Views from the Beaver Meadows Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Views from the Beaver Meadows Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Beaver Meadows Loop hike

Rocky Mountain National Park
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Longs Peak from the Beaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoThe beginning of the trail on the Beaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoLooking from the Beaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoPanorama from the Beaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoBeaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USABeaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park has beautiful views of Longs PeakTrail peaks from the Beaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoValley views from the Beaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoEnd of the Beaver Meadows Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Beaver Meadows Loop hike

Distance: 4.3mi
Elevation: 902ft
Time: 2-3h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.2 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

The Beaver Meadows Loop hike is an easier hike with great views of Longs Peak and a good spot to hear the elk bugle in the fall. This hike will take you through open meadows, woods and over streams to take in the views of Rocky Mountain National Park and see the elk.

Beaver Meadows Loop Hike Map

Getting there

From Estes Park, take highway 36 West into the National Park. Just past Bear Lake Road, you’ll turn left onto Upper Beaver Meadows Rd. Follow it all the way to the end and park at the Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead.

I’ve done this 45 people have done this
I want to do this 80 want to do this route

About

When to do

Year Round

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

In parking lot

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Extreme

Route Type

Circuit


Beaver Meadows Loop
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Beaver Meadows Loop

From the Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead, find the sign and orient yourself with the map of the area. We prefer (and describe) hiking clockwise around the Beaver Meadows Loop, though you can take either direction.

To start this hike, cross the river and head straight and see the signs that point to Moraine Park. You’ll hike through an open meadow and Longs Peak looms overhead. After a 0.3mi, you’ll enter the woods and reach your first intersection. Stay to the right, still toward Moraine Park and the trail starts to climb gradually.

You’ll quickly get to the next intersection and you’ll keep right again following the signs toward Trail Ridge Road. About 0.5mi into the hike, turn left at the next intersection. The trailhead is to the right if you need to cut your hike short.

Follow the trail for another 1.0mi before the next intersection, and turn right. From here, you’ll wind through the woods on the hills sneaking peaks of Longs Peak to the south and Deer Mountain to the east between the trees. You’ll meet up with Beaver Brook and cross over it to hike beside it for over a 1.0mi.

Roughly 2.5mi into the hike, you’ll hang a right, following the signs to Beaver Meadows trailhead and the trail will descend down until you reach your car, popping out on the other side of the parking lot.

Want to find more amazing hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Check out Chasm Lake hike, Lake Haiyaha hike or the Sky Pond and Lake of Glass hike.

Insider Hints

  • The parking lot is very small and doesn’t accommodate a lot of people. Get there early to get a parking spot.

  • This is a really good place to see Elk in the fall. Be careful around Elk, and follow Ranger precautions when viewing.

Comments

Trix97 6 years ago

Beaver Meadows is a nice walk to take your family with you. But be ready to be surrounded by a lot of people.

8.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 45m Time Taken
ddiana 6 years ago

I took my children there to see some elks lovely spot

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 30m Time Taken
Ramiro G. 6 years ago

This is an easy walk. There are lots of families with children and old people as it's easy to get to and elks love to hang out around

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
SJ 6 years ago

Beaver Meadows Loop is a great family walk.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Burokai 6 years ago

Good elk watching spot for nature lovers. Lots of families, nice views. We had a great relaxing afternoon in Beavers Meadow

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
2h 00m Time Taken
5 Comments

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