Beaver Creek (#911)

Photo of the Beaver Creek Trail on the way to Mt Audubon with the Indian Peaks in the background

Length: Mitchell Lake Trailhead (TH) to Mount Audubon Trail - 1.7 miles; Coney Flats TH - 5.1 miles; to Buchanan Pass Trail - 6.9 miles. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY.

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

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 nice 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.

Click here for a trail summary.

View a trail map here.

At a Glance

Fees:	Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply during the summer operating season (typically mid/late-June through mid-October).
Permit Info:	This trail lies within the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area: Camping permits required for all overnight trips between June 1 and September 15. Overnight permits cost $5 per group, per trip from June 1 through September 15. Organized groups are required to have a permit for both camping and day-hiking year round. Day-hiking permits are free.
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	Hiking conditions are best from July through September.
Restrictions:	Indian Peak Wilderness restrictions apply: Motorized equipment and mechanized transportation are prohibited. Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. Campfires are prohibited year round. Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from water and trail. Group size is limited to 12. Packstock are prohibited on portions of this trail Processed weed-free feed is required for stock. Camping is prohibited on portions of this trail from May 1 through November 30. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Fishing and hunting: permitted in accordance with regulations established by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Closest Towns:	Ward, Colorado
Water:	Occasional streams; treat water for drinking
Restroom:	Vault toilet at trailhead
Operated By:	U.S. Forest Service

General Information

Accessibility:

The Coney Flats and Brainard Lake Roads are open seasonally. During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

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 the Mitchell Lake TH parking area. The Beaver Creek Trailhead is on the north side of this lot.