Rocky Mountain National Park: Beaver Mountain Trail
Thanks to only a little elevation gain, this 7-mile loop offers flatlanders great rewards (big views, wildlife, solitude) without much suffering. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen.
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INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm
PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations accepted ($20 administrative fee for permits during peak season). nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcntry_guide.htm
CONTACT Rocky Mountain National Park, (970) 586-1206; nps.gov/romo
-Mapped by Kris Wagner
Trail Facts
- Distance: 11.3
Waypoints
BMT001
Location: 40.386818, -105.6101
Deer Ridge Junction: Hike S of US 36, following signs to Bear Mtn. Trail
BMT002
Location: 40.382282, -105.608765
Huge rocky thrones sit alongside trail
BMT003
Location: 40.379452, -105.607117
Turn R; trail crosses swampy meadow then climbs a sun-baked knoll
BMT004
Location: 40.376999, -105.607986
Turn R onto Bear Mtn. Trail
BMT005
Location: 40.379482, -105.622482
Gentle climb to a snow-white aspen grove
BMT006
Location: 40.374184, -105.625664
Cross Beaver Brook; look downstream for deer foraging along the grassy banks; begin easy ascent around the E-side of Beaver Mnt.
BMT007
Location: 40.364944, -105.626465
Spur Trail: Turn L to a gnarly outcrop with impressive views Moraine Park and a sea of dramatic peaks; return to trail and turn L
BMT008
Location: 40.360382, -105.631287
Turn L onto Beaver Meadows Trail; small overlook on R; path passes under the outcrop described above
BMT009
Location: 40.369202, -105.617554
Keep L @ Y
BMT010
Location: 40.373051, -105.614067
Trail exits @ Upper Beaver Meadows trailhead; head E on gravel road
BMT011
Location: 40.37265, -105.612465
Turn L back onto trail; marmots scurry in a meadow of blue-green sage brush
BMT012
Location: 40.376934, -105.608032
Turn R to end loop, then return .9 miles to trailhead