Lair O' the Bear Park
June 29, 2008

Location:
5 Miles West of Morrison

Relevant Data:
Start Elevation (ft): 6,589
Finish Elevation (ft): 6,589
Min. Elevation (ft): 6,550
Max. Elevation (ft): 7,499

Difficulty:
12.4 Miles Out and Back
Difficult, however you can shorten the trail since it is out and back

Getting There:
Take the Morrison exit on C-470, travel west on Colorado Highway 74 for 5 miles.  You will see an
entrance for Lair O' the Bear Park on your left, enter into the west parking lot.

Bear Creek Trail:

The Bear Creek Trail starts on the west end of the parking lot.  You will follow the Bear Creek Trail
the entire time.  However, there are side trails if you would like to venture off.  The trail is well marked
and well groomed.  There are few rocks and few tree roots.  The trail is out and back with the first half
of the trail being more difficult than the second half.  

For the first 2.5 miles you will climb approximately 800 feet.  The trail then dips 300 feet until you
reach mile four, from there you will start ascending again until you reach the Pence Parking Lot,
which is the high point of the run at 7,500 feet.  You can turn around at the Pence Parking Lot and
resume your run back to the start.

This is a great trail and a popular trail for Denver residents.  The trail is most popular with mountain
bikers and I would guess that they represent 90% of the people on the trail.  Thus, you must remain
alert at all times, especially on the descents when the bikers will be speeding up from your rear.  The
trail is in splendid shape.  I wore a lightweight trail running shoe and had no issues with rocks or tree
roots causing discomfort.  There are a few points where you may have to stop and walk up a series
of rocks, but those are few and far between.  For the most part the trail is in the shade which makes it
a nice place to run on those hot summer days.