Bear Creek Trail to TWO Panoramic Points

This hike will go along snowy/frozen Bear Creek and past beautiful Dunafon Castle up to Panorama Point. But then we will continue the hike to a 2nd…just as amazing panoramic viewpoint.

DIFFICULTY: about 9.5 miles with about 1,800-1,900 feet elevation gain. However since this exact route is NOT in alltrails, the mileage and elevation gain are only estimated!

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is a hike along Bear Creek that heads up through Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, and Rocky Mountain Juniper forest with a steeper climb to the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains at Panorama Point. We will then continue the hike to a 2nd panoramic viewpoint…which in my opinion is equally beautiful…maybe more beautiful. This exact hike is not in alltrails, but here is a link to my self-made alltrails route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-24-2026-be057f6?u=i&sh=ittjkn

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Allowed on a leash. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Lair o’the Bear parking lot/trailhead. The address is: 22550 State Highway 74. To get there you can click on the following alltrails link and click directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bear-creek-trail-to-panorama-point
Alternatively if you use google maps, you can type in “Lair o’ the Bear Park” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential. PLEASE ALSO BRING MICROSPIKES!

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.648624&lon=-105.285809

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.