|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
        
 Reporter |
Summary: This hike starts at the NCAR parking lot. Head west to the Mesa trail then south. At the Bear Peak canyon trail junction head west. This canyon takes you to the bear peak west ridge trail leading to the peak. After a break, head north down fern canyon trail until it curves and reaches the mesa trail, then continue back to the start of your venture. Trailhead: In south Boulder, head west on Table Mesa Dr all the way to NCAR parking lot. Broadway and US 36 cross this road. (Lat:38.97819 Lon:-105.27615) Trail Guides for Bear Peak-west ridge: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dennis Camell, who has posted 21 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Eric G on 1/1/2010 Awesome adventure on New Year's Day and I wasn't alone. I thought I'd be the only crazy hiker to risk the steep and icy trail, but no, there were a other hikers welcoming in twenty-ten with a spirit of adventure. Bring your poles and be ready for some sketchy patches of ice. I live for adventure so it was just my cup of tea. 
Reviewed by Mark N on 8/25/2009 My brother and I (both late 40s) hiked this in heat of August but is shaded most of the way. I am at least 30 pounds overweight and out of shape and never hike so it was hard hike for me. Ran out of water - had only two quarts for each along. The canyon walk is beautiful and the scenery at the top is excellent, looking all around over mountains and the town of Boulder. Way too many dogs on the trail, not sure why they are allowed. Saw at least 22 people though it was hot out. Drank from a stream on the way down I was so thirsty. Took us about 4 hr and 50 minutes tho my brother - who is a lot more in shape than I - cd probably have finished an hour earlier if he hdnt waited for me. Didnt like walk down as afraid of slipping. 
Reviewed by Ross on 6/7/2009 Nice trail overall. The strenuous rating may be a little overkill. Saw people from 7 to 70 on top. Look out for dogs running wild and poison ivy. I heard it was a great view from the top but I got rained on all day. Little more crowded then I like, and no one moves when you try to get by, annoying. But trail is in good shape and the top is a nice place to have a lunch. I would recommend going up the fern trail and back down the w ridge...fern trail is more direct route which makes the grade more steep.
Reviewed by Zaero on 10/23/2008 Great views from the peak. Agust-mid October is a pretty good season (no ice, no snow, clean trail), without technical difficulties besides the rocky peak. Fern is way steep, if your legs got tired from the ascent better be careful on the descent and expect knee pain (poles are helpful). Ascending Fern and descending West ridge can help to avoid that situation. Usual hikers should not have any issue, though.
Reviewed by Eric on 4/20/2008 Did this yesterday and it's great. If you just want a quick hike don't do this...takes a full day. Also, you might want to do the reverse and come up fern and down bear. Fern was covered with snow and ice and coming down was rough. The views are great though and bear peak is awesome!
Reviewed by NWK on 4/19/2008 This was nice and very beautiful, but a workout! We did it in 6.5 hours plus breaks and were wiped. In mid April, there were still some very slick, steep snowy areas. I'd recommend crampons (and strong knees).
Reviewed by Erin on 3/23/2007 WOW!! This trail sucks in March! Lots of ice and snow and the creek is IMPOSSABLE to cross (given the fact you have to cross it at least 7 times before you get to a bridge WHICH HAS NO FRIGGIN USE (there is no creek running under it)) great scenery (when your looking up which isn't often b/c ur trying not to fall through the waist deep snow)BRING HIKING STICKS THEY SAVED OUR LIVES...then again my friend and i are out-of-shape teenagers who are from Berthoud, where the steepest hill here is the stairs to out bedrooms. But other than that great hike lol
Reviewed by Sean on 10/13/2005 Fantastic Hike! Very pretty scenery, well-maintained, well-marked trails. I recommend taking the reverse route, up the fern canyon trail and down the Bear mountain west ridge trail. The Fern Canyon trail is very steep and seems like a hard descent for the knees. A great workout and a beautiful hike! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Boulder County Hiking, Boulder County Trails, Boulder County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
