Bear Creek Lake – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Morrison
Bear Creek Lake – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Morrison
4.9
(9969)
9,970
riders
Bear Creek Lake – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Morrison
02:37
43.9km
270m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Bear Valley Open Space
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.80 km
Bear Creek Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
10.8 km
Stone House Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
20.3 km
Bridge over South Platte River
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
35.3 km
Mount Carbon Loop
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
37.4 km
View of Denver Skyline from Mt. Carbon Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
37.4 km
Mount Carbon Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Showing Translation
Tip by
39.4 km
Bear Creek Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
43.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
33.6 km
7.86 km
1.44 km
605 m
377 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
31.8 km
11.4 km
582 m
159 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,750 m)
Lowest point (1,600 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 26 June
25°C
13°C
74 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a touring cycling route that offers a dramatic shift in scenery without being overly strenuous, the Bear Creek Lake – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Morrison is an excellent choice. This moderate 27.3-mile (43.9 km) route, with 891 feet (271 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 37 minutes, making it perfect for a solid half-day ride that transitions from natural beauty to urban exploration.
What to expect on Bear Creek Lake – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Morrison
This route offers a journey through varied landscapes, starting near the foothills and moving towards the city. You'll begin in the natural beauty of Bear Creek Lake Park, enjoying views of the lake, lush forests, and open meadows, with distant glimpses of the Denver skyline and Red Rocks. The Bear Creek Trail itself provides a taste of the country within the city, featuring woodlands and views along Bear Creek. As you connect to the South Platte River Trail, the scenery shifts to a mix of urban landscapes and high plains grassland, all set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. While the Bear Creek Trail has some slightly steeper inclines, the South Platte River Trail is mostly paved and generally flat, making for smooth riding. This loop is ideal for touring cyclists who appreciate diverse scenery and a mostly paved, accessible ride.
Planning your visit
The Bear Creek Lake Park area is a significant recreational hub, and the South Platte River Trail is a major multi-use pathway. Both are generally accessible, with paved sections suitable for touring cyclists. Parking is available near Morrison for accessing the Bear Creek Trail. While specific permit or fee information for this exact loop isn't detailed, be aware that some areas within Bear Creek Lake Park might have fees for vehicle entry, so check local park regulations before you go. The best time to cycle this route is during pleasant weather, avoiding extreme heat or cold, to fully enjoy both the natural and urban sections.
Trail details
- Distance: 27.3 miles (43.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 891 feet (271 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 37 minutes
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