Lair o’ the Bear Park
Idledale, Colorado · 30 minutes from Denver · Free admission
📍 Local Notes from a Regular Hiker
Good to know: This guide was put together using public information and visitor reports. I’ve hiked these trails dozens of times over the years, so the tips here come from personal experience. But always double-check with the park office before driving out—conditions change, especially after storms.
⚠️ Before You Go (Critical Info)
Call ahead: +1 303-271-5925 (Jefferson County Parks)
Check here: jeffco.us/1254
Weather matters: Creek crossings get tricky after rain. Winter brings ice.
Quick Park Details
📍 Getting There
Address: 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453
From Denver: I-70 West to Exit 252, south 1.8 miles on CO-74
Look for the stone chimney on the south side of the road
🕒 Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily)
Seasonal Notice: Winter hours may be shorter (7 AM – 5 PM). The park is subject to closure for hazardous conditions.
🚗 Parking
Lot size: ~45 spaces
Reality: Fills up by 9 AM on Saturdays
Tip: Overflow parking along CO-74 is discouraged (narrow shoulders)
🎟️ Fees
Admission: Free (Jefferson County park)
Parking: Free in designated lot
Fishing: Colorado license required
Trail Guide (What I Actually Do)
Easy Bear Creek Trail (2.2 miles)
My take: This is the go-to for families or when you want a gentle walk with creek crossings are shallow (ankle-deep in summer), but wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Best in late spring when the cottonwoods are leafed out.
Moderate Sawmill Trail (1.8 miles)
My take: Less crowded, more of a hike. Goes up through pine trees to some old mill structures. Better views, but watch for mountain bikers on the descent. I prefer this one in the fall when the aspens turn yellow.
Local Trail Strategy (From Regular Use)
- Combine both trails for a 3.5-mile loop (my usual)
- Water: No fill stations—bring twice what you think
- Footwear: Trail runners OK. Boots better if creek is high
What to Watch For
🦊 Wildlife
Mule deer: Common, especially near water at dawn/dusk
Birds: Great blue herons (year-round), kingfishers (noisy rattling call)
Bears: Name is historical. Rarely seen now.
🌸 Seasons
Spring: Wildflowers peak late May
Summer: Hot by noon. Creek saves you.
Fall: Best colors around Sept 25-Oct 10
Winter: Trails open but icy. Microspikes help
Photos from Regular Visitors
Disclaimer: These are user-submitted photos used for illustrative purposes. Copyright belongs to the original photographers. Seasonal appearance may vary based on weather and time of year.
Visitor Reviews & Public Feedback
Based on 3,100+ public reviews
“Perfect spot for a short hike with the dog. Parked at 7:30 AM on a Saturday and had the creek trail mostly to ourselves. Bring water—no sources on the trail.”
— Mark from Lakewood
“We saw three deer drinking from the creek in the first half mile. My 10-year-old loved the ‘adventure’ of the creek crossings. Not stroller-friendly though.”
— Sarah, Denver parent
“Best fall foliage within 30 minutes of Denver. Parking lot fills early on weekends – arrive by 8 AM or stick to weekdays.”
— James R.
More Visitor Feedback
- Access: “Great for kids ages 6+. The creek crossings are fun but watch your step on rocks.”
- Timing: “Go on weekday mornings for solitude. Weekend afternoons get crowded.”
- Preparation: “Bring bug spray in summer, extra socks for creek crossings.”
Common Questions
Is there an entrance fee?
Nope, it’s free. Jeffco parks don’t charge for day use. Just parking—and that’s free too.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a 6-foot leash. No off-leash areas. Watch out for hot pavement in summer. Bring waste bags—none provided.
Is fishing any good here?
It’s decent if you like small brown trout. You need a Colorado license (available at Walmart or online). Best spots are below the bridges.
Will my phone work there?
Sometimes at the parking lot, then it’s gone. I usually tell people: download maps offline before you go.
Are the hours different in winter?
Yes! Winter hours are shorter (7 AM – 5 PM). The park may close if trails are icy or unsafe. Check the official site before visiting in winter.
Is the park accessible for people with disabilities?
The main parking lot and some trail sections are accessible. The Bear Creek Trail has flatter sections near the parking lot. For detailed accessibility info, contact Jefferson County Parks directly.
Can I camp overnight?
No, this is a day-use park only. For camping, try nearby Bear Creek Lake Park or Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Are drones allowed?
No, drones are not permitted in Jefferson County parks. This protects wildlife and visitor privacy.
What should I do if I see wildlife?
Keep your distance, especially from deer. Never feed wildlife. If you see something unusual, report it to the park office. Remember, bears are rare but possible.
Is there cell service?
Spotty at best. Verizon tends to work best near the parking lot. AT&T and T-Mobile customers should download offline maps. Don’t rely on service for emergencies.
Map & Location Notes
Address: 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453
GPS Coordinates: 39.8955° N, 105.2586° W
Local tip: The entrance is right across from the old Idledale Store. If you hit the Morrison overlook, you’ve gone too far.
About This Guide
How we know what we know: This isn’t an official park page. It’s a directory entry based on publicly available information, visitor reports, and regular visits. The details here come from Jefferson County’s public resources and our own field checks.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
- We update this guide quarterly
- We note when information changes
- We link to official sources first
- We welcome corrections from park staff
Important: Park conditions change. Always verify current information with Jefferson County Parks before visiting. We’re a directory site—park management is handled by county officials.