Directions:  From Morrison, continue west on Route 74 (Bear Creek Rd) through the town of Idledale and past Lair of the Bear Park.  Turn left (south) into the 1st parking are for O'Fallon Park.  At the south end of the parking lot is a gate.  The hike starts here.

Note, the Eastern Ridge portion of this trail may not be officially open to the public.  At the time that I hiked this trail back in 2016, it I was very confusing.  First of all, the "Bear Creek Cutoff Trail" as named on the online official maps is still signed as the "Meadowview Trail."  However, the main source of confusion was that I was attempting to hike to "the Vista", a hike that I had done many times, and my favorite hike in this area.  This time, however, the trail leading up to the Vista from the BCT Junction was more overgrown than usual and a small log seemed to maybe be closing it off...not clear either way...there was still a small trail sign that said no biking or horses, implying that hiking was still allowed.

I hiked up the steep gully and at the top instead of turning right (west) towards the signed Vista viewpoint, I turned left (east) to explore the double track (old road) trail heading in the other direction.  I was surprised to find that the trail continued along a wonderful ridge, with terrific views until it descended off the eastern slope of the ridge and connected with the Bear Creek Trail again.  No closed or private property signs and at the point where this trail intersected the BCT, the same small trail sign that said no biking or horses, implying that hiking was still allowed.  The trail was great and I would certainly hike it again, as long as it is officially open to the public.  

A few months earlier, I hiked the West Ridge/Meadow View Loop and found that the trail leading up to the Vista from the other side, was non-existent.  It seems that Denver Mountain Parks may have closed access to the Vista for some reason.  Very disappointing... Unless the trail leading from the BCT to the Eastern Ridge is in fact open to the public, in which case the Vista is still accessible, just not from the western point.

Stay tuned as I revisit this trail in the 2018 season...