28 May 2008
Coyote Gulch / Creekbottom Loop
Posted by kris under: Trails .
Name of Trial: Coyote Gulch and CreekBottom Loop
Total Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hike Type: Loop
Starting Location: Bear Creek Nature Center off of Bear Creek Road.
I took Hwy 24 to 26th St. which turns into Bear Creek Rd, and I parked in the Bear Creek Nature Center parking lot. The Regional Trail goes around the edge of the Bear Creek Park and leads to Section 16, but I hiked some of the loops within the park.
I headed towards the Nature Center and then took a right to where the trail begins. There was a map there that shows the trails within the park and I headed to the right from this point. The path was mostly a sandy trail about six feet wide to start. It then started to move into some wooded areas and continued to walk along Bear Creek. From here I continued on Creekbootom Loop which was a very nice walk and very peaceful with the sound of the creek going by. One nice thing about this trail is that there is a map at every intersection to indicate where you are and which direction the different loop in the park go. Creekbottom Loop started to move away from Bear Creek and into the meadow area of the park. Throughout the meadow I saw yucca trees and many animals.
Creekbottom Loop met up with Coyote Gulch Loop which took me a little more west towards the mountains and to a great view of the valley bellow. There are many houses that line the park and I saw deer in the areas were the park ends and the privet property begins. It was a great sight to see and made for some great pictures. I continued along the Coyote Gulch Loop back towards the nature center. The trail continued through the meadow and there were a few rolling hills. Coyote Gulch Loop eventually met up with Mountain Scrub Loop which took me back towards the nature center.
A little ways before I was back to the nature center the dirt trail turned into pavement and there was a wooden path on my right that went along the creek. There were a few signs along the wooden path as well as the paved section that told me about the plant and wildlife in the area among other things. This section is wheelchair accessible and gives anyone a great nature experience. It was a great ending to a nice hike through Bear Creek Park.
This is a nice trail for a quick hike that is not that fare away from the city. It also had some informative signs as well as benches along the trail so that you can relax and enjoy the view. I also saw a lot more wildlife on this trail then I have on any other trail this season.
I just found out that the city of Colorado Springs might be closing the Bear Creek Nature Center, so you better check it out before it is gone. It has great dioramas that provide information about the local ecosystem and is appropriate for all ages. If you have a chance to visit the nature center, do so before it closes down.
Go see my Photo Gallery for some pictures I took while on the trail.
