To Bear Lakes take trail downhill. This one mile trail may seem to be taking you to lower lake but hang in there going downhill. Here the peridotite landscape begins. Approaching the gap you will see a flat on the other side with a large boulder in it. That's where you are heading to sit down in an old camp.
Water is available early in the season.
You will stop many times in this area unless driven by slashing rain, snow, or wind, as views are many, including one into the canyon of Clear Creek 4000' below. From here the trail rapidly descends. Dense fir forest by avalanche chute. Water year round in creek and at spring by trail camp. Danger in winter.