• All users of Jeffco parks (both free trips and paid for courses) must carry with them a copy of the CMC-Jeffco Permit or a yellow permit tag 
• The permit can be found at this link
• Permit tags can be picked up at the CMC Basecamp office (T-Th 10am-6pm) 
• ONLY ONE GROUP may use a trail system at a time. Group size is limited to 14 participants, including guides/instructors. 
• A trail system includes that entire area of that park - ie, if a group begins a hike on the east side of North Table, another group may not hold another hike on the west side of North Table.
• Blackout dates - No CMC trips may take place on the following dates: 
• Memorial Day Weekend - May 24-26; Father’s Day – June 15;  Juneteenth – June 19; Independence Day Weekend – July 4-6; Labor Day Weekend – Aug 30-Sept 1 

Lair o’ the Bear Park is a favorite of Open Space visitors.  For a challenging experience, enjoy a 12.6-mile, round-trip journey on Bear Creek Trail passing through three adjoining Denver Mountain Parks to the west.

Directions to parking area:  Lair o’ the Bear Park - Google Maps

Alternate titles:

Rutabaga Ride - one directional mountain bike only single track trail located at the Lair o' the Bear park. The trail starts very flat along bear creek for about 1.3 miles then climbs up for the next mile. The climbing section has moderate grade for the most part with several short technical obstacles that can make a fun uphill challenge. After about a mile, you'll see the turn off for Rutabaga. Rutabaga is about a 3.5 mile trail, mostly downhill. The trail is mostly flowy with some rock garden sections, tight switchbacks, big berms, optional jumps/lines choices, and mostly shaded. Make sure you are comfortable with exposure as there are sections with minimal guardrails and a fall can lead you rolling down the side of the mountain.

Bear Creek Trail to Panorama Point - 6.7 miles, 1125'  gain.  Explore this 6.7-mile loop trail near Idledale, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Bear Creek Trail and Bruin Bluff Trail - 14.6 miles, 2280' gain.  Try this 14.6-mile out-and-back trail near Idledale, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, This is a very popular area for birding, and hiking so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Little Park to Lair o' the Bear - 4.5 miles, 434' gain.  An easy 4.5 mile trail, starting at Little Park, winding into Lair o' the Bear park, up about 300 feet along Bruins Bluff and back down to intersect with Bear Creek trail. Features include forest, a short rocky incline, long stretches along the creek, and flat easy sections to the castle and back.

For further information see:  Lair o' the Bear Park | Jefferson County, CO (jeffco.us)

• Suitable Activities: Biking, Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• High Point: 7,200 ft

• Land Manager: Jefferson County Open Space
• Parking Permit Required: Other
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 14
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 14