Beaver Lake
White River National Forest
Holy Cross Wilderness
900 Grand Ave.
Glenwood Springs CO 81601
(970) 945-2521
Beaver Creek Resort is a luxury ski destination located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, about 120 miles west of Denver and 10 miles from Vail. It is known for its upscale atmosphere, meticulously groomed slopes, and world-class amenities. The resort offers a blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a popular choice for skiers, snowboarders, and families seeking a premium mountain experience. While Beaver Creek is renowned for winter sports, it also offers summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, golf, and outdoor concerts. The scenic beauty of the area makes it a great destination year-round.
This hike starts at the Beaver Creek Village ski area where you can go to the hiking center and get a Trail map. It follows the Beaver Lake Trail from the village southbound for 3.75 miles and spends at least the first mile winding through the resort. If you start the hike at the Village, you will use the Five Senses Hiking Trail briefly and pass the Flood’s Fishing Ponds to the left where there are occasionally young children fishing in the summer months. From here you continue climbing and stay to the right of the namesake Beaver Creek. Once you arrive at a trail junction for Allie’s Way to the left and another in the same area that loops back to the Village to the right – the scenery looks much more like backcountry wilderness and it’s a very pleasant climb the final two miles to Beaver Lake. Just 0.3 miles before the lake – you enter the Holy Cross Wilderness where overnight backpackers are asked to register via the self-service box at the boundary of the resort. This area was settled by John and Mary Thomas in 1904, and when you see how pretty Beaver Lake is you’ll understand why they chose this area.
- click for a trip report for this hiking trail near Beaver Creek Village: August 10, 2013 (password required)
- click for a topographical map of trails at the Beaver Creek Ski Resort
- click for a trail map of hikes from Beaver Creek Village
- click for a topo and profile map of this hike on 5 Senses & Beaver Lake trails (password required)
- click for a hike on Allie’s Way at Beaver Creek Ski Resort during this trip
- click for a hike at the nearby Vail Mountain Ski Report in August 2023
- click for a hike at the Copper Mountain Ski Resort in August 2023
- click for Hiking Colorado: A Guide To The State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures (State Hiking Guides Series)
- click for links to other outdoor books and magazines