Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Hike

Immerse yourself in the wilderness and get your steps in along the Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Trail. Though your feet may grow weary, the postcard-worthy scenery creates the perfect distraction. Enjoy sights of the looming snow-capped peaks like Mount of the Holy Cross and revel in the beauty of the high country’s landscape. Though technically accessible via the Cinch-Upper Road, many prefer to take the Centennial chairlift up to the trailhead—it is more fun anyway!

Departing from the Royal Elk Trailhead, the Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Hike tracks southwestward. Immediately the path will begin to gradually descend, guiding you beneath the shade of towering pine and spruce trees. Follow the route, intersecting with several snowmelt streams and crossing under chairlifts. Interspersed with meadowlands, you will be granted wonderful views of Colorado’s mountainous wilderness before arriving at a junction. Here, keep left, and you will be diverted onto the Turquoise Lakes Trail.

This path will quickly deliver you to Beaver Lake, a quaint lake nestled beneath the timberline that reveals sights of the snow-capped summits peaking over the trees. Enjoy the scenery, and when you are ready to return, simply retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.