Bruin Bluff Trail

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Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

While the trails in the area make for some pleasant running, be sure to arrive either earlier in the mornings, or on weekdays. This park is popular with all types of visitors, and can become too crowded to keep up a good pace in the afternoons.

Visitors who are seeking to relax at Lair o' the Bear park and do a little exploring too will love the Bruin Bluff Trail. At just over a mile long, the trail is short enough that it can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, but long enough to allow visitors to take in all that Bear Creek has to offer.

Depending on where you start this trail, you'll either begin along the creek, or end along the creek. Both choices have a lot to offer, and you really can't go wrong here! If you start at the eastern end of the trail, you'll enjoy gently rolling terrain, as you make your way through the pine forests and open meadows on the southern banks of the creek. Take you time here, as the first portion of the trail is the most peaceful. As you being working your way back near the parking area, the bustle of picnicking families, runners, cyclists or hikers will reach you, even through the trees. As you continue west, you'll again enter an area that feels secluded in the pines.

Eventually, you'll reach a point where the trail will turn first north and then begin to return to the east. This portion is located along Bear Creek, so enjoy the sounds of the water! If you're lucky, there may be some ducks around to admire.

Before long, this trail will end at an intersection with the Bear Creek Trail, which will lead back to the parking area.

In addition to typical pine and meadow vegetation, visitors will enjoy giant cottonwood trees, and lush grasses growing creekside.