Bear Creek

Location

Ouray, Colorado

Group Size

Max 6 people

Duration

9 hours

COVID-19 policy

OVERVIEW

From mid-July onwards Bear Creek, Ouray’s most demanding intermediate trip comes to life! As the water levels begin to drop this allows us to venture into the canyon. While the water levels must drop to access the canyon, Bear Creek still has the best water volume out of all the canyons in Ouray!

ITINERARY DESCRIPTION

Bear Creek is loved by Canyoning Colorado as it an epic canyon and it is tucked away in one of Ouray’s most stunning valleys.

You will start the journey on Bear Creek Trail, a steep climb with switchbacks, something most hikers are familiar with. After hiking 1.7 miles, you will access the canyon and downclimb for approximately 15 minutes before reaching your first waterfall. Canyons can only be accessed from set points, so this is why the commitment to the activity increases with the grade of canyon you sign up for. It goes without saying that Bear Creek takes dedication to get to!

The canyon has grand walls and narrow and elegantly carved passageways that feature beautiful geological rock formations. Favored by many, the “Quartzite corridor” is a section where you will swim and downclimb through a meandering narrow corridor.

With a number of rappels and downclimbs, this canyon is sure to push your limits. The largest rappel is 100ft, and many of the waterfalls you encounter will involve rappelling directly in the flow.

PRE-REQUISITES

• Previous Canyoning / Canyoneering Experience
• Excellent Physical Fitness
• Swimming experience is necessary so that you are prepared for waterfalls in the canyon
• 18 years old, or older!
• Two people must book on for a confirmed trip

At Canyoning Colorado we consider previous experience and lifestyle as to whether you are suited to an intermediate canyon. If you do not have canyoning/canyoneering experience but you live a highly active lifestyle, climb regularly (lead, top rope), are an avid whitewater paddler, have experience working with ropes or at height, then you might be suited to intermediate/advanced canyons.

INCLUSIONS

• Complete canyoning equipment
• Insurance
• Photos of your experience
• Lunch in the Canyon!