South Boulder Peak (8,549') and Bear Peak (8,461') are located 3.35 and 3.4 miles (respectively) from S. Mesa Trailhead via Shadow Canyon. This strenuous route rises steadily through the foothills before narrowing on a rugged climb up Shadow Canyon to a saddle between the peaks. Equidistant trails branch N-S on steep, fire-scarred scrambles to the summits.

About 2/3 of Colorado's water drains east of the Continental Divide

Tree limbs exposed to harsh conditions on the summits favor the lee (sheltered) side of the trunk, forming 'flags'

Only four of Penstemon's five stamens produce pollen

View of Green Mountain and the distinct, jagged south ridge of Dinosaur Mountain from Bear Peak

The final .35 mile, 395' scramble to South Boulder Peak negotiates large, loose boulders and potentially deep snow on the north-face of the summit

The heat of unnaturally intense fires can melt the waxes and resins of vegetation, which can coat soil particles and disable their ability to absorb water

Western Wallflowers (genus | mustards) are the most widely distributed of the 12 species

Clear days reveal a nearly 100 mile panorama across the Continental Divide from high points along the Green-Bear-S.Boulder Peak massif

Larkspur belongs to the buttercup family; its stem and seeds contain alkaloids that can be toxic to livestock

Charred trees now line much of the way from the northwest slopes of Bear Peak across to South Boulder Peak

The Mesa Trail runs across moderate grassy slopes before turning steeply up Shadow and Bear canyons to reach the summits

Ponderosa pine have a fire resistant bark that, despite external charring, can function properly after low intensity fires and fully recover in several years

Burn scars from the 2012 fire come in full view down the west and north slopes of Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak from both summits

Pinyon pine nuts are a staple for Clark's nutcrackers, stellar jays and wild turkey