When I was in Denver last week for my mother’s 80th birthday, we decided to have lunch in the mountains. We decided to go to Kittridge, a small town (actually tiny) near the top of Bear Creek canyon, about 20 miles from Morrison. The small (population 500) mountain community of Kittredge is located between the towns of Evergreen and Idledale in Bear Creek Canyon and offers access to several Denver Mountain Parks and Jefferson County Open Space parks perfect for picnics, hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bear Creek Canyon was a favorite of old Denver, full of small parks, which were close enough for picnics after work, which we often did with my parents. These days Bear Creek Canyon is a favorite of bicyclists who climb to the top in Evergreen or Kittridge, have a bite to eat, then race downhill on the windy road to Morrison. Bear Creek Tavern is similar to Creekside Cellars in Evergreen with more of an old Colorado feel.