Bear Creek Trail – Lair o' the Bear Park

Dog-friendly hike near Evergreen · Lair o' the Bear Trailhead, Bear Creek Rd (CO 74), Idledale

Illustration of an alpine lake trail in the Colorado mountains

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

Dogs on this trail

Jefferson County Open Space regulations require pets on a leash of ten feet or less and under physical control at all times.

Source: Jefferson County Open Space · checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm before you go.

Distance3 mi
Elevation gain350 ft
Leash ruleLeash required
Water on trailBear Creek along the whole lower trail — the best dog water in the Evergreen area
SeasonYear-round; shaded canyon is cool in summer and icy in winter
ParkingLot fills by 9 a.m. on summer weekends and the park is at capacity when it does; no roadside parking on Hwy 74
FeeFree
RestroomsRestrooms at the trailhead
Managed byJefferson County Open Space

Lair o' the Bear is where Evergreen dogs go to swim. The Bear Creek Trail follows the creek west from the picnic area under cottonwoods and firs, with pools and gravel bars every few hundred yards, before climbing through Denver Mountain Parks land toward Pence Park (12.6 miles round trip if you go all the way; most dog walkers do two or three miles out and back). The Creekside and Bruin Bluff loops add a little elevation and views. It is leash-only (Jeffco, 10 feet or less) and very popular with families, anglers and the Rutabaga Ride bike trail crowd. Best on weekday mornings and in summer heat.