Burning Bear Trail is a 6.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Jefferson, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and mountain biking and is best used from May until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
hiking
mountain biking
views
wild flowers
wildlife
Directions from Bailey: Eastern Trailhead: From Bailey drive west on Highway 285 for 10.8 miles to Grant. Turn right (north) on Park county Road #62 (sometimes called the Guanella Pass Road) and drive 4.9 miles to the trailhead at a turn in the road. There is a sign and gate on the left (north) side of the road at the trailhead. Parking is available .2 miles further at the parking area for Abyss Lake Trail.
We were looking for an easy hike where we could enjoy the fall colors and as a diversion during our drive along Guanella Pass. We were shooting to make it to the ridge, and I believe we did, but we didn't really know it because there wasn't any sort of vista. It was a good hike for what we were looking for today.
We have been hiking in the Denver foothills the last two weeks and we've encountered so much ice. So we wanted to find a place to snowshoe that wasn't as treacherous as the icy foothills. Snow has all but melted in Denver and in the foothills. But this trail is high enough that it still has plenty of snow. The snow was hard packed from many others going before us. So it was easier than cutting a trail in fresh powder. My two companions put on their micro spikes and walked on the way back. One was exhausted from snowshoeing and the other wanted to try out her new micro spikes. We saw three other people on the trail. The trail is completely in the trees. So we were protected from some of the wind. It was snowing as we got up higher but it didn't seem to be accumulating. Glad we went!
12 miles from Guanella Pass Rd to the end of the trail (at CR60 in Park County) and back. (6 miles each way) Total elevation gain and loss of 3300 ft. the trail is beautiful but I thought the end was somewhat anti-climactic.
Dave H.
Went to snowshoe the trail, all but the last 1/2 a mile didn't have enough snow to need snowshoes. Nice hike through the trees though
I have never done this trail in the summer but it is a great winter trail. There are lots of wildlife and history. It is well marked with blue diamonds to the ridge.
It was in the trees pretty much the whole hike. Which in turn means no views of the surrounding mountains. It is a easy hike thou. It follows a stream in a valley for a ways. This would be a good beginner hike for people and kids. There is a ranch nearby that uses the trail for horse back riding. No big deal thou; just watch where you step.
Great trail!! Didn't go all the way, but about half. Took our golden retrievers, and they loved hiking next to the water!! Beautiful views!!