Near NCAR - Bear Canyon Trail
The Mesa Trail overlooking NCAR and the valley below. Dogs are allowed off leash if they have their Blue tags
Near NCAR - Bear Canyon Trail
A nice trail into the Boulder foothills.
Near NCAR - Bear Canyon Trail
Bear Peak wasn't named randomly. Mama and 2 cubs on the route today.
Near NCAR - Bear Canyon Trail
Mesa Trail just south of Mallory Cave.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

NCAR - Bear Canyon Trail

3.6 (5 Ratings)
Wide singletrack heading straight up to the Shanahan Ridge trails.
1.2
mi
Distance
436
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
River/CreekWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.16mi
Distance
436ft
Elevation Gain
0ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
6,084ft
High Point
5,648ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail officially starts at the base of NCAR and heads south, past the Bear Canyon Trailhead. Once past the connector trail, NCAR - Bear Canyon Trail begins to climb up Bear Canyon. Follow this wide singletrack as it winds past the NCAR - Bear Connector trail on your right and follows Bear Canyon Creek on your left. Once you're past the connector, you'll be in Bear Canyon proper - as Shanahan Ridge rises to the south, and NCAR rises to the north. This trail terminates at an intersection with the Mesa Trail.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Shanahan Ridge

Hike Route

Shanahan Ridge

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moderate
3.54 mi
+808 ft
Bear Peak Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Bear Peak Out and Back

Birding
strenuous
5.69 mi
+2,785 ft
Mallory Cave Trail

Hike Route

Mallory Cave Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
3.1 mi
+1,241 ft
Shanahan Forks Loop

Hike Route

Shanahan Forks Loop

Views
moderate
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+796 ft
McClintock Trail Hike

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McClintock Trail Hike

Wildflowers
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+354 ft
Second-Third Flatiron Mesa Loop

Hike Route

Second-Third Flatiron Mesa Loop

Geologically Significant
moderate
2.16 mi
+693 ft
Contributors
Tom Robson