Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Hike
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Trail is a unique adventure into the Mount of the Holy Cross Wilderness. Though not a quintessential summit hike in the Sawatch Mountain Range, this stunning trail is a welcomed change as it exhibits sights of the lush woodlands, wildflower fields, looming peaks, and the Beaver Creek Ski Resort all before arriving at the charming lake.
Route Description for 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.
Getting to the Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Hike Trailhead
Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Hike is accessed via the trailhead off Cinch-Upper Road. Consider taking the Centennial Ski lift for easier access.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
Year-round
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Village Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Village Creek Trail
Sawatch Mountain Range
![Beaver Creek Overlook Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Beaver Creek Overlook Trail
Sawatch Mountain Range
![New York Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
New York Mountain Trail
Sawatch Mountain Range
![Allie’s Way Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Allie’s Way Trail
Sawatch Mountain Range
![Turquoise Lakes Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Turquoise Lakes Hike
Sawatch Mountain Range
![Village to Village Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Village to Village Trail
Sawatch Mountain Range
![Notch Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Notch Mountain Hike
Sawatch Mountain Range
![Beaver Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Beaver Lake Trail
Sawatch Mountain Range
![Surprise Lake via Cross Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Surprise Lake via Cross Creek Trail
Sawatch Mountain Range
![Beaver Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Beaver Lake Trail
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
![Ridge Route](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-CO-Vail-Ridge-Route-Trail-1920x480.jpg)
Ridge Route
Vail
![Davos Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-CO-Vail-Davos-Trail-1920x480.jpg)
Davos Trail
Vail