Lair O’ the Bear open space just outside Denver in Colorado has amazing trails for the older hiker! Bear Creek Trail is accessible to most but if you want a little bit of a challenge try Bruin Bluff trail loop.
Which Hiker Do I Write For
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Bruin Bluff Trail Loop
- Trail Name: Bruin Bluff Trail Loop
- Location: Lair O’ the Bear Park, Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: easy with rating of 25
- Duration: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 216 feet
- Type of Trail: loop
- Who I Recommend this to : everyone that hikes
- What season did I go : summer / August
- Gear Recommendations: snacks, sunblock, umbrella, hat
- Special Requirements: parking is free but fills early, especially on weekends
My Experience on the Bruin Bluff Trail as an Older Hiker
As you’ll see in my related YouTube video about Bruin Bluff Trail I had been going through some drawbacks in my midlife this summer and this park really led me into a peaceful state.
Hiking among the grasses, trees, and creek helped me to feel at ease. Though the park can get crowded since it has so much to offer, like mountain biking, picnicking, fishing, walking and even a castle, being there on a summer Sunday with quite a few people still felt like I got some time to myself to enjoy this beautiful trail.
We arrived pretty early after watching the sunrise and hiking at Red Rock Park up the road, Steph and I snagged what looked like one of the few remaining parking spots at about 8:15 AM. It’s highly recommended to get there early for good parking opportunities. We parked in the furthest east lot yet there is more parking further west yet is further away from most main trails like the one we did – Bruin Bluff Loop.
The park has a map in the lot, definitely snap a photo for future reference just in case, it’s always good practice to have a map when you hike.
The hike starts near the restrooms and meanders through some grass and picnic areas. Then comes to your first bridge over Bear Creek. Steph and I stopped here for video and photos for at least 20 minutes. How peaceful it is to hang out near a creek. We also came across a fisherman here, who unfortunately hadn’t caught anything that day.
As you leave the creek and bridge the trail brought us through more grasses and up a couple of switchbacks and eventually up into the trees. At the top I took a break for a Clif bar snack and water.
Finishing my snack we headed back down, over another bridge and that’s where I had the chance to rest my feet on a bench to watch people, listen to the birds and the gurgling creek.
The whole trail had hard packed dirt, which is always a plus in making for a stable and less strenuous walk. There is some shade and sun, bring clothing and gear if you need shade.
Overall it was a peaceful hike, I just wished I didn’t miss the castle. Maybe someday I’ll go back.
Helpful Hiker Gear and Tools
I don’t just recommend these items, I’ve actually used them for years. You’ll see that in my video below.
- Clif Bars – my favorite is Peanut Butter Crunch
- Osprey Pack – the only pack brand I use
- My Hydro Flask water bottle – for keeping water cool and a place to proudly show off your hiking stickers
Online Resources for this Trail
- Bruin Bluff Trail Loop on AllTrails
- Jefferson County Colorado link for Lair O’ Bear Park
- Leave No Trace Info
- National Park Service : 7 Ways to Safely Watch Wildlife
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Bring lunch. There are picnic tables in the park to enjoy a lunch after your hike
- Hang out a bit in the nearby town of Morrison, Colorado
FAQs for Bruin Bluff Trail for Older Hikers
1. How difficult is the Bruin Bluff Trail for an older hiker?
While it’s a moderate trail, certain sections have uneven terrain, rocks, and mild elevation changes. I’d rate it as beginner-intermediate for older hikers, especially if you go slowly and use trekking poles.
2. What’s the best time of year (or day) to hike Lair O’ the Bear for maximum peace and comfort?
Spring and autumn are ideal — cooler temps, fewer bugs, vibrant foliage. Early mornings or weekday afternoons are best to avoid crowds and heat.
3. Are there restroom or water facilities along the trail?
Yes — there are restrooms in the park area (depending on season). But there’s no potable water on the trail itself, so bring your own. Also bring snacks, as services are limited.
4. What should older hikers bring (or leave behind) for safety & comfort?
Essentials: good trail shoes, trekking poles, layered clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, first aid kit, and lots of water. Leave heavy gear or swag you won’t need. Pack light but smart.
5. Are there shorter or alternative routes in Lair O’ the Bear for those not wanting the full loop?
Yes — you can often do parts of the trail (out-and-back) to reduce mileage, skip steeper sections, or combine with gentler loops in the park. I usually suggest turning around at a scenic spot if energy flags.
Watch My Hike of Bruin Trail Loop on YouTube
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Here at AllieRambles I explore what it means to rebuild and chase freedom in your 50s and beyond—because life doesn’t end at midlife, it begins.
I also write A LOT about being outdoors hiking, biking and paddling as much as I can – all over the United States and beyond.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
- NEW!! Grab the perfect gear for your midlife reinvention. My AllieRambles Shop.
- Midlife Inspiration Posts: How I’m Reinventing Myself in My 50s
- Be sure to check out my hiking posts that get you outside
- Read more of my Most Popular Posts
Find this post helpful? Please share with your friends and on social media. THX!
