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Print Friendly MapThe Bear Creek Trail provides a taste of the country in the city, connecting downtown Denver with the foothills of the Rockies. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of woodlands, meadows and Bear Creek, as well as the urban beauty of the Denver skyline.
The trail more-or-less sits in the tree-lined corridor along Bear Creek . The trail's western end offers forested landscapes through Bear Creek Lake Park, Bear Creek Greenbelt and Bear Valley Park. The eastern half of the trail provides a connection to shopping centers and commercial areas. It winds closer and further from the highway (US-285) at different points but the trees provide enough of a screen. At the east endpoint, trail users can access to Mary Carter Greenway as well as the Platte River Trail
There is parking available at the east end of the trail, near the trail's meeting with the Mary Carter Greenway Trail and Platte River Trail. Heading east on US-285, turn right onto River Point Parkway. Take the first exit at the traffic circle. Drive about 350 ft and turn left to the the parking area closest to the river.
If you are interested in a longer ride, start at Confluence Park (2250 15th St, Denver). From there, you can walk or ride south on the Platte River Trail for about 8-9 miles to just south of US-285 where the Bear Creek and Mary Carter trails coincide.
On the west side, you can park on Morrison Road or one of the parking lots in downtown Morrison. Parking regulations are different in different locations so pay attention to signage. The trail parallels Morrison Road, running between the street and the creek. There are some fairly visible signs directing you to the trail. Check the map for specific parking spots and connections to the trail.
I went hiking here for the first time and it was awesome. Got a real good workout climbing the mountain.
Very scenic trail with wooded areas and many twists and turns
It was my first time on a trail in the area and I loved it, paved all the way through, no crossing roads or being close to the road, quiet and beautiful sights. Highly recommend it!
We wrote this today for a couple of hours and some of the views were stunning and there was a lot of tree cover that made for a shady ride on a hot sunny day. The path follows the correct for the most part and was easy to navigate. We’re definitely going back again
I loved this ride. Relatively flat and just beautiful.
A fun ride - easy and scenic. Goes from South Lowell through Lakewood & beyond. A few points get a bit crowded with walkers but generally wide open. BTW Google Maps directs you to a closed lot - I parked by Mullen HS a block away to access the trail.
Great scenery, easy trail.
Fun and very scenic trail. Start in Denver and make your way to Morrison. You get the Roi it if the way and it will be a joyful ride back. Serene with wonderful views and not too crowded. Loved it
Best view of Denver. The trail is wonderful. Great ride.
Starting at River Point, near Regal Cinemas Stadium and 85/285 intersection, the first 1/2 mile or so along the golf course is 7-8' wide smooth concrete, with 4 wood plank bridges crossing the creek. The next 1/4+ mile section is narrower, twists and turns a bit, and is combination of somewhat uneven asphalt and older concrete, a section of which is pitted on one side from winter weather. I would recommend skipping over this section if you are an inexperienced skater; experienced skaters should be fine. From S Lowell Street on the trail is newly paved, smooth and wider (9-10') and makes for wonderful, fast skating with many places to stop for a break. If you want to skip the first section, consider starting at Bear Creek Park. I didn't travel to the end but will update my review if the western parts have any issues for skaters.
First off, there's a $10 fee just to enter the park. The main path is a paved path and you have the option of going off that into different dirt trails. However, there are trails that are only for hikers and the paths were not well marked when trying to just explore. The good part was that the views along the paved path were gorgeous. It's definitely a beginners ride as well, didn't encounter anything difficult, except a couple of mild climbs.
Starting at the intersection with the Mary Carter/Platte trail at the east end, we headed west. The east section is narrow with sharp turns in spots. It is asphalt, shaded and mostly flat. It passes behind many shopping areas. The middle section around Wadsworth is newer. It is concrete, open and mostly flat. The western end runs through the woods - lots of curves, so watch your speed. The very end climbs a hill to Morrison Rd. and is sunny and wide open.
I used to mtn bike many sections of this trail out in Lakewood/Morrison around the lakes , all the way to downtown when it intersects with the Platte River trail.
Now with ALS and using my powerChair this trail remains one of the most accessible on the west side of Denver suburbs.
A favorite spot which is less crowded and provides shade as well is starting in Lakewood at the Bear Creek Greenbelt park @ The Stone House
2900 S Estes St Lakewood, CO 80227 .. from there i prefer to head East on the trail.
Good for biking and has wide open spaces. Be sure to beat traffic from Red Rock.
I love this trail. It's biker, family and furry friends friendly. Stay on the concrete path or cut out for a taste of mountain biking and adventure on the dirt trails. View wild animals, birds and peace and quiet. Stop for a rest at one of the many parks, pack a lunch or just cool off and listen to the trees blowing in the wind. Easy access and lots of fun.
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