Hike Bear Peak

The best advice I can give you? Wake up early to start this hike.

Even though the Bear Peak hike will only take you about 4-5 hours round trip, it will still be advantageous to get off the mountain before afternoon and evening storms might pass through. This is a steep 7-mile out and back trail.

Start at the South Mesa Trailhead. Take Eldorado Springs Drive until there's a dirt road turnoff; take this down from the road to the parking lot.

After your gear is loaded, prepare for a steep climb that will most likely leave you breathless. The trail is easy to follow, but it is strenuous, as you're climbing 2,810 ft. in elevation (a total of 3,000 ft. elevation gain roundtrip).

Prepare for snow on your hike. In the spring or fall, areas of this trail may become wet, but you should still be warm in the Colorado sunshine. Most of this hike is forested, and will offer shade in the early morning.

This is a narrow trail. Watch for other hikers, and if you're bringing a four-legged friend, make sure to keep them close.

It will take you about 2 hours to reach the top, where you might want to hang out and eat some trail snacks. As it gets later in the day, the peak gets quite crowded. Enjoy panorama views of Boulder and look out in the distance to see Denver and surrounding cities.

From the top, head back down the way you came. This trail also connects to the Towhee Trail, Homestead Trail, South Boulder Creek Trail and Big Bluestem Trail.

If you're lucky, you may see some wildlife on your hike, including falcons, hawks, songbirds and mule deer.

After I finished this hike, I relaxed the rest of the day. It's exhausting hiking more than 2,800 feet elevation in one day!