About Lair o’ the Bear Park
Lair o’ the Bear Park offers a family-friendly hiking experience with scenic trails, picnic areas, and manageable routes for children, making it an ideal outdoor destination for families looking to enjoy nature without overwhelming challenges.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a day out in nature.Dog owners wanting to hike with their pets.Parents wanting a manageable hike for young children.Toddlers (3 years old) can manage Bear Creek Trail.Older children (8+) may enjoy the more challenging Bruin Bluff.
Why families love it
- Bear Creek Trail is scenic and suitable for young children.
- Multiple picnic tables along the trails for family breaks.
- Moderate hiking options like Bruin Bluff with beautiful views.
- Clean bathrooms and dog-friendly areas.
- Scenic views of the creek and surrounding nature.
- Historic Dunafon Castle nearby for photo opportunities.
Insider tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Dress in layers as weather can be cooler, especially in spring.
- Keep an eye out for bikers on narrow paths.
Good to know before you go
- Weekends during peak seasons when the park may be busier.
- Trails like Bruin Bluff if hiking with very young or inexperienced children.
- Higher pollution levels noted compared to other parks.
- Bruin Bluff may be challenging for younger or less experienced hikers.
- Crowds
- Less crowded in March, but can get busy on weekends.
- Value
- Free entry to the park with no hidden costs; great value compared to other paid attractions.
- Food
- Picnicking is allowed; bring your own food and drinks.
- Accessibility
- Bathrooms are available and kept clean.
- Safety
- Watch for bikers on narrow trails.
What parents say
"This is a great park for kids/families or anyone looking for a fun trail that is easy to moderate. My 3 year old was able to hike Bear Creek Trail and Bruin Bluff. Bear Creek Trail is scenic and goes along the water, it's good for kids. There are also plenty of picnic table stops along the trail. Bruin Bluff has more incline, rocks and narrower paths. I wouldn't recommend for littler kids unless they hike a lot. The view at the top of Bruin Bluff is really beautiful. This park has more pollution than others that I've been to in Colorado. I'm not sure if that has to do with it being off the hig"
a month ago
"This was a fun hike! Easy drive coming from wheat ridge. Parking lot was a good size too! Lots of different routes available to take that differ from easy to moderate skill level. Nice scenery. There's lots of picnic tables, even a small theatre styled arrangement, and bathrooms & a post with extra doggie bags. Not busy when we went now in March but was a bit colder weather. Overall very fun definitely coming back to this one to explore more!"
a month ago
"Moderate hiking trail on Bear Creek Trail along the beautiful running water creek surrounded by golden autumn trees and bushes. I got to revisit the historic Dunafon Castle by the trail. It is a very beautiful historic castle that held my son's wedding last month September. It's worth making a stop to take some pictures of the castle. Continued to hike up to Bear Creek Trail to the panorama point trail mountain top to see the spectacular view of the mountain and enjoyed my lunch break. Get out there to enjoy the beautiful autumn 🍂 beauty and cool weather. Cheers!"
6 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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