Lair o' the Bear Park

Creekbed view of the hillside, taken by Steven Conley.
  1. CLOSED: Tuesday, 6/13, Rutabaga Ride at Lair o' the Bear Park will be closed from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. to allow JCOS to inspect for any potential maintenance needs based on current weather and use. Additional closures may happen depending on what is found.

Lair o’ the Bear Trailhead
22550 State Highway 74
Idledale, CO 80453

Lair o’ the Bear Park is a favorite of Open Space visitors and families due to its abundance of picnic tables and proximity to Bear Creek for fishing. For a challenging experience, enjoy a 12.6-mile, round-trip journey on Bear Creek Trail passing through three adjoining Denver Mountain Parks to the west.

Lair o’ the Bear Park is now home to Jeffco Open Space’s (JCOS) newest bike-only, directional trail: Rutabaga Ride, which officially opened today, May 25. Named after John “Rutabaga” Johnson who historically ranched and sold produce on this former farm, Rutabaga Ride is a 3.5-mile, bike-optimized trail, first proposed in 2018 by Colorado Mountain Biking Association (COMBA) as an alternative route to help separate visitors and create a better experience for all. 

JCOS contracted with FlowRide Concepts, who “specializes in the planning, design, and construction of sustainable trail riding destinations,” to create a bike-optimized experience. The JCOS Trails Team contributed to the construction of 1,200 feet of trail and 2 in-slope turns. COMBA assisted the entire project with over 265 hours of volunteer work to get this exceptional trail open! 

Bear Creek Trail*

The Bear Creek Trail is a natural surface trail within Lair o’ the Bear Park to Denver Mountain Park’s Pence Park. View Bear Creek Trail Map

*Notice: This trail crosses multiple jurisdictions beyond land owned/managed by Jeffco Open Space and may fall under different regulations.

RESOURCES

Park Regulations

Recreation & Activity Management Guide

Jeffco Non-emergency Number: 303.980.7300

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  1. NOTICE: Tues, 6/13, Rutabaga Ride at Lair o' the Bear Park will be closed from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  2. NOTICE: Improvements to Golden Hills parking access at S. Table Mtn Park begin 5/22
  3. Seasonal Wildlife Closures Begin Feb. 1 at Several Parks
  4. REMINDER: Some JCOS Parks have designated-use trails or alternating use days
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