Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park

Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park is a fun, family-friendly hike!

Hiking with your kids can be one of the most amazing experiences, whatever the season. It’s not just about being active, though — when we hike with my 3-year-old and 1.5-year-old, they’re always excited about the world around them. It’s my hope that if we continue to hike with our kids as they get older, it’ll become something a tradition, something they come to expect and enjoy and continue doing themselves as they get older.

Even though hiking can be amazing, there are times we’ve been burned. The last thing a parent wants is to show up to a hiking trail that’s been labeled “kid-friendly” or “stroller-friendly,” only to find out it’s anything but. We’ve done many hikes since moving out to this area 4 ½ years ago, both with kids and without, and the following three trails are ones I would highly recommend to parents, mostly because of their ease when carrying kids on you, or their stroller-friendly, paved trails.

Why it’s a must-hike spot: Lair ‘o the Bear Park has so much to offer for families, and the Bear Creek trail loop is just one of the awesome things to check out. There are relatively clean toilets at the beginning of the trailhead, and most sections of the trail are covered by trees that provide amazing shade, as well. We went on a 90-degree day and we're totally fine. Plus, the trail has plenty of spots along the way for your kids to dip their feet into the water. Bring a picnic lunch because there are plenty of tables, too. My kids loved watching everyone partaking in all the other activities the park has to offer as well, like mountain biking and fly-fishing, and my daughter spent 20 minutes climbing the huge tree near the creek in the beginning part of the hike.

Keep in mind: This parking fills up super quick, so it’s best to get there early or go during the week, if possible. Although the trails are “stroller friendly,” (I brought my double), there are sections that are narrow and bumpy, so be sure to have a stroller that can handle that type of terrain. This trail is also very popular for mountain bikers, so you might want to keep your kids in the stroller during the narrow or busy bits. If you’re here during the summer, don’t forget to bring your bug spray, as it’s quite wooded. You’ll drive through the town of Morrison to get here, which is also fun to check out while you’re in the area, and through the mountains around a couple of switchbacks. While it’s a beautiful drive — and the switchbacks only last for about 10 minutes at most — be cautious if you have kids who get carsick. (I speak from experience.)