Trail Description

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Boulder’s extensive trail network offers a number of options for reaching Bear Peak’s formidable 8,461’ summit. The Mesa Trail (2.75 miles), Bear Canyon Trail (1.85 miles) and Bear Peak West Ridge Trail (1.75 miles) pass through diverse terrain and a varied landscape en route to Bear Peak. Those who value the journey and destination equally may find this route preferable to the more direct but challenging ones of Gregory, Fern and Shadow Canyons.

The trail officially begins on the Blue Bell Service Road, climbing steadily from the parking lot to its formal connection with The Mesa Trail (.6 miles : 6,010). Bear left for a gradual climb through pleasant, mixed pine forest that levels off once past the Kohler Mesa Trail junction (1.15 miles : 6,250’). The trail continues mildly for some time, skirting the forest edge with good views of the eastern plains.

It rolls gently through sparse forest and open space past the Skunk Canyon Trail junction to a steep descent down winding, reinforced mud-stairs (1.85 miles). From their base the trail rises gradually through a spacious meadow, bypasses the Mallory Cave Trail junction (2.05 miles : 6,207’), momentarily re-enters an undulating forest and drops to the Mesa Trail’s mergence with a service (2.4 miles). Bear right on the moderately steep service road to the Bear Canyon Trail junction (2.75 miles : 6,262’).

The Bear Canyon Trail begins moderately, becoming appreciably steeper and rugged as you travel. The trail closely follows and frequently crosses Bear Canyon Creek, some requiring your attention when lingering snow or heavy runoff is present. Note the emergence of aspen as you gain elevation. Though views are limited, Bear Canyon is not hemmed in quite like others in the area (Gregory Canyon, Fern Canyon and Shadow Canyon), generally affording a better perspective on the immediate vicinity.

The trail crosses the creek one last time (right) on a well built footbridge (4.2 miles : 7,030’), spilling onto a series of switchbacks that climb in earnest up the canyon’s north wall. The trail relaxes momentarily in the upper canyon, now centrally positioned with terrific views back down the route you just traveled. A level path leads through a quiet meadow to the Bear Peak West Ridge Trail junction (4.6 miles : 7,181'). Veer left here for the remaining 1.75 miles.
The Bear Peak West Ridge Trail begins rather modestly, generally following a well-defined ridgeline that occasionally eases with terrific views of Bear Canyon, Green Mountain, South Boulder Peak and the back-range. Switchbacks tighten and steepen measurably after 6 miles; anticipate many quick, indistinguishable turns up rugged terrain to the summit. Lingering snow can make this final approach precarious and more difficult to read - proceed with patience and caution.

The trail emerges above the forest in a loose scree field (6.25 miles), which may take a moment to properly assess. The rocky, obfuscated path generally veers west (right) to the Shadow Canyon Trail junction (6.3 miles : 8,420’); straight up from this point an informal but intuitively followed scramble leads to the summit (6.35 miles : 8,461’).

The pointed, wind-swept summit is little more than a few jagged boulders that tend to restrict movement, however cautious maneuvering yields extraordinary panoramas of the eastern plains, Boulder foothills, Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N39 59.930 W105 16.970 - Chautauqua Park Trailhead

• N39 59.496 W105 17.119 - Bluebell Road - Mesa Trail junction

• N39 59.126 W105 17.157 - Mesa Trail - Kohler Mesa Trail junction

• N39 58.677 W105 17.055 - Mesa Trail - Mallory Cave Trail junction

• N39 58.268 W105 17.010 - Mesa Trail - Bear Canyon Trail junction - turn right

• N39 58.236 W105 17.609 - Bear Canyon Trail - point #1

• N39 58.149 W105 17.793 - Bear Canyon Trail - cross creek to right

• N39 58.289 W105 18.324 - Bear Canyon Trail - cross creek over bridge

• N39 58.453 W105 18.475 - Bear Canyon Trail - Bear Peak West Ridge Trail junction

• N39 58.282 W105 18.542 - Bear Peak West Ridge Trail mark #1

• N39 57.726 W105 17.937 - Bear Peak West Ridge Trail mark #2

• N39 57.646 W105 17.742 - Emerge above forest in scree field

• N39 57.612 W105 17.715 - Bear Peak West Ridge Trail - Shadow Canyon Trail junct.

• N39 57.616 W105 17.713 - Bear Peak Summit

Worth Noting

• Be cognizant of seasonal closures for nesting raptors, bear and mountain lion activity.



• Mountain bikes are not permitted.



• Parking is very limited at the Chautauqua Park Trailhead and spaces fill up quickly. Street parking restrictions are enforced.

Directions to Trailhead

From Boulder:
Take Baseline Road West to the Chautauqua Park entrance on the left hand side.

From Denver:
Take Highway 36 into Boulder and exit on Baseline Road. Turn left. Take Baseline Road to the Chautauqua Park entrance on your left.

Contact Information

Boulder County Parks & Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, Colorado 80503
Phone: 303.678.6200
Fax: 303.678.6180
www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace