the Bear Creek trail.