Bear Peak Canyon Loop Hike

When someone tells me to take a hike, Bear Peak Canyon is my first choice. Bear Peak Canyon is an 8.4-mile lollipop loop that makes up for lack of altitude with +2800' of elevation gain. The hike starts from the NCAR Mesa building, with plentiful parking. The lollipop stick is around 1 1/4 miles over rolling terrain. The loop leads to the Fern Canyon trail, which slopes upward through the trees, over step-like rocks.

After reaching the clearing near Nebel Horn, the trail gets steeper with another 1/2 mile to the peak. If you need to take a breather, good excuses are: I am appreciating the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains to the right, or I am admiring the artistry of the NCAR Brutalist architecture to the rear, perfectly nestled in the mountains.

On reaching the peak, we'll likely take a well-deserved break and enjoy the panoramic view. The less timid may want to scale to the top, over the rocks polished by countless footsteps and sliding butts.
The path down is over multiple switchbacks, first down the burn-scarred peak and then meandering amongst the trees.

Dogs on leash are welcome. I'm bringing mine, which means frequent pauses as she sniffs every clump of grass and tree stump. This does slow me down a bit. But I expect to maintain about a 2.5 mph pace.

As the hike involves a loop, I will make several stops to keep the group together and avoid anyone unfamiliar with the trail taking a wrong turn.

I doubt spikes will be needed, though poles may be useful.

We will meet at the trailhead sign to the right of the NCAR building. The hike will be clockwise, with most of the elevation gain on the Fern Canyon section.

For more information, see the Alltrails link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bear-peak-canyon-loop-trail?sh=68nwgm&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

After the hike, beers and lunch will be at Southern Sun on Broadway.

By signing up for this hike, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear you will need. By signing up for this hike, you agree to relieve the event hosts of any liabilities for any harm that may come to you during the hike, as well as any transportation incidents that may occur in traveling to and from the Meetup event