Boulder: Bear Peak

This hike kicked my ass. Maybe it was the mad dash I made to find cover in a sudden hailstorm that did it, but my legs were hurting for at least three days after.

Fact: this is the highest peak in Boulder, elevation 8,461'. It is a 4-5 hour hike, so get started early.

Serious!

I was led to the trailhead by a Denver native, who navigated us through suburbia and parked along some street that I don't remember. After consulting a map which can be found here, I concluded that we ascended Bear Peak from the east (using the Fern Canyon trail), but I don't know what other trails we used. I remember that it took quite a bit of navigating, but there was plenty of signage to take us where we needed to go.

This was definitely one of the best hikes I took in 2011. The trails wind through areas of lush forest, rocky outcroppings, and steep drop-offs. The hike was absolutely exhausting but the view at the top was worth it.

My crew at the top

Tips for the hike: bring snacks and lots of water! And wear a good pair of shoes that won't give you blisters- ouch. Also, leave early in the day- like climbing a 14er, you want to be out off the peak by the time afternoon thunderstorms come rolling in. We got to experience one first hand, and it was pretty crazy.