Bear Creek Canyon Park

The Bear Creek Canyon Park in El Paso County (not to be confused with the park of the same name in Jefferson County) is owned by the city of Colorado Springs, although it sits well outside the city limits. Ponderosas and other conifers dominate this steep and primitive park, which is popular with mountain bikers and other recreationalists. It is a great place to find jays, as well as deer, squirrels and occasionally bears. The rare Rydberg’s variety of the golden columbine can be found here, among many other plants typical of the upper foothills.

County: El Paso

Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Mixed-Conifer Forest

Directions: From exit #141 off I-25, head west on US 24 to 21st Street and turn left. Take a right on Lower Gold Camp Road, then turn left onto Bear Creek Road and follow this road to its end.

Delorme: 62 B3
Roads of Colorado: 105 D1

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Ownership: Municipal
Admission: Free

Restrictions: No camping

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Hotel in Colorado Springs

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Limited

Latitude: 38.8201
Longitude: -104.892118