The Burn. From Bear Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
They aren’t 14ers, but this is a great hike to stay in shape for those bigger peaks–or prep for your first. If you walk to the top of both Bear and South Boulder (from South Mesa Trailhead, via Shadow Canyon), you get around 3,000 vertical feet of climbing/descending, and 7-8 miles of distance. When it’s too cold or avalanche-prone up on the Divide, try this little local outing on for size. Plan on 6-8 hours depending on how fast you hike, how much you dawdle, and trail conditions (like snow).
And…Shadow Canyon is a really cool little (steep!) slot with gorgeous big boulders and thick trees that will lead you up behind one of Boulder’s major landmarks–Devil’s Thumb (locally known as the “Boulder Boner”…no idea why.) This is simply a great trip in its own right, 14ers aside.
Some tips/observations:
–In summer, the Shadow Canyon part will be more shady than other routes, but may not have water, so carry plenty with you.
–In winter, for the steep climb from the last cabin to the saddle, you’ll definitely want traction (or snowshoes if you are going after a big dump–snow dump, that is).
–Whatever the season, trekking poles will save your knees on the aforementioned steep stuff.
—South Boulder Peak (8,549′) is the highest point on Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks property and is taller than Bear Peak by nearly 100′, but for the best views definitely go with the “Big Bear”.
–You’ll see evidence of the 2012 Flagstaff Fire as you approach the South Boulder-Bear saddle. Nature’s natural cycle.
–The Bear Peak perch is quite perchy (maybe 50 feet of Class 2+ scrambling to get there) with great views of Boulder, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have a stiff west wind (typical) there are convenient rocks on the summit behind which you can eat your lunch and watch the goings on down on The Hill in Boulder (if you have a powerful telescope).
I went up today vewy, vewy early and was sitting on the summit of Bear Peak about 45 minutes before sunrise under the gaze of a smiley fingernail Moon. The photography was well worth the trip.
Some selected images:
Fingernail Moon Above Denver. Bear Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
Dawn Over Boulder. Bear Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
Dawn On the Plains. From Bear Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
First Light on Longs Peak. From Bear Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
South Boulder Peak. From Bear Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
The View South at Sunrise. From Bear Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
Window on Longs Peak. From Bear Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
Sunburst on South Boulder Peak Summit. South Boulder Peak, Boulder, Colorado, 2014
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4 Comments
What time did you start the hike to get at summit for sunrise?
Hello, Leonardo. I like to be in place on the summit a good half hour before sunrise as sometimes that light can be really wonderful–better than the actual sunrise. I think I calculated that I needed about two hours for the hike. So, walk that back from the time you want to be on top. (I hike a bit faster than average, I’d guess, and don’t stop much.) Conditions can make a difference–maybe faster in summer and slower when there is snow and ice on the trail. And this was via Shadow Canyon from the South Mesa Trailhead. Hope that helps and let me know where to go to see your pictures! DanJ
I love mountains. They look so beautiful in your pictures. Thank you.
Thanks, Larry!