Scenic Drive Through Red Rocks & Bear Creek Canyon

This drive starts among the giant red sandstone fins of Red Rocks, then follows Bear Creek up its canyon into the foothills — rock, water and pine in quick succession.

Denver · Drive · about 30 min · 13 miles · Pleasantness: High

Why this route is pleasant

• Begins among the towering red rocks of Red Rocks Park
• Follows Bear Creek up a tight foothills canyon
• Creek on one side, canyon walls on the other
• Pine forest and quick elevation gain
• Ends at the lake in mountain-town Evergreen

What you'll see

• The red sandstone formations and amphitheatre at Red Rocks
• Bear Creek running beside the road
• Canyon walls and ponderosa pines
• Evergreen Lake at the top of the canyon

Best time to go

Morning light on the red rocks, then up the cool canyon as the day warms.

Open this route in Pleasant Routes · More Denver routes · All cities