Beaver Creek Trail
(Indian Peaks Wilderness)
Description:
The
Beaver Creek Trail begins at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead on the south end
and intersects the Buchanan Pass Trail on the north end. This trail is of
moderate difficulty and sees heavy use from July 1 to September 15. The south
end of the trail begins at an elevation of 10,500 feet and climbs to its junction
with the Mount Audubon Trail at 11,300 feet. The first section of the trail
is wide and travels through a dense spruce forest. It makes a gentle climb
from the trailhead until reaches a southeast facing ridge where it gets steeper.
The trail makes some long switchbacks up the ridge and through some rock talus
before reaching the Mount Audubon Trail. This portion of the trail is open
as it climbs onto the alpine tundra. The view of the mountains and lakes to
the east is breathtaking. You can see the plains extending to the east from
the front range. This part of the trail is very rocky. Sturdy hiking boots
are recommended for those with tender feet.
The
trail continues north from the Mount Audubon Trail junction across the tundra
through a saddle. It is easy to follow with numerous rock cairns marking the
way. From here it switchbacks down through dense forest for about 3.1 miles.
It crosses several branches of Beaver Creek before intersecting a four wheel
drive road that travels east to Beaver Reservoir (about 3 miles). The elevation
here is about 9,700 feet. Continue west for another 1.5 miles to reach the
Buchanan Pass Trail. The trail climbs up a rocky slope to the intersection
with the Buchanan Pass Trail. Camping and livestock are permitted in the Coney
Creek Travel Zone but no open fires are allowed. Use only gas stoves.
Features:
| Length: |
6.6 miles (10.6 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,789' - 11,376' |
| Elevation change: |
3,089 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
High |
| USGS maps: |
Allenspark, Ward |
| Trailheads: |
Beaver Creek, Coney Flats |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no campfires,
no camping from Mount Audubon Trail south |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes (no livestock from Mount Audubon
Trail south |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
To
get to the Beaver Creek Trailhead take Highway 72 north from Nederland approximately
eight miles to Ward. Turn west on Forest Road 112 and travel about 3 miles to
the entrance to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (there is a fee).
It is another two miles to Brainard Lake. Follow the road around the north side
of the lake to the turnoff to the Mitchell Lake parking area. Turn right to
the parking area. The Beaver Creek Trailhead is located at the north end of
the parking lot.
To
get to the Coney Flats Trailhead take Highway 7 west from Lyons approximately
12 miles or Highway 7 south from Estes Park about 18 miles to Highway 72. Turn
south on 72 and travel approximately seven miles to County Road 96. Take County
Road 96 west for about 2.5 miles to Beaver Reservoir. Hike or drive the rough
4WD road about four miles to the trailhead.
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