Bear Creek Falls

Telluride, CO 81435

$14,999,995
Price
1,463,616 / 33.6
Lot Size / Acres

Description

Did you know that Bear Creek Falls and the lesser-known Upper Bear Creek falls are privately owned? ‘Tis true, and for the first time in over 100 years these spectacular waterfalls and surrounding lands are available for purchase. This offering is comprised of 5 patented mining claims totaling approximately 33 acres, which includes: 100% interest of the Wild Yankee Millsite claim (which contains Bear Creek Falls) and nearly 100% ownership in the four other mining claims that surround Bear Creek Falls,...Did you know that Bear Creek Falls and the lesser-known Upper Bear Creek falls are privately owned? ‘Tis true, and for the first time in over 100 years these spectacular waterfalls and surrounding lands are available for purchase. This offering is comprised of 5 patented mining claims totaling approximately 33 acres, which includes: 100% interest of the Wild Yankee Millsite claim (which contains Bear Creek Falls) and nearly 100% ownership in the four other mining claims that surround Bear Creek Falls, i.e. The Wild Yankee Lode (which contains the Upper Falls), The Silver Chief Millsite, The Silver Chief Lode and the Excelsior Lode. This group of 5 mining claims, collectively known as the Bear Creek Falls Property, is an inholding within US Forest Service Lands that is located just two miles from downtown Telluride, and is adjacent to the Town's Bear Creek Preserve. The Bear Creek Falls Property is the actual destination at the end of the Bear Creek Falls Trail, which is ranked # 2 on Trip Advisor for "Things to do in Telluride" with an estimated 200,000 permissive use visitors annually. Similar to Hanging Lake, 7- Falls (A Broadmoor Hotel owned waterfall attraction), or Maroon Bells, a user fee model could potentially be imposed, and with improvements such as a viewing platform, stairs to the upper falls, etc., the revenue estimates are significant. Conversely, if this property was acquired and brought back into the public domain there would likely be significant tax credits available. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own not only a world class waterfall attraction but also a part of Telluride’s identity as an outdoor destination. You don’t have to take my word for it though, just ask your favorite AI search engine how important Bear Creek Falls is to both the town and the region. Per ChatGPT, “Bear Creek Falls is not just a physical site but also a symbol of the community's lifestyle, emphasizing the town's commitment to maintaining natural beauty and promoting outdoor living… In summary, Bear Creek Falls is significant due to its scenic beauty, accessibility, economic contributions, recreational diversity, conservation efforts, educational value, and as a cultural landmark that defines part of Telluride's identity." Surveys, Studies by economists and outdoor recreation experts, Comps, Legal Opinions on Access & Land Use, etc. are on file with Broker.
  1. Listed by Shane Jones • Best of Pagosa Springs

Property Details for Bear Creek Falls

Water Front
Yes
Zoning
Other
Views
Mountains, Valley
Waterfront
Creek
Subdv Name
None
LISTING UPDATED: 02/04/2025 10:12 AM

Property Details for Bear Creek Falls

StatusActive
MLS #820858
Days on Market142
Taxes$314 / year
HOA Fees-
Condo/Co-op Fees-
Compass TypeLand
MLS TypeLAND / Mining Claim
Year Built-
Lot Size33.60 AC
CountySan Miguel County

Location

Listing Courtesy of Best of Pagosa Springs, Shane Jones

Building Information for Bear Creek Falls

Lot Size33.60 AC

Payment Calculator

$78,617 per month

30 year fixed, 6.845% Interest

Principal and Interest

$78,591

Property Taxes

$26

HOA Dues

$0

The Payment Calculator is for illustrative purposes only.

Property Information for Bear Creek Falls

Summary
Location and General Information
  • Directions: Bear Creek Trail to Lower Bear Creek Falls
Owner
  • Owner Name: Birch
School Information
  • Elementary School: Telluride K-6
  • Middle School: Telluride 7-8
  • High School: Telluride 9-12
Taxes and HOA Information
  • HOA Y/N: No
  • Tax Year: 2024
  • Total Taxes $: 314.38
Virtual Tour
Property
Property and Assessments
  • FIPS Code: 08113
  • Legal/Lot Block: Excelsior Lode, Mineral Survey No. 2109; Wild Yankee Lode, Mineral Survey No. 2110; Silver Chief Lode, Mineral Survey No. 2111A; Silver Chief Millsite, Mineral Survey No. 2111B; Wild Yankee Millsite, Mineral Survey No. 13161
  • Photo Count: 14
  • Covenants Y/N: NO
  • Board Name: Pagosa Springs
  • Income Producing: No
Lot Information
  • Special Assemnt Y/N: No
  • Water Rights/Irrigation: No
  • Lot Size/Acerage: 21-35 Acres
  • Current Property Use: Recreation, Mountain Recreation, Ski In/Ski Out, Skier Access
  • Possible Property Use: Mountain Recreation, Recreation, Ski In/Ski Out, Skier Access
  • Parcel ID #: 4.77913100012E11
  • Property Description: Borders Public Land, Off Grid, Borders National Forest, Boundaries Surveyed, Ski In/Ski Out, Skier Access
Utilities
  • Sewer Tap Avail: No
  • Sewer/Septic In: No
  • Sewer Paid: No
  • Water Tap Avail: No
  • Water Tap Installed: No
  • Water Tap Paid: No
  • Mineral Rights: Unknown
  • Modular/Mobile Allow: No
  • Water Well: No
Interior and Exterior Features
Room Information
  • 1/2 Baths: 0
  • 3/4 Baths: 0
  • 1/4 Baths: 0
Exterior Features
  • Horse Setup: No

Property History for Bear Creek Falls

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
Jan 30, 2025

Listed (Active)

CRENMLS #820858

$14,999,995
DateEvent & SourcePrice
01/30/2025

Listed (Active)

CRENMLS #820858

$14,999,995

For completeness, Compass often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

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Bear Creek Falls is a 33.6 ac of land for sale in Telluride, CO 81435. This property was listed for sale on January 31, 2025 by Best of Pagosa Springs, it's currently listed at $14,999,995. Bear Creek Falls is a 0-bed, 0-bath, 33.6 ac of land on a 1,463,616 sq. ft. / 33.6 acres lot.

No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified, and Compass expressly disclaims any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the discretion of the seller. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Subject to change at any time. Compass makes no guarantee, warranty or representation regarding the accuracy of any waterfront feature, water view or waterfront view.

Listing Courtesy of Best of Pagosa Springs, Shane Jones

Based on information from one of the following Multiple Listing Services: CRENMLS, Telluride Association of REALTORS, Grand Junction Area REALTORS. Information being provided is for the visitor’s personal, noncommercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. The data contained herein is copyrighted by CRENMLS, Telluride Association of REALTORS, Grand Junction Area REALTORS is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Property information referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the MLS. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. For the avoidance of doubt, the accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals.