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MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	46 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 3/28/11 by jonathanpierce	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 12 miles	Global Rank: #191
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Out & Back
Ridden: 313	Wishlist: 110
Avg. Speed: 6.7 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 43min
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,806/-1,766 ft
1 trail check-ins

 

Indian Creek Loop in Denver

 

3 Sisters / Alderfer in Evergreen

 

Mount Falcon Park in Morrison

 

Waterton Canyon in Littleton

 

  
reviewed by JWW91 on December 11, 2011

A great trail! Did it summer 2011 with my brother. Went the general out and back way the first time and only made it up the first big hill before turning around. Two days later I had my parents drive us up to the top of the trial and we downhilled it. The best way in my opinion (especially if you do not want to climb a lot).

  
reviewed by skibum on October 14, 2011

This is an excellent ride. Great, extended climb that's oodles of fun on the way back down. The climb can be a grunt and just when you really start to get tired, there's the rock garden. It's not quite the wall of shame (Deer Creek Canyon), but it'll still give you a stiff challenge. Other than a very tight switchback, the whole climb should be rideable by most. Then the reward on the return is well worth all the sweat on the way up. I went midday, midweek and the trail was still pretty crowded. I wouldn't recommend it on a weekend.* Review edited 10/14/2011

* Review edited 10/14/2011

Similar Trail: Deer Creek Canyon, Bergen Peak

  
reviewed by speeedracer27 on September 10, 2011

Definetley a workout on the climb up. Only one or two hike-a-bike sections. Not being used to the altitude certainly makes the trail even more challanging. The way down is extremely fun and fast. The only downside is that you have to ride the same trail up and down. Rode it on a Saturday and it was extremely busy. Too many hikers and such meddling around on the lower sections. There is a nice 2.5 mile warm up loop if you make a left at the 1st bridge. Otherwise, a really nice trail with nice scenery. Enjoy.

  
reviewed by DenverWes on August 28, 2011

Loved the ride! Great workout and great dh. One of my favs:)

  
reviewed by Ceeski on August 13, 2011

Outstanding trail, I would highly recommend it for most riders. Great scenery, awesome downhill and great workout. Most of it is in the shade, and nice little roller coasters. It's like a mini Buffalo Creek or Colorado Trail. I really like the little rock gardens too, it's good training for an intermediate rider like myself.

Similar Trail: Colorado Trail through Buffalo Creek

  
reviewed by mduffy on July 18, 2011

Great workout, I just rode this trail today and it is a steady climb and is tough but not impossible. The downhill and is well worth the climb, good training trail.

  
reviewed by tickledpickle on June 6, 2011

A nice warm-up at the beginning on a wide path by a creek. Once you hit single track, it’s a steady, long climb and quite a workout – I could have used an extra set of lungs! It’s a fun trail with some nicely shaded sections, some rolling hills, stones here and there and a few technical sections. Very busy on the weekends, especially closer to the parking lot where people fish and picnic.

  
reviewed by UniballLenny on May 13, 2011

Great trail! The uphill was quite challenging but not so hard that it makes you give up and turn around. Some tuff rock gardens and lose soil keeps it challenging. Once you get to the top you have great views, you'll think this is the top but keep going to a slight downhill section with some nice rolling sections and then another slight uphill to the tippy top of the trail, then turn around ride it back down and have a huge grin on your face while doing it! Can get busy at times. Ride early in the morning to avoid hikers and senic groups.

  
reviewed by speschl88 on April 13, 2011

This was my second trail this season and enjoyed every minute of it. It was about 12-13 miles total trip from what I could estimate. I will be doing this one a few more times this season...

* Review edited 4/13/2011

  
reviewed by MtnBikeMike on March 31, 2011

Love this trail everytime I ride it, awesome workout, great scenary, rewarding downhill home! lots of fun, great technical spot.

  
reviewed by silver4u on March 25, 2011

One of the best Ive been to. At first I thought it was gonna suck doing all that up hill. After seeing the Castle and the view from the top. Then the Down Hill. I fell in love

  
reviewed by maddslacker on March 14, 2011

This is the trail I take mountain biker friends to when they visit from out of town. It's not too long, not too hard, has a few technical features to mess around on , and it close to good eats back in Morrison. There is some fireroad in the middle, but most of the trail is singletrack. The trail is an out and back, and if you pressed for time, you can bail at the turnaround point and cruise back down the paved road.

  
reviewed by jrkronstein on February 21, 2011

This trail can get very crowded on the weekend, that being said, it is still my favorite Front Range trail. Great initial climb to a roller coaster all the way to Pence Park. Then turn around and do it again! Top it off with a fun down hill and call it a day!

* Review edited 5/3/2011

  
reviewed by bstat on October 29, 2010

If you park at LOTB, the flat part of Bear Creek Trail (1.5 miles) will be busy with hikers, strollers, bikes, and fishers. Then you head left up the mountain. It is a good 1 mile climb, not technical until the (close to the top) stairs. Then you begin a 4 mile rolling non-technical FUN (IMO) ride to Pence Park. Turn around and go back, just keep your speed in check on the final descent and through the throngs at LOTB. I have not parked at Pence - that lot might be a lot less crowded. If you start from there, then don't bother with the flat part of Bear Creek Trail to LOTB. Beginners should be able to handle this ride, although the climb might be a bit much. Intermediates should enjoy this ride. Experts might find it boring other than maybe trying to see how quickly they can bomb up the climb. LOTB is a very busy park, especially in summer weekends, so bring a patient attitude, and know that the idiot that doesn't is just that - an idiot.

Similar Trail: Alderfer/Three Sisters. Centennial Cone.

  
reviewed by nspb001 on October 18, 2010

This "trail" is pretty bad... Here was my route, from the Lair O' the Bear parking lot, we went took the Castor Cutoff to Bruin Bluff Trail then to Bear Creek, took about 20min to do the entire loops... Bear Creek is only a gravel walking path, its not actually a real mtb trail. The Castor Cutoff and Bruin Bluff were fun, but crazy short, only 1.5miles total. You can ride Bear Creek with any sort of bike and skill level. If your a complete beginner Castor Cutoff and Bruin Bluff will give you a taste of what mtb is about. Place was crazy crowded too, im never going back to it, go ride 3 Sisters up the road, a lot more fun.

  
reviewed by cov87 on September 11, 2010

Nice singletrack. A couple of technical sections but if you practise on them they should be rideable especially if you have a full suspension bike. Good climb.

  
reviewed by Hunter12 on September 3, 2010

Good quick ride, the climb is not bad at all ride Deer Creek all the time so that may be why. Have to watch out coming down if you go fast due to all the hikers and slow riders coming up. Some spots dont have a lot of room to get out of the way. GOOD RIDE THOUGH its fast if you want it to be.

  
reviewed by dannyboy5280 on May 26, 2010

This trail is good for endurance training, some good climbs and nothing that technical. The "technical" spots are beat up and and resemble a cobble stone road more than a rock garden, don't be intimidated and have a 2nd look, the "rock gardens'' are easy and you CAN DO IT! unless your bucket list consists of riding EVERY trail in Colorado, I would recommend by-passing this for a better ride.

Similar Trail: flagstaff road.

  
reviewed by CR-MTBClimber on April 19, 2010

Very Nice smooth flowing Single Track. There are two major climbs. The first climb ascends at a rate of 448 ft per mile so you need to be in good cardio shape to make it up without stopping. For "steepness comparison," Mt. Falcon's first climb ascends at 500 per mile however, Falcon's climb is 3 times farther!!! The two technical sections hardly worth mentioning but do require some skill and energy to ascend. No more than 20 yards each! The Bear reminds me of the Colorado trail through Buffalo Creek/Green mountain area. Smooth, shady and fast! One of the funnest in the Front range!* Review edited 4/19/2010

* Review edited 4/19/2010

Similar Trail: Buffalo Creek/Co. Trl, Centennial Cone, 3 Sisters

  
reviewed by mooniakrides on October 8, 2009

This trail is a really fun trail, especially if you just want to see how fast you can hammer up the climb and how fast you can descend without getting too beat up. The trail is mostly easy intermediate with a rolling climb/descent. Technically this trail won't beat you up either like White Ranch or Apex. If you want to do more riding, you can hook this up with Mount Falcon for an even more epic ride. Check out mooniakrides.webs.com/index.htm for more ride details/maps, etc.

Similar Trail: Green Mountain, Centennial Cone, Deer Creek, Three Sisters

  
reviewed by machinetwelve on August 17, 2009

Loved this trail. will definitely ride it again. Nice climb in the shade for about 5 miles and a smooth sweet downhill from the top.

Similar Trail: Mt Falcon

  
reviewed by kkilton on August 15, 2009

I loved this trail. This was only my 2nd time on a mountain bike trail and THIS is what I call a Colorado trail. Nicely shaded, good climbs, rollers, beautiful scenery. I only had to walk the major technical spots so a beginner with good strong legs can do this trail easily.

  
reviewed by sspragu3 on August 14, 2009

This is my go to trail for the metro area. Better flow than other nearby trails. The first mile or so offers an actual warm-up! Can be combined with Mt Falcon a couple ways to make for a loop or shuttle. Go on a weekday if you can, the popularity of this trail increases every year.

  
reviewed by shizants on August 10, 2009

If you can go at off-peak times this is a great trail for anybody.

* Review edited 8/10/2009

Similar Trail: Mt. Falcon

  
reviewed by tsnsteelersfan on August 10, 2009

I hadn't ridden this trail in over two years until yesterday, and I honestly forgot how great the trail really is. I have a 2 year-old, so I haven't gotten out on the bike very much lately, and this trail was perfect for a 'get back on the bike' ride. It's close to Denver and the views are amazing. (Especially in late Sept/early Oct when the aspen trees are turning.) It's a middle-ringer all the way, so it's good for newer riders. The second half is very woodsy and flowy, making for a really fast and fun time. You'll meet quite a few hikers, but almost all are friendly, so be nice back!

Similar Trail: 3 Sisters

  
reviewed by BetterThanAliens on August 1, 2009

I recently got my first FS bike and the consensus was Lair was a great trail to break in the bike. They were right! On a Saturday morning, at about 7:30, the trail was mine. At about 8:00, some traffic showed up; but nothing was unbearable. I like the 1-2 mile double track before the singletrack. It gave me an opportunity to get the blood flowing. For someone from the midwest, the initial climb is a slight challenge. But like most have said, there is nothing too technical here. I'll definitely be back...

Similar Trail: Did a demo at Centennial Cone and loved that!

  
reviewed by meh2u on July 2, 2009

This is an excellent intermediate trail. It has a couple of rock gardens but is mostly a smooth up and down single track. There is lots of shade and even on a busy day the trails are large enough that you don't really run into too many people

  
reviewed by flip8u on June 30, 2009

Fun trail with great smooth singletrack. A few tech sections that are very difficult to ride up, but they can all be ridden down. The climb up is lengthy but never unbearable. Great ride close to Denver.

  
reviewed by PanicPro on October 2, 2008

Rode out under the sun & back in the rain... of course the speed sections were still pretty exhilarating with wet everything. Beginners will like the smooth ride, but grimace at the long inclines. Hard cores +all will like the fast twisty route back and the handfull of tricky rocky sections. One of the trails I've rode that shouldn't scare off hard-tail riders. here's a tip: don't speed in Morrison.

  
reviewed by haupt on September 22, 2008

Coming from the midwest I must admit this trail kicked my butt. It is your classic front range "struggle up and ride down" model. It starts out nice and easy for a mile or so and then the climb begins. I was able to make it on my SS with several rests. The ride down is sick. It is technical but not scary.

  
reviewed by BFD on July 31, 2008

Great trail, no doubt! Aside from the pretentious A-hole that attempted to run not only me and my riding buddy (but also the two ladies in front of us) off the singletrack because he was "trying to ride"...FYI folks; Saying "Left!" does not mean you can run people over and be a total buzzkill and get away with it. We're ALL "trying to ride" here! Other than Captain Buzzkill and the 100(!) other people on the trail on this particular Wednesday night; I enjoyed this trails technical climbing and extremely fun downhill sections. I would have rated this trail a 4 if not for the local roid-rider fare.

Similar Trail: Waterton Canyon/Colorado Trail/Indian Trail

  
reviewed by osutammy7 on July 21, 2008

So amazing! This is my favorite trail so far, just watch out for deer... I almost nailed one on the way down!

Similar Trail: Betasso loop in Boulder

  
reviewed by jharres on July 13, 2008

Great trail. The initial climb is enough to present a challenge, both physically and technically. It's not overly technical at all, but enough to make it challenging for an average rider. The downhill is the best. It's well worth the drive out and I would recommend it to anyone. I do agree with other reviewers that it's best ridden on a weekday, as weekends have the trail full of people. Considering the width of the trail in some spots, this presented a problem while I was doing the initial climb.

  
reviewed by GreenWheel on June 20, 2008

Great Trail. 3 mile or so climb to start. Smooth and fast apart from 5-6 technical spots. Rock garden climb/descent, tight rocky sections. Smokin' downhill on the way back. 30 mph. Try to ride this trail on a weekday if possible.

Similar Trail: Green Mountain, Mount Falcon, White Ranch Loop

  
reviewed by raleighman91 on June 28, 2007

Pretty sweet ride few tech spots

Similar Trail: Mt Falcon, Deer creek

  
reviewed by arnolda14 on June 5, 2007

People. Lots and lots and lots of people. It's a sea of humanity here. It's a good ride though and once you get past the first mile, you can lose the flip-flop crowd and it's a lot more fun.

  
reviewed by Sullyman99 on May 22, 2007

I finally had the chance to check this trail out. It lived up to my expectations. The out and back is a little short but provides a great workout. The best part is the return from pence park back to the Lair of the Bear. If you like speed, you can have a lot of fun on the return trip. If you are curious what it looks like, I filmed the single track coming back from Pence Park. Here is a short sample: http://www.whiterhinovideo.com/LairoftheBear2.html * Review edited 5/22/2007* Review edited 5/25/2007

* Review edited 5/25/2007

  
reviewed by BobinConifer on May 13, 2007

I've had a few good rides on this trail. The climb is relatively gradual with plenty of switchbacks and in great condition, very smooth. It's alittle too short for my liking but it has potential and is relatively unpopulated for its proximity to Denver.

Similar Trail: Apex

  
reviewed by jeeper on March 27, 2007

I would say everybody is right on the money. This trail kind of reminded me of Waterton Canyon on steroids. It is similar but much longer, and more scenic. Plus you don't have to ride 7 miles of dirt road to reach the "good stuff". It was quite an aerobic challenge for me, I had to push the bike some (shame, shame. I know) towards the the back end of the trail where it gets pretty steep. Just remember, what goes up, gets to come back down. I rode March 26 (weekday) and there was no traffic. Enjoy!!!

  
reviewed by MarkZahn on November 9, 2006

I rode this in June 06 it's a nice scenic ride with no technical challenge. Very popular.

Similar Trail: Pence

  
reviewed by rholuba on August 19, 2006

A fabulous ride. I started on the trail away from the road in and missed the first bridge on my left to take the Bruin Bluff Trail which looks like a nice loop. So instead I took the path to the end of a trail where there is a nice little fishing hole with an angler hunting some rainbow trout. Anyways, I took the trail right at the end that leads directly uphill. Its a gradual, but long climb of about 40minutes. It will be a kickass ride to come back down it because it has built in dirt jumps. I rode to the peak and continued down the backside , which was the beginning of the end in regards to my orientation. I took the backside down, another great downhill ride, but I kept on my bike except for two close calls. I was hauling ass. By the time I realized I was lost it was too late to turn back so I took the Bear Creek Trail to the road where I need to remember to back track on the road. Take it to a stop sign, right and Lair O' Bear will be on the right hand side. Fabulous ride.

  
reviewed by jbersch on November 7, 2005

Spectacular Trail. Head West on Bear Creek Trail and follow it for 6.3 miles. There is a sharp left turn to start the true singletrack about 1.3 miles west of parking lot. http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/ext/dpt/comm_res/openspac/lairmp.htm This is an awesome "there-and-back" trail with an intermediate assent that leads to some sweet, smooth singletrack. Mostly in the trees, there are a few short rocky sections but the trail is mostly pretty easy from a technical standpoint (quite an aerobic workout however). Very nice views along the way. Keep going through some double track until the trail ends at Meyer's Gulch Road. Turn around and enjoy a sweet ride back to your car (mostly downhill). Went mid-week, very little traffic. Trails appear to be in slightly better shape than others along the Front Range.

Similar Trail: Waterton Canyon

  
reviewed by c3667 on September 17, 2005

This is an awsome trail!! The climb is very easy and the desent is GREAT. I would say that this is one of the best trail in the area!!! Get there early there is traffic.

  
reviewed by mountaingrover on August 24, 2005

This is one of the sweetest single-tracks close to Denver. Not as much gut-busting climbing as most of the other trails close to town (re: Mt. Falcon, Deer Creek Canyon, etc.). Sweet downhill run the return. Gets busy after work.

  
reviewed by schwingletrack on May 25, 2005

For my $$ probably the sweetest singletrack on the front range. After it rains up there the trail is nice and sticky...so much fun!!

Similar Trail: 3 Sisters..Mt. Falcon

  
reviewed by Siberian on August 19, 2004

This trail can also be ridden from the Mt. Falcon parking lot in Morrison. Go up Mt. Falcon for a nice grinding start to your ride, then cross Mt. Falcon Park on the doubletrack and head past the other parking lot, down the gravel road, out to Parmalee Gulch Rd and make a right. Take the blacktop for about a mile (uphill) until you reach Pence Park. Here you will notice a parking lot on the left side, and some singletrack peeling off on the right side of the road. This is the trail you want. Follow it for several miles watching for hikers as you go. Overall it is a very fast section that will be over before you want it to be. This is some great singletrack which makes it worth the trip (you may even want to do it twice). When done playing, descend into Lair O' the Bear for a nice 14 mile jaunt (from Falcon). Either arrange a pickup here, or continue down the blacktop to Morrison, make a right on Hwy 8, and back up to the Falcon parking lot. This will add another 4-5 miles to your day. Except for the climb at Falcon, the rest of this trail is easy, with a few tricky spots here and there.

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