Burning Bear Trail TR #601 (East Entry)

Posted by Mary Norton in 60 Mins from Denver, Easy, Southwest of Denver, Trails category
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Difficulty

Easy/moderate

Trail Length

Approx. 2 miles or (5.5 miles full trail length)

Trail Description

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 path. It wanders along the side of an open meadow just along the tree line giving you a shaded hike along the creek.

View From Trailhead

The views you will see through the openings in the trees are beautiful! 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.

You may decide to hike-in for 20 minutes or you may decide to hike the full length of the trail to the west trailhead (5.5 miles). If you make it a roundtrip, it will be an 11 mile hike that peaks after a 1,000 ft. gain. 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. (We usually hike in for one hour from the east trailhead and then turn around and head back to the car).

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

Click Map Below for Directions.Approximatley 70 minutes from Jct C-470 and Hwy 285 At Grant, turn right (west) onto CR-62. Follow CR-62 approximately 5 miles. Look for the trailhead as soon as you come to the top of the steep hill with the hairpin turns. The trailhead is directly on your left and the parking area is on the right side of the road. Look for the sign with the trail name here at the edge of the meadow and the gate marking the beginning of the trail.

Attractions

Bailey (along US 285) offers several restaurants and cafes. There is a coffee shop (you will recognize it by the huge coffee cup on the side of the building) that offers Espresso and ice cream. Or, if you are in the mood for an All-American fare, try the world famous "Coney Island" hot dog stand - a fun choice for lunch!

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About Mary Norton, Author Of This Post

Mary grew up here, so she knows all the best places to go! With a family of 5 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.