Bear Creek Trail

Constructed and opened last year, this little-known gem runs from Pence Park, between Indian Hills and Evergreen, to Lair o' the Bear Park, outside of Idledale. Along the way, it cuts through two other Denver mountain parks, Corwina and O'Fallon. Unlike many of the trails along the Denver-area Front Range, Bear Creek is not just a jumble of rocks. It more resembles the Buffalo Creek Trail that runs along the Colorado Trail to the city's southwest: a smooth, wide, hard-packed-dirt single track, with lots of roller-coastery dips and climbs. If you want to get the hard part out of the way first, take C-470 to Morrison and climb up the canyon to Lair o' the Bear. Start grinding at the west end of the parking lot.


Dinosaur Ridge

Outside Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison; (303) 697-DINO;
Free Admission; Hours variable; [Dinosaur ]
Hillside bearing many dinosaur bones and tracks as well as other plants and fossils. Site of the first ever discovery of dinosaur bones in the western United States in 1887. Contact the visitors center for more info and directions. The original bones are on display at the adjacent museum.

Morrison Natural History Museum

501 State Route 8, Morrison, CO; (303) 697-1873;
Displays contain the first original dinosaur bones recovered from the digs at Dinosaur Ridge

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

640-acre parkland with hiking trails along the foot of the Rocky Mountains. One of the best scenic spots in greater Denver where 1-million year old sandstone has been colored a deep-red by oxidized iron-ore. Also famous for the 10,000-seat natural amphitheater. For info on concerts and special events. (303)697-4545 or (303) 640-2637.