Bear Canyon, in south west Boulder begins at a trailhead nestled in a neighborhood. Bear Canyon Trailhead is grouped together with the NCAR trailhead and a couple other access points.  The hike begins with several different wide trails that area residents like to run, take their young children to, or walk their dog as there is not too much of a grade and no difficult obstacles. The views include rolling grassy and shrub covered hills, the Flatirons, and a lush riparian corridor.

Trailhead entrance sign and map

Trailhead entrance sign and map

As the hike progresses, scars from the September 2013 flood are apparent and even impede the trail. There’s washed out trail, sloughed off and eroded hill sides, and even a tricky stream crossing (at least tricky when there’s ice!).

Crossing Bear Canyon Creek is tricky with especially with ice

The trail crossing Bear Canyon Creek has been washed out from the flood, and ice covered with mud makes for a few tricky steps

Icy conditions are likely especially in canyons, come prepared!

Icy conditions are likely especially in canyons, come prepared!

Bear Canyon trail follows the Bear Canyon Creek and intersects with the Mesa Trail and then ends at the junction of the Green Bear and the Bear Peak West Ridge Trails. So there are many options for how you want to make the hike your own experience.

Flatirons from Bear Canyon Trail

Get out this weekend while you can! Monday and Tuesday may see temperatures in the single digits! Brrr!

For more information on Bear Canyon and other trails managed by City of Boulder OSMP, check out their website here.

Lizzie works as a seasonal for City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, spending her days among the flora and fauna of Boulder both on and off the job. When it comes to knowing what to do and whats going on in the numerous open spaces around Boulder, Lizzie is your girl. After graduating from the University of Texas with a Geography: Environmental Resource Management degree, she came to Salida, CO to work in the San Juan National Forest and surrounding areas on a trail crew. Previously she has worked for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, other trail crews, and as an environmental educator. She has a passion for spreading environmental knowledge and bringing nature straight to the people.