Bear Creek 10 Mile Loop

Description:

Runners will start and finish at Base of the Telluride Gondola located at W San Juan Ave Telluride, CO

Once they exit the runners will turn and head east on the river trail towards the end of the canyon. The trail will intersect the Bear Creek/Wasatch Trail (FS 508). Bear Creek trail is an unused 4×4 dirt road.

Head up the road for 2.5 miles. Turn right on the Wasatch Trail (FS 508) and continue on the single track trail for several miles. Runners will pass the remains of the Nellie Mine. Just past the Nellie Mine runners will stay right at the East Fork /Wasatch junction.

Stay on the right or west side of the river. Travel up the trail till it levels out and meets the creek. There will be another junction at this point, Wasatch Trail (FS 508) / Wasatch Bypass Trail (FS 508.1B). Turn right on Wasatch Bypass Trail and follow it up the back side of the Telluride Ski Area. The trail meets up with the See Forever Trail (FS 415).

At this point runners will be at the highest point of the run, 12,200 ft. An aid station will be located in this area. This trail is actually a service road for the ski area.

Follow the road down the face of the mountain till it connects to Telluride Trail, another service road. Once on Telluride Trail head down for a half mile. At this point there is another junction, Camel Garden Trail. This trail is a single track and is not very well marked so look for the flagging to exit off of Telluride Trail. Follow the trail back down to Bear Creek and Town Park Trail intersection. The same junction as the beginning of the run. Follow the park trail back to the finish line.

Aid Station: 1 total

Top of ski area. Mile 5 Elevation 12,200ft.

Elevation gain: 3500ft