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Hike Bear Peak

Boulder, Colorado

4.8/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

7 miles

Elevation Gain

2810 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kathleen Morton

This hike dog-friendly hike is not just a great workout, but will reward you with breathtaking panorama of Boulder and distant view of Denver.

The best advice I can give you? Wake up early to start this hike.

Even though the Bear Peak hike will only take you about 4-5 hours round trip, it will still be advantageous to get off the mountain before afternoon and evening storms might pass through. This is a steep 7-mile out and back trail.

Start at the South Mesa Trailhead. Take Eldorado Springs Drive until there's a dirt road turnoff; take this down from the road to the parking lot.

After your gear is loaded, prepare for a steep climb that will most likely leave you breathless. The trail is easy to follow, but it is strenuous, as you're climbing 2,810 ft. in elevation (a total of 3,000 ft. elevation gain roundtrip).

Prepare for snow on your hike. In the spring or fall, areas of this trail may become wet, but you should still be warm in the Colorado sunshine. Most of this hike is forested, and will offer shade in the early morning.

This is a narrow trail. Watch for other hikers, and if you're bringing a four-legged friend, make sure to keep them close.

It will take you about 2 hours to reach the top, where you might want to hang out and eat some trail snacks. As it gets later in the day, the peak gets quite crowded. Enjoy panorama views of Boulder and look out in the distance to see Denver and surrounding cities.

From the top, head back down the way you came. This trail also connects to the Towhee Trail, Homestead Trail, South Boulder Creek Trail and Big Bluestem Trail.

If you're lucky, you may see some wildlife on your hike, including falcons, hawks, songbirds and mule deer.

After I finished this hike, I relaxed the rest of the day. It's exhausting hiking more than 2,800 feet elevation in one day!

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Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Photography
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Groups
Scenic
Wildlife

Hike Bear Peak Reviews

Hiked this trail on 3/24/17. Was a beautiful day and a challenging hike. The toughest part of the day was finding my way to the top. Because of the floods a few years ago, many of the trails are closed, requiring you to take alternate routes to the top. The last 1/3 of the hike really ramps up the difficulty, but it definitely worth the extra effort for the views near the top. Highly recommended.

Definitely do it when there is no snow unless you want a bit of a challenge. At the top it's gorgeous and you can see all of boulder.

This hike is definitely advanced! But, if you are up for a little work out, you will get some amazing views of Boulder and the front range.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike South Boulder Peak

Hike the Big Bluestem Trail Loop

Doudy Draw Trail

Hike the Eldorado Canyon Trail

Hike the Flatirons Vista Loop Trail

Hike the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail