Beaver Meadows Loop Route Guide
Table of contents
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 0.4 km, 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 0.8 km 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 1.6 km 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 1.6 km.
Roughly 4 km 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 for Beaver Meadows Loop
- 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.
Getting to the Beaver Meadows Loop Trailhead
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.Route Information for Beaver Meadows Loop
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
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Beaver Meadows Loop
Beaver Meadows is a nice walk to take your family with you. But be ready to be surrounded by a lot of people.
- Trip Length
- 01:45
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
I took my children there to see some elks lovely spot
- Trip Length
- 01:30
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Beaver Meadows Loop is a great family walk.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Good elk watching spot for nature lovers. Lots of families, nice views. We had a great relaxing afternoon in Beavers Meadow
- Trip Length
- 02:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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