Hiking – NCAR TH to Bear Peak

This loop route begins at the NCAR Trailhead, it follows the NCAR Trail as it climbs steadily through ponderosa pine forest before connecting with the Mesa Trail and then the Fern Canyon Trail, where the ascent becomes noticeably steeper and more sustained. As we gain elevation, the trail transitions from shaded forest to more exposed terrain, with rocky switchbacks and occasional scrambling near treeline as you approach the summit of Bear Peak. The summit rewards the effort with expansive views stretching across Boulder, the plains, and the Continental Divide, often accompanied by strong winds. The return via the Bear Peak Trail descends a rugged ridge with steep, rocky sections that require careful footing before reconnecting with lower trails back to NCAR, making this a physically demanding loop due to both elevation gain and technical terrain.. We'll find a comfortable spot for snack/lunch. Our pace will be consistent with completing this hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall, ~9 miles and ~2900 ft elevation gain. (Bear Peak - CalTopo)

The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of challenging CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long, for our mostly 50+ constituents. We don’t have dues or elections and we invite ALL CMC members to sign up for any Bobcat trip. You can search the CMC Calendar for Bobcat trips any time by selecting “Bobcats Section” in the CMC Trip Calendar “Section pull-down menu. We email a monthly newsletter to our members with all the coming month’s trips, just after those trips are activated. To join our free mailing list and become a member, select the Bobcats Section anytime in your Member Profile. (Bobcats Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at US 36 & McCaslin Blvd PnR-South 7:00AM for a 7:15AM depart (US 36 and McCaslin Blvd Park and Ride - South - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the NCAR trailhead parking lot (NCAR Trail Head - Google Maps)