beaver lake trail

the wildflowers alone are worth this hike. When you get to the lake it is so beautiful that you will want to jump in and cool off! Great place to bring a picnic lunch and relax after your hike.

We took a hike on this trail today based on the various reviews on Trip Advisor. This was an extremely disappointing hike:1. Beaver Creek is a gated winter resort not geared toward hiking or nature walking. Parking is very controlled and limited. Info for hikers are hard to find. Sign posts to trailheads non-existent. Hikers need to park at the Village Center as the resort prohibits parking elsewhere and many roads are marked for residents only. All of this means one has to hike along road paths up the hills, then on to a gravel road through many muddy construction sites (parking along this gated road are for a large number of constructions or for services folks only - no trailhead parking ). After 25 minutes of hiking along civilization, one would get to the trailhead.2. After the trailhead, the trail is along a small gravel road along the Beaver Creek into the ski area. On the other side of the creek is another larger gravel road for construction vehicles. Evidence of past constructions are everywhere.3. After 1.30 miles and a few hundred feet of additional elevation, one would arrive near another ongoing busy construction site. 4. The trail continues along the creek in the forest. One can still hear the construction pounding for another 15 minutes. There is no opening vista or scenery, no meadow clearing, only artificial clearing due to ski trail maintenance.Why should any hiker endure 2.75 miles uphill hike to see human development and hear construction / man made noises before one get to a more natural area? Comparing with hikes at other ski resort area Aspen (Maroon Bell, Independent Pass Area), Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe, Taos etc.. and national parks, this hike deserves a 2 star only. This is a hike to avoid for nature lovers.

This was our first hike during our trip to Colorado, and it was quite a doozy for me. By doozy, I mean I was huffing and puffing and totally regretting choosing this hike to try out the altitude and my new hiking shoes. Having said that, I am in fair physical condition, but that is subjective. I believe it took us over 2 hours to make it to the lake and over an hour to make it back. The first mile or so of the hike was alongside construction from the ski area, so I did not find the hike particularly beautiful. What did I like about the hike? Finally making it to the lake and seeing the abundance of trout! This is always a highlight for us. The husband did some fishing and caught a couple of fish right away. And...we saw a moose! Obviously, this hike caught me off guard, which is my fault. We chose this hike because it was close to where we were staying, but in hindsight it was not the best hike to choose first. The lake was beautiful and full of life and the trail was not crowded the day we went. Definitely give it a try if you are acclimated to the altitude and up for a little bit of a challenge.

Very beautiful trail. Had some very steep areas. You need to adjust to the altitude before hiking. Good exercise. I would rate itdifficult.

We were glad we took this hike, despite the concerns of being in shape to do it. It is a 1600 ft elevation change, and probably not the hike to do, your first day at altitude. However, if you are hiker, can take your time if you are finding it a challenge, it is a lovely one to add to your Beaver Creek experience. It is well groomed, getting to the lake was no issue for us, and if anything, I would have been happy to push on beyond the lake. And finishing this hike back in Beaver Creek, you can reward yourself with a much deserved cold beer! Have fun.

We found out about half way thru we were not in good shape for this walk. It was still fun and we would do it again it just took a little longer than we expected the views we saw were well worth the exercise

I am 69 years old and have not had problems hiking before. I( expected this to be easier than it was. We beganthis hike on the morning after our arrival in Beaver creek from Ky. I was surprised that I could not make the hike to the lake but had to turn back at the City equipment garage at the top of the paved road. The path was beautiful and follows a creek where rushing water is a true experience of Colorado mountain hikes. That was worth the effort: I was just sorry I couldnot make it to the lake......

We enjoyed the hike. We expected a casual walk in the woods, but this was a respectable hike. And I might add, somewhat steep in spots. We needed to stop & catch our breath several times.

Times are variable depending on fitness level. We hiked up in 1:15 hour with a couple stops. :40 minutes max down with a moon rise viewing at the bottom of Birds of Prey.

The trail to Beaver Lake is a classic alpine trail to a classic alpine lake. The scenery is stunning, from the wildflowers at your feet, to the rushing mountain stream at your side, to the snow-covered peaks towering over your head. The trail is well-maintained. It's not quite perfect, though. The larger part of the trail is in the Beaver Creek ski area, and when I hiked it, the resort was in the process of moving a ski lift, which involved a lot of construction vehicles whizzing by on the road across the stream and a helicopter buzzing around. Interesting, but not exactly peaceful or natural. Even without the construction, expect the periodic appearance of ski lifts and related mechanical installations. Eventually, though, the trail reaches a wilderness boundary and leaves civilization behind, and that makes it worth the effort. The lake isn't a stand-out, as alpine lakes go, but it's pretty, especially at the back end where the stream feeds into it. One note: I live at 5,000 feet and so didn't find the 8,000-9,000 foot altitude to be a problem, but if you're coming from sea level allow yourself some time to acclimate before you try the hike.

Amazingly beautiful! This trail to the Beaver Creek Lake was stunning! The hike took around 2 and 1/2 hours to the lake and 1 and 1/2 hours return.

This is a perfect hike for a day trip. It's a steading uphill climb but not to difficult, just have plenty of water. Once you get to the lake it is well worth the trip. Great place to have lunch or do a little fishing. The best part is having a cold beer at The Chop House when you get back to the village.

Good track, well maintained. Walked this out of season, so very quiet.Great views around the lake and saw 2 bears on the way back

It was a longer walk with a steady incline, and became a bit of a challenge at the end for the seniors, but it was well worth it. The lake was beautiful, and it was nice to see deer along the way. I would suggest early morning. Horses from the stables come up along the path, which can be slightly congestive, but which I enjoy seeing. I might enjoy the horse ride next time if I feel less energetic.

We hike this every year, easy access from the village. A good half day hike with great views along the way. Grab a lunch and bring your fishing pole during the summer!