Burning Bear Trail (TR #601 East Entry)

Updated on February 27, 2012 by

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Difficulty

Easy/moderate

Trail Length

Approximately 4.8 mile roundtrip (portion)

Trail Description

View from trailhead

Burning Bear Trail #601 (east entrance) is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Geneva Creek/Pike National Forest area with verdant meadows, beaver ponds, tumbling water falls and lush forests. Day hikers will love this one for its beauty and easy terrain.The trail is well-maintained and has a very easy/moderate path. It wanders along the side of an open meadow just along the tree line giving you a shaded hike along the creek.

The views you through the openings in the trees are majestic. You will see the lush meadow, creeks and the snow-capped peaks nearby. There are beaver ponds and beaver lodges near the edge of the trail.

Our preference for this trail is to hike to the old cabin and back for an easy/moderate hike of 4.8 miles roundtrip. Another option is to hike the full length of the trail to the west trailhead (5.5 miles; not roundtrip mileage). For a challenging full day hike, make the full 11-mile roundtrip hike from-end-to end and back again (approx. elevation gain for the full hike 1,100ft.) This trail connects to the west entry of Burning Bear Trail. Each end of the trail has a parking area and is accessible by different roads.

Pack your bug spray; you will be near the creek. No restrooms available at trailhead (last chance is on CR 62 a couple miles before you reach the trailhead).

If you are looking to eat at a picnic table, there is a picnic area within 2 miles of the trailhead (along CR 62 before you reach the trailhead).

Directions

Go southwest from Denver on Hwy 285 approximately 38 miles to the town of Grant. Turn right onto Guanella Pass Rd. Go for approximately 5 miles. When you get to the top of the hill and the hairpin turns, the trailhead will be on your left behind the cattle gate.

Attractions

Camping in the area: Geneva Park Campground; Burning Bear Campground; Hall Valley Campground
Category: 60 Mins from Denver, All Trails, Easy/ Moderate, Most Popular Hikes, Southwest of Denver Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

About Mary Norton, Contributor of this Hike

Mary grew up here, so she knows all the best places to go! With a family of 6 children and no lack of enthusiasm for the outdoors, Mary is well qualified to give you tips and hike spots that will challenge you as well as delight your whole family. Whether you have kids, dogs, or are just looking to enjoy nature by yourself, Mary will show you where to go to find what you are looking for.

  • Mary Norton

    If its lunchtime at Coney Island, be prepared to wait about an hour in line – but it is worth the nostalgic fun and yummy conies!

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  • Brando Comando 5 11

    Where is the map

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001415673317 Mary Norton

      Got it back on there!

  • tim

    where can i hike with a bus to park

  • Richard

    Hi Mary,

    As a Boy Scout leader, but fairly new to CO, I love your site as it has given me some great idea and places to take the scouts. I’m thinking of doing the Burn Bear hike, but making it an easy two day backpacking trip for the new scouts. Is there a good place to campout about 3 miles in? Does the trail go to Duck Lake? Keep it up the great work!!

    Richard