Green Mountain (8,149') and Bear Peak (8,461') stand prominently over Boulder, two distinguished summits in close proximity with commanding views of the eastern plains and Rocky Mountains. Boulder's extensive trail network connects the two, with numerous routing options for reaching both in a day.

One route begins in Gregory Canyon and joins the Ranger Trail to scale Green Mountain; it continues on the Green-Bear Trail to the Bear Peak West Ridge Trail and up to Bear Peak.

Sometimes referred to as the 'Green and Bear It' for its vertical profile, this challenging route follows steep terrain, serene forests, and high ridges with excellent views en route to both summits:

The Gregory Canyon Trail rises gently to a stream crossing (.55 miles), then climbs steeply on a twisting, rocky path to milder switchbacks in the upper canyon (1.0 miles : 6,650'). The Gregory Creek corridor supports apple and plum trees that attract bear and other wildlife. It's also covered with poison ivy, so remain on the trail at all times.

The trail eases considerably as it curls southwest to the Ranger Trail - Long Canyon Trail split (1.3 miles : 6,655'). Merge left onto the Ranger Trail. The Ranger Trail remains flat to the historic Greenman Lodge (1.45 miles), past which it climbs methodically through fir and lodgepole to the E.M. Greenman Trail junction (1.75 miles : 6,950').

Here the Ranger Trail steepens on a series of tight switchbacks. Gaps in the forest offer a glimpse of snow-capped peaks to the west, a welcome sight along an otherwise business-like climb. Remain alert as lingering snow may obscure unpredictable turns and lead you astray.

The Ranger Trail climbs to the Green-Bear Trail - Green Mt West Ridge Trail split along a narrow ridge below the summit (2.5 miles : 7,860'). Turn left toward Green Mountain. The final 300 yards weave quickly through faint and rugged terrain to the summit. Tree markings offer guidance on the final approach. The Green Mountain summit features a peak-finder that identifies peaks across a 100 mile panorama (2.7 miles : 8,144').

From Green Mountain's summit, scramble back down to the Green-Bear Trail and turn left (south). The Green-Bear Trail drops 650' in just .8 miles down the south flank of Green Mountain to a small meadow at the Bear Peak West Ridge Trail split (3.7 miles : 7,181').

Bear right for the remaining 1.75 mile, 1,280' push to Bear Peak.

The West Ridge Trail is initially moderate, tracing a well-defined ridgeline with a revealing look at Bear Canyon, Green Mountain, South Boulder Peak and the back-range. Switchbacks tighten and steepen considerably after 6 miles, where you should anticipate many quick, sparingly marked turns up rugged terrain to the summit. Lingering snow can make this final approach precarious and difficult to read.

The trail emerges above the forest in a loose scree field (6.25 miles), which may take a moment to properly assess. The rocky, obfuscated path generally veers west (right) to the Shadow Canyon Trail split (6.3 miles : 8,420'); here an informal but intuitively followed scramble leads straight up to the summit (6.35 miles : 8,461').

The pointed, wind-swept summit is little more than a few jagged boulders that tend to restrict movement, however cautious maneuvering leads to safe viewing areas across the eastern plains, Boulder foothills, Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep an eye on weather, as there's still considerable distance, elevation gain, and exposure on the return to Gregory Canyon.