Walking in Colorado : Bear Creek Greenbelt

It's my last week of freedom before I start working full time again, so I wanted to get out on another walk.  Today I chose an old favorite that my sister and I used to frequent.
Bear Creek Greenbelt in Lakewood.
Don't confuse this with Bear Creek Park further south as they are quite different.

This greenbelt is located on Evans just south of Yale, and has a wide variety of trails that cater to bicyclists, walkers, and explorers.  Here is their official website
http://www.lakewood.org/Community_Resources/Parks,_Forestry_and_Open_Space/A_to_Z_Park_Listing/Bear_Creek_Greenbelt.aspx

The parking lot on Estes looks out onto a  lovely pond.  From the pond, go right to get to the trails along Bear Creek.

View just from the parking lot

After going right at the pond, there is a bridge that goes over Bear Creek.  You can then follow the trail along the creek south until it crosses back over and loops back to the parking lot. I was meandering so it probably took me about 45 minutes to walk the loop.

 The reason I love this trail so much is that while there is a paved road that parallels the creek there are also numerous inter-weaving dirt trails that run along the creek. They are intimate and woodsy and remind me a little bit of the woods out East. Woods and water are a bit of a commodity in Colorado, so I always enjoy a walk which has both.

View from the Trail along Bear Creek

Walking along the creek I saw many birds in the trees and hopping around on the rocks in the creeks.  There were also plenty of families with their kids playing and exploring in the water.  I also encountered a few bikers riding through the dirt trails too, so keep an eye out as the trail is narrow.

There is a nice mix of sun and shade along the creek trail so it is not too hot of a walk, even in the summer.

Near the end of creek before you cross over to make your return loop back to the lot, there is a very active prairie dog community.  They are always fun to watch, though sorry this picture isn't a great one.

Prairie Dogs

The return walk has just as many trails to choose from; there's a wide gravel road that takes you near the pond or you can wander back along the creek.  The paved road goes somewhere else at this point though; not sure where truthfully as I always follow the creek.

The wildlife I spotted today included a black crowned night heron and a mallard hen with her brood of ducklings...very cute....  

All in all a wonderful walk full of nature and green and water.

Happy Trails!