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Directions: From Denver take I-70 or Hwy 6 west to C470 east. Exit the Morrison Exit, turn left (east) and continue on Morrison Road. When you pass Indiana Street on your left, keep your eyes out for the small trailhead on the right. There is a gated dirt road and some small trail signs next to a large dirt pull-off. Be careful here, there are no parking signs at the trailhead, but continue for a few hundred feet to where the no parking signs end and park here.
The North Park Trail explores a lesser traveled portion of Bear Creek Lake Park. The trail ambles across open meadows with great views of the Front Range foothills, descends down to the north shore of Bear Creek Lake, follows the shore for a little ways and returns back to Morrison Road. There are of course many options for longer hikes by adding other trails in the park, but this makes for a nice 4 mile loop. From the Morrison Road trailhead turn right and follow the trail along the side of Morrison Road. This is least scenic part of the hike, but it doesn't last long. Follow the trail until you find a break in the fence with a small trail marker for the North Park Trail. Enter the park through the fence and follow the North Park Trail south. Cross a small footbridge and turn left continuing down towards the lake. Soon you'll encounter a dirt road, follow this for a few minutes until you reach a gate and the paved park road. Across the road you'll see the Mt. Carbon Trail. Take the Mt. Carbon trail into the dense forest near the lake shore. Turn left onto the Fisherman's Trail. This trail takes you to a small pier and continues across the parking lot along the lake shore. You can either take the fishing trail directly along the beach or take the Fisherman's Trail which ascends the side of the hill, take the Fisherman's Trail. Continue on this trail past the small stream that feeds into the lake and look to your left for an unsigned trail heading steeply up the hill. This trail will take you to the Mountain View Picnic and parking area. Head down the dirt road, cross the paved road, and hook up with the Mt. Carbon Trail. Follow this trail to a multiple point intersection with the North Park Trail. From here you can either follow the North Park Trail directly back or bare right up the hill to a lookout area with a bench. This is a great view of Bear Creek Lake and Mt. Carbon and the foothills to the west. Head down the other side of the hill and meet up with the North Park Trail. Turn right and follow the trail back to the Morrison Road trailhead. The North Park Trail is not very popular but offers a great way to access Bear Creek Lake Park without having to pay the park fee at the main entrance. |
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