Beaver Creek Trailhead
Beaver Creek Trailhead is adjacent to the same parking area as the Mitchell Lake Trailhead at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA). Trailhead hosts are available to answer questions on summer weekends. This trailhead provides access to the Beaver Creek Trail.
Hiking trails to the west of the BLRA enter into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailhead, are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness Regulations and permit requirements.
Beaver Creek Trail (#911)
One-way Distance: Mitchell Lake Trailhead (TH) to Mount Audubon Trail - 1.7 miles; Coney Flats TH - 5.1 miles; to Buchanan Pass Trail - 6.9 miles.
Trail Description: Beaver Creek Trail enters into the Indian Peaks Wilderness shortly after leaving the Beaver Creek Trailhead. After a few switchbacks, the trail circles the ridge and intersects with the Mount Audubon Trail. Beaver Creek Trail continues northward for 3.4 miles, descending the northeastern flank of the mountain on a graded trail, finally dropping into Coney Flats. From Coney Flats the Beaver Creek Trail turns west into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Coney Lake Trail intersects 0.25 miles west of Coney Flats, and Beaver Creek Trail ends at Buchanan Pass Trail, 1.8 miles west of Coney Flats.
General Information
View an area map here.
This trailhead is open seasonally.
This trailhead accesses the Indian Peaks Wilderness, which requires camping permits for all overnight trips between June 1 and September 15. Organized groups are required to have a permit for both camping and day-hiking year-round. Overnight permits cost $5 per group, per trip from June 1 through September 15. Day-hiking permits are free year-round.
Pack animals (horses/llamas) and recreational shooting (except for legal hunting) are prohibited.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Summer Season (May 1 - Nov 14): Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times; when open, developed camping is only allowed at Pawnee Campground (no camping in closed campgrounds); dispersed camping is only allowed north of the South St Vrain Creek.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Winter Season (Nov 15 - Apr 30): Motorized vehicles are prohibited; dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads; camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of developed recreation sites except Red Rock Lake; skis only on Little Raven and CMC Ski Trail.
Fishing and hunting are permitted in accordance with regulations established by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply during the summer operating season (typically late June through mid-October).
Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply during the summer operating season (typically late June through mid-October).
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Summer Season (May 1 - Nov 14): Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Winter Season (Nov 15 - Apr 30): Dogs are allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 40.108361
Longitude: -105.515619
Elevation
10,460 feet at Mitchell Lake TH; 11,250 feet at Beaver Creek Trail intersection with Mount Audubon Trail; 9,800 feet at Coney Flats TH
Directions
From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the entrance portal, and continue another three miles to Beaver Creek Trailhead.
Parking
Parking is available for 60 vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
