This is part of a series of trails that start in the NCAR parking lot near Boulder. This area is trail heaven and has one of the greatest concentration of trails in the entire state of Colorado. Although these trails can see a lot of activity on weekends, they are quite pleasant on weekdays.
This particular trail circuit utilizes the NCAR trail, Mesa Trail, Bear Canyon Trail & Fern Canyon Trail to make a rigorous loop hike. I recommend hiking up Bear Creek Canyon and down Fern Canyon. Pay close attention as it’s easy to lose the trail in certain spots a little ways after the halfway point.
Another advantage of starting up Bear Canyon is the option of just doing an out-and-back if a member of your group gets tired after the first few miles. The hike up Bear Creek Canyon is only moderately difficult and follows the creek allowing for beautiful views and serene sounds of small waterfalls. A series of clear mountain pools make good resting spots along the way.
Trail Map
Photos
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- view of Boulder from trail
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- trail intersection
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- portion of Fern Canyon Trail
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- steep trail descent
Suggested Lodging
Days Hotel Boulder, 5397 South Boulder Road, Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 499-4422 Homewood Suites by Hilton, 4950 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 499-9922 Booking.comSuggested Dining
You will find numerous dining options at the intersection of Table Mesa and Broadway in Boulder:
Southern Sun Pub & Brewery
Tandoori Grill
South Side Walnut Cafe
Murphys
SOBO American Bistro
ABO's Pizza
Suggested Bike Rental / Repair
University Hill Bikes on Pearl Street in Boulder or Louisville Cyclery in Louisville, CO.
