Directions: 

The parking area is at the end of Eldridge Street.  From C-470 take the Quincy Street Exit.  Turn left after the strip mall onto Edlridge Street and follow it to the end where you will see the paved trail.  Park along the street.

Hike Description:

Bear Creek Lake Park has many different access points and this is one of the lesser known ones.  Starting from Eldridge Street, you follow a pedestrian bridge over Hwy 285 and drop down into the park.  The benefit of starting at this trailhead (aside from not having to pay park fees) is that you are immediately treated to wonderful views of Mt. Morrison, Green Mountain, and the entirety of Bear Creek Lake Park.

From the trailhead, follow the paved path to the bridge and down into Bear Creek Lake Park.  Once you reach the valley floor, the first junction has a park map and is a good place to stop and get your bearings.  You have many options, but if you are looking for just a quick walk, I recommend heading to the quiet and serene Turtle Pond. 

Turn left at the junction and turn right once you reach the gazebo onto the dirt Cowen Trail.  The Cowen Trail follows a small creek through cottonwoods to Turtle Pond.  Turtle Pond is a nice destination with a wildlife viewing platform and a trail circling the pond.  The trail continues towards Bear Creek Lake on the far side of the pond if you want to hike further.  Follow the trail around the pond and return to the Cowen Trail.  Retrace your steps back to the Gazebo and the paved trail heading back up and out of the park.

This hike offers just a small taste of Bear Creek Lake Park.  There are miles and miles of paved and natural surface trails here providing endless options for further exploration.