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A direct approach to Burning Bear Peak with the rewards of incredible glades on the return!


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Map Key

4.7

Miles

7.5

KM

Ascent

12,067' 3,678 m

High

9,607' 2,928 m

Low

2,529' 771 m

Up

82' 25 m

Down

11%

Avg Slope (6°)

43%

Max Slope (23°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry
The trail was no longer overgrown (Feb 2023). There is a pruning saw tied to a tree, so someone likely cleared things out!

Need to Know

Expect between 2 and 4 hours for the approach depending on conditions. Watch out for moose!

Description

Start on the Burning Bear Trail (601) and follow it for 2.75 miles. Leave the trail the last time it crosses Burning Bear Creek and follow the creek (west by southwest) into the forest just before trail 601 begins to switchback up the hill. Pick your way through multiple downed and overgrown trees to the west trying to stay on the remnants of an old wagon road.

Stay clear of the few steep and/or sunbaked southern-facing slopes. Passing the ruins of an old saw mill pile, continue generally west picking your way through the valley of Burning Bear Creek, crossing it on occasion when downed trees block your path. When you reach a small clearing with slopes increasing all around, cross the creek for the last time and choose a gentle path southwest up the main slopes of Burning Bear Glades.

Slopes around 20 degrees lead to decreasing trees and increasing open glades! Climb through the beautiful glades trying to eye up your descent path as you cut west then west by northwest towards the summit. Enjoy! The fruits of your labor lay before you!

Contacts

Shared By:

Mark McConnell with improvements by Barrett Langton

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#320

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Ascent Rankings

#100

in Colorado

#320

Overall
55 Views Last Month
629 Since Apr 5, 2021
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Photos

Turns coming down Momma Bear!
Apr 5, 2021 near Jefferson, CO
The skin track across one of the many open areas of the glades.
Apr 5, 2021 near Jefferson, CO
Momma and Baby showing skiers the way to the trail!
Apr 5, 2021 near Jefferson, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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