Bear Peak

[JA_son27]

Was just wondering what the conditions were on Bear Peak via the Shadow Canyon route? Thanks in advance!

[Brian C]

Not sure about Shadow Canyon but the trail down from the Third was an icy nightmare as of today. I wouldn't be surprised if Bear Peak trail was similar in spots.

[MountainHiker]

We did Green via NCAR last weekend. There was ice, esp higher up and shaded places. Later in the day the lower elevations had some muddy spots. Suggest MicroSpikes and a pole.

[Project Ralphie]

Same response here. I don't know about Shadow Canyon, but be prepared for serious ice anywhere that is not getting sun. We did Bear Canyon/West Ridge from NCAR, and it was fine on the way up, but we came down Fern Canyon on the North/East side and it was a sheet of ice to the saddle, despite the general lack of snow in Boulder and relatively warm temps. You'll probably only need spikes in a few select areas, but it will be worth it.

[thebeave7]

Been running up and down the Boulder Peaks all winter (if you can call it that, so warm). Standard conditions exist, in Shadow you'll find some icy spots down lower, but also plenty of rock and exposed dirt. Then an icy section in the middle, then a drier section up near the saddle. Last little jaunt up either S Boulder Pk or Bear Pk will be snowy/icy. Fern canyon is always an icy luge run until sometime in April or May. West Ridge of Bear and Bear canyon are snow packed and icy. Microspikes work fantastically on all approaches, probably least least necessary in Shadow Canyon. I wouldn't touch Fern Canyon without Microspikes, the few people I've seen on it without have looked quite frightened.

Eric

[MountainHiker]

Note: If you are in a car not registered in Boulder County, South Mesa TH is now a pay area.

http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.ph ... 8#park-fee

[jsdratm]

I did Bear Peak last saturday and it was mostly dry until the saddle, but I would still take along some microspikes