Home › Colorado › Idledale › Lair o’ the Bear Park
Lair o’ the Bear Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,227 Google reviews · Running trail in Idledale, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lair o’ the Bear Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Featuring a creek with diverse wildlife, this park offers hiking trails, fishing & picnic tables.
What runners say about Lair o’ the Bear Park
“Great place for families with kids and dogs, hikers, bickers etc, let’s say, anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful nature his own way and still being close to Denver.”
“The trails are clearly marked, and there are signs that tell you about the park’s history and nature.”
“Beautiful, easy trails connecting to more challenging ones and other parks!”
This is one of my favorite trails for so many reason. Very kid friendly. Plan to be here early, the parking lot is very limited. If you come later in the the day, it can take a little longer to get parking. Worth the wait with little ones or pets to wait for a parking spot in the lot vs on the side of the road.
Such a great spot with a variety of trails for all ages! We love starting with some playtime in the creek, then taking the shorter trail that loops around to another fun water spot. Whether you’re looking for a quick nature break or an all-day adventure, this place has it all.
One of my favorite places on the west side of greater Denver for hiking. Mild elevation gain if desired or pretty flat, depending on which trail you take. Many spots by the creek. Very close to get to from the city. The trail connects with other parks.
This park is lovely, with a running creek and paths that are easy to walk. The views are scenic, and there are several parking lots, but it can get crowded since it’s a popular spot. There’s also some parking along the road.
Trail conditions & character
“The views are scenic, and there are several parking lots, but it can get crowded since it’s a popular spot.”
“Great place for families with kids and dogs, hikers, bickers etc, let’s say, anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful nature his own way and still being close to Denver.”
“Great place for families with kids and dogs, hikers, bickers etc, let’s say, anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful nature his own way and still being close to Denver.”
“I also noticed the facilities, parking lot, and restrooms were very well maintained and clean.”
Plan your run at Lair o’ the Bear Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance3.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitejeffco.us
- Phone(303) 271-5925
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
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