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Photo courtesy and copyright City of Boulder Mountain Parks Division
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Bear Peak is the most prominent peak along the foothills of Boulder City. This hike begins at the top of Table Mesa Drive at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Beginning at the Walter Orr Roberts trail at NCAR, the Bear Peak trail heads up the Dakota Trail to its junction with the Mesa Trail. After a short hike south along the Mesa Trail you will meet the Bear Canyon cut-off, which heads west up Bear Canyon. This section of the hike meanders back and forth across a creek, between large sandstone slabs, and up though grassy meadows. Small groves of aspens quake with the breeze along the way and small wildflowers dot the open meadows. Higher up the trail intersects the trail leading south from Green Mountain. At this point the Bear trail heads along the west ridge of Bear Peak, delivering views of the Indian Peaks and Walker Ranch to the west and the eastern plains down Bear Canyon. The last portion up to Bear Peak becomes quite steep, but the views are worth the effort. At the peak you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the region. The route down the east face descends the Fern Canyon trail and is short, but steep so enjoy your rest at the top of Bear Peak until you are ready to tackle the route home.
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