Lair O' the Bear
From NetCairns
Lair O' the Bear is a trail that is close to the front range and riders get the choice of either a short loop (red) or a longer climb (blue) up to Pence Park.
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Highlights
Very fun ride close to Denver. Gets crowded on Weekends.
Current Conditions
Have you ridden this trail recently? What are the conditions?
Overview
Watchout on weekends as this trail will be very crowded with bikers and hikers. Its best to get there early to beat the crowds and to get a parking spot in the lot. If you can ride mid-week as you will be able to really enjoy this great front-range trail
The Red loop on this map is the traditional Lair route. It is approximately 2.5 miles long and is very good to run a few laps on.
The Blue Trail starts with nice stroll along the stream. Watchout along this though because there will be heavy pedestrian traffic. There is a small stream crossing, and some weaving in and out of rocks. You also go by a very interesting and beautiful house.
The main part of the trail begins with a steady climb. Most of the climb is rideable for the intermediate rider. There are a few sectoins that might require a brief (less than 100ft) hike. Along the climb watchout for other bikers coming down, even though while going up you have the right away, as there are blind curves and riders coming down might not always see you in time to give you the right away. Remember this coming down and do your best to be considerate of other riders and hikers. Even though this is not a real technical climb, it does require decent stamina.
Once you reach the top of this hill, the crowds become less because many people choose to return to their cars from here. From here on out the trail is a roller coaster with uphills and downhills to the end (though more uphill than down). There are many banked turns that are a blast, and some rocks that can be quite fun as well. Most of the trail is single track, but there is a section that appears to be an old logging/forest road.
Once you reach the road, turn around and enjoy the route the other way. There are some riders who loop the Mt. Falcon ride with this, however be aware that is going to be a very intense climb back up Mt. Falcon.
This is a great trail, which is why it is so popular. If you ride on the weekends expect a crowd. Remember to be curtious, slow down when approaching hikers, and give a heads up that you coming behind them. Every little we do as a commnunity helps our apperance to those we share the trails with.
Getting There
The easiest way out to Lair is to take HWY 8 off of C470 and head West towards Morrison. Once in Morrison , stay straight on HWY 74 (towards Evergreen/Idledale) and follow for a few more miles until you see the sign for the open space on the left-hand side of the road.
Park in the lot and follow the trail at the NORTH end of the parking lot for approx 2 miles to the Lair O' the Bear trailhead - a sharp, uphill left alongside the creek.
Trailhead
Latitude: 39°40′4.631″N
Longitude: 105°15′27.385″W
Schedule and Regulations
Are there any day restrictions or seasonal closings?
Photo Album
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Trail Videos
Other Suggested Trails
- Betasso Preserve Loop
- Dakota Ridge with Mathews Winters Loop
- Green Mountain Park Loop
- To make a new trail, click here.
NetCairns Guide Books
This trail is part of the following NetCairns Guide Books:
