Join Bear Smart Durango on Sunday, September 16th from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM for an informative hike in bear country in Perins Peak State Wildlife Area (SWA). Attendees should leave with a better understanding of how black bears live in the wild, the natural foods they need to survive, hiking safely in bear country, and causes and prevention of human-bear conflict.
Attendees are asked to meet at the entrance to Perins Peak SWA (gravel parking lot immediately off Lightner Creek Road) west of Durango. Carpooling is encouraged. Attendees will then carpool to hike area.
Space is limited, so an RSVP to Sara Straub, Bear Smart Durango Bear Specialist, at sara.straub18@alumni.colostate.edu or 970-646-3566 is required.
Long pants, rain gear, water and snacks are encouraged. Participants are encouraged to have a CPW Habitat Stamp. Kids 8 or over are ok, but please note the hike description. The hike is easy for someone who hikes often, but moderate due to uneven conditions, mild hills and occasional dense brush.
Donations are accepted. It’s hunting season, so a leader will be wearing blaze orange. We will have bear spray. Attendees will knowingly be entering habitat that bears are known to frequent and will be asked to sign a waiver. Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
Directions to Perins Peak SWA parking area:
- Go 4 miles west on HWY 160 to CR 207-Lightner Creek Rd (about a mile past Wildcat Canyon Rd)
- After 2 miles turn right onto gravel road (Dry Fork Rd-CR 208) immediately after Lightner Creek Bed & Breakfast
- Park in gravel parking lot at entrance to Perins Peak SWA
Map courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife