Bear Creek Trail from Lair o' the Bear (Comment)

From Ann, Jefferson Co., August 12, 2008:

I would like information on the appropriate procedure to petition Denver Mountain Parks for an equestrian trail from the "multi-use" Bear Creek Trail to access a luncheon destination at the Bear Creek Tavern. I recently tried that, but I was on a "Hiker only" trail and was turned back.
If the westernmost "Hiker" only trail (Western Ridge/Picnic) could be designated as a "Hiker/Horse" only trail that would help many of us [who] once enjoyed access to the Bear Creek Tavern in Kittredge for lunch. The restaurant has a tie rail in their back yard and they are horse friendly!

There are so many bikers now enjoying the Bear Creek trail from Lair of the Bear to Pence Park, that it can be very frustrating for equestrians and hikers. There are few areas on this trail to safely step off the trail for bikers. Pence Park is not a destination for equestrians since access requires crossing a highway.

Jefferson County Open Space has trails in their system designated as "Hiker/Horse" only or on alternate days from bikers. (Horses and Hikers are allowed on those trails, but bikers are allowed only on an "alternate day" rotation. Conflicts on the trails are 95% between all other user groups and bikers.)

We very much appreciate when Denver Mountain Parks allows horses on its trails. Thank you.

From Susan, Natural Resources Planner:

Thanks for the recommendation—we’re in the midst of finalizing the trail plan for the Master Plan (primarily where we’re going to make multi-use trail connections) and want to sit down and discuss all this. We’re certainly open to tweaks and changes and look forward to talking to you. I’ll try to set up a meeting.