The Gregory Canyon Trailhead offers several routing options to Chautuaqua Park's high peaks. One of the most challenging is a 10.6 mile, 4000'+ vertical route that summits both Green Mountain and Bear Peak. Connecting these summits are the Green-Bear Trail and the Bear Peak West Ridge Trail - steep segments with exceptional views and good wildlife viewing throughout.

It's likely the Rocky Mountains reached their greatest heights 45 M years ago during the Tertiary Period, before lowering some by erosion

Green Mountain seen from Bear Peak

The Green Mountain Trail offers only partial views of the Continental Divide until reaching the summit

The Colorado 'Chautauqua' is one of only a few remaining of its kind in the US

Mule deer are common along routes to the Green and Bear summits

Looking north along the front range's curiously formed hogbacks

A brief reprieve on the Bear Peak West Ridge Trail

Green Mountain and Flatirons #1, #2 and #3

The Ranger Trail passes through tall stands of lodgepole and fir

Panoramas include many identifiable peaks

A peak-finder atop Green Mountain identifies the surrounding snow capped mountains.

Bear Peak (left) and South Boulder Peak (right). The "Twin Sisters" of the front range.

Looking west from the summit of Bear Peak (8,461')

A brief reprieve en route to Bear Peak offers a look back on Green Mountain

Nearing the approach to Bear Peak.

South Boulder Peak from Bear Peak

A thinly treed meadow along the Green-Bear Trail offers a brief reprieve, and good viewing lanes for wildlife