Bear Creek Lake to Mount Carbon Overlook

Route Description for Bear Creek Lake to Mount Carbon Overlook

Spot wildlife, enjoy mountain views and sights of a shimmering lake along the Bear Creek Lake to Mount Carbon Overlook. This stunning adventure presents a great excuse to get the whole family away from their screens and into nature. The beauty of this park is that you can customize and adapt your trek to your abilities and desires. Take a quick walk up to the summit of Mount Carbon or continue around the loop, hiking the perimeter of the whole greenspace. Verdant, scenic, and well-maintained, the Bear Creek Lake Regional Place is a great area to spend a sunny day. Note that visitors are required to purchase a day pass which typically costs about $10USD.

Embark on your adventure along the Bear Creek Lake to Mount Carbon Overlook from the Connector Trailhead. From here, head southeast along the Connector Trail. This path will shortly merge onto the Mount Carbon Loop Trail. Hike along the route, crossing over Turkey Creek. At the next junction, track east along the Fisherman’s Trail. This section of the hike will guide adventurers along the shore of Bear Creek Lake. Soon the path will meet another intersection. At this point, keep right and you will be diverted back onto the Mount Carbon Loop Trail. Ascend the switchback up the steep terrain to the summit.

From the summit of Mount Carbon, you will be rewarded with 360-degree views. In the west, notice the Front Range foothills and the Dakota Hogback Ridge. In the east, you will get an expansive vista of the Denver cityscape that sits in front of the plains. Revel in the scenery, and when you are ready, simply retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.