Bear Creek Lake Park Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.8 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
39 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
10.0
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Read Reviews
Directions to Trailhead
Panorama from the Bear Creek State Park hike near Denver, Colorado

This city park has activities for the whole family and a peaceful hiking trail to escape the bustling crowds:  a walk in nature, nestled in the city.

Download the 10Adventures App

View Bear Creek Lake Park Hike on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Bear Creek Lake Park Hike

From the free lot, carefully cross the street to the north and enter the trail system by a sidewalk from the road. This is the C-470 bikeway and it goes into the park and up the canyon as well. Make a left, and head east, under the highway leading into the park.

After almost a 0.8 km, the bike path splits and you’ll make right over the river. Make an immediate left onto the dirt trail after the bridge. This short jaunt will take you to the parking that you would park in if you have entered the park.

Find the dirt trail that leads to the crosswalk and the trail system on the east side of the road. Follow the signs for the Owl Trail (the middle trail). The trail runs parallel to the river. Enjoy the peaceful, shady walk. You’d never know that all around you are houses and businesses.

After a 2.0 km, you’ll enter a clearing, traveling through the open meadows. Stay on the Fitness Trail that leads to a larger dirt parking lot at the lake. Walk through the lot to the Bear Creek Lake. Overlooking the Lake is Mount Carbon.

To get back to your car, retrace your steps. You can add more miles by looping to the Cottonwood Trail or the Mt Carbon Loop.

Check out some other great hikes around Denver:

Insider Hints for Bear Creek Lake Park Hike

  • There are so many activities to enjoy at Bear Creek State Park: camping, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and more! Check it out here.
  • Another popular trail system just north of Bear Creek is the Hayden-William Green Mountain Park.

Getting to the Bear Creek Lake Park Hike Trailhead

Bear Creek State Park has an entrance fee. To avoid the fee, take I-70 west and exit C-470 east. Take the Morrison exit (exit 4) and make your first right at the gas station. The dirt parking lot on your right is a free lot for those enjoying the park. When exiting C-470, you can turn left instead and enter Bear Creek State Park. After the ticket booth, make your first right and there’s a parking lot right around the corner.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Year round

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    Pit toilets

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Bear Creek Lake Park Hike Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Bear Creek Lake Park Hike Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs