Captain Mountain Trail (#46)

Length: 8.9 miles ONE-WAY
Elevation: 8,796 feet - 10,611 feet
Trail Description:
- From the Echo Lake Trailhead: Park at the trailhead area outside of the Echo Lake Campground. Follow the road through the campground past site #10 and you will see a trail marker for the trail on the right. Hike near Beaver Dam Creek through spruce/fir forest and meadows to the base of Captain Mountain. The trail continues down through lodgepole poine and aspen to the Captain Mountain Trailhead. Click here for more information about dispersed camping near Idaho Springs and Georgetown.
- Access from the Mount Evans State Wildlife Area: From the Bear Creek Guard Station, the trail gradually climbs through lodgepole pine and aspen forest. It skirts the bottom of the 9,869 foot Captain Mountain before meandering through meadows. The end is a steady climb through thick spruce and fir woods, up the canyon of Beaverdam Creek, and finally to the Echo Lake Campground.
Note: Mount Evans State Wildlife Area is open June 15 - December 31. Closed to vehicle access after Labor Day.
View a COTREX trail map here.
At a Glance
Fees: | A Habitat Stamp is required to enter the Mount Evans State Wildlife Area from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. |
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Permit Info: | A mandatory free self-issuing permit is required for the Mount Evans Wilderness. Free permits are available at each trailhead or entry point into the wilderness. |
Usage: | Light |
Best Season: | Hiking conditions are best from July through September. |
Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply in the Mount Evans Wilderness:
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Closest Towns: | Idaho Springs; Evergreen |
Water: | Streams; treat water before drinking. |
Restroom: | Practice Leave No Trace principles. |
Operated By: | Colorado Division of Wildlife and U.S. Forest Service |