Colorado's Beaver Creek Trail

Beaver Creek Trail

(Comanche Peak Wilderness)

Description:
The Beaver Creek Trail begins at the Comanche Lake/ Hourglass Trailhead and travels 6.2 miles to its intersection with the Flowers Trail. It begins at an elevation of 9,350 feet and climbs to 10,950 feet. It intersects the Comanche Lake, Browns Lake, and Brackenbury trails along the way. The trail begins as a fairly level walk through a lodgepole pine forest. After about 1 to 1.5 miles it descends down into the valley containing Comanche Reservoir. At the bottom it parallels Beaver Creek as it comes out of the reservoir. Just before the dam the trail splits. The right fork continues on above the dam and the left fork goes to the base of the dam and climbs up over the dam. Both trails meet again just west of the dam.
The trail continues along the north side of the reservoir and climbs the hill above the reservoir. It makes a moderate climb through some rock talus. After a short distance it descends back down to the west end of the reservoir. The trail crosses a small stream and then enters the Comanche Peak Wilderness. You also enter a travel zone where camping is restricted to designated campsites and campfires are not permitted. There are no good places to camp here anyway. In a short while you will pass the intersections with the Comanche Lake and Browns Lake trails.
Just beyond the Browns Lake Trail the trail leaves the travel zone and begins a long climb toward the Flowers Trail. The forest is dense spruce with a lot of deadfall. The trail is not well maintained here and you will most likely encounter numerous deadfall (downed trees) across the path. Those with livestock may find it dfficult to get around. Near the top the trail levels out and there are good places to camp near the ruins of an old cabin. The Brackenbury Trail intersects this trail near the cabin. The trail then makes a short climb up a ridge to meet the Flowers Trail. With the exception of the upper section, this trail is fairly easy to hike.

Features:

Length:	6.2 miles (10 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,340' - 10,934'
Elevation change:	2,235 feet
Season:	June 15 - Sept 30
Difficulty:	Easy to Moderate
Use:	High
USGS maps:	Comanche Peak, Pingree Park
Trailheads:	Comanche Lake/Hourglass
Restrictions:	Pets must be on a leash, no open fires in travel zones
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted in wilderness)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Other Nearby Resources:

Beaver Creek

Comanche Reservoir

Directions:
Take Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to Laporte. Continue on Highway 287 to Highway 14. Travel west on 14 for 24 miles to the Pinegree Park Road. Turn left and travel 15.5 miles to the Tom Bennett Campground. Turn right and travel 2.5 miles (through the Sky Ranch) to the Comanche Lake/ Hourglass Trailhead.