Mileage: 2.5 mile one way
Elevation: 6040 7480 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Use Level: Very Light
Season: July-October
Topographic Map: Wentworth Springs and Homewood

Access: The Bear Pen trail is located within the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary. Trail can be accessed using the Powderhorn trail from Barker Pass. Below are directions to the Powderhorn trailhead. From interstate 80 in Truckee, take Highway 89 south and drive to Tahoe City. Continue past Tahoe City for another 4.2 miles to Caspian Picnic Area. Turn right on Blackwood Canyon Road. The road follows Blackwood creek for 2.3 miles, crosses the creek and then climbs 4.8 miles to Barker Pass. The pavement ends at the summit. The Powderhorn trailhead is 23 miles down the road from where the pavement ends.

Trail Description: To reach the Bear Pen Trail, follow the Powderhorn Trail to Diamond Crossing and then take the 5 Lakes Creek Trail north .3 miles (4.5 miles). The trail veers off to the east from the 5 Lakes Creek Trail and ascends through tall Jeffrey pines and striking displays of wildflowers (lupine, mule ears, pennyroyal and sagebrush). Bear pen is located 25 miles up the trail. Bear Pen is a small, meadowy cove at the upper end of a canyon. Hikers seeking a relatively easy, relaxing hike and the solitude of a remote wilderness will enjoy this trail.