Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek's hiking is quieter than you'd expect from a resort town. Most visitors come for the ski lifts, which means the trail network sees a fraction of the foot traffic you'd find in Vail or Breckenridge on a summer weekend.
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Beaver Creek's hiking is quieter than you'd expect from a resort town. Most visitors come for the ski lifts, which means the trail network sees a fraction of the foot traffic you'd find in Vail or Breckenridge on a summer weekend. The six trails here range from genuinely easy walks to more demanding terrain, and several of them are accessible right from the village. Lost Buck and its companion route Lost Buck Spur give you a connected loop option without needing to drive anywhere, and the Beaver Lake/Turquoise Lake trail is a reliable choice if you're hiking with kids or anyone who wants a payoff view without a brutal climb. Paulie's Plunge/Stone Creek drops into a drainage that stays cool even on hot afternoons, making it a good pick for midsummer. Aspen Glade earns its name in late September when the trees turn, and timing a visit for that window is worth planning around. Elevations here sit well above 8,000 feet at the trailhead, so if you're coming from sea level, give yourself a day to adjust before pushing hard. The trail system is compact enough that you can realistically hike two or three routes in a single day.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike at Beaver Creek?
Late June through early October is the main window, once snowmelt has cleared the upper trails. Late September is worth targeting specifically for the Aspen Glade trail, when the aspens are turning. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so starting before 9 a.m. and planning to be off exposed terrain by early afternoon is a practical habit.
Which trails are suitable for beginners or families with young kids?
Lost Buck, Beaver Lake/Turquoise Lake, and Paulie's Plunge/Stone Creek are all listed as easy difficulty. Beaver Lake/Turquoise Lake is a particularly good family option because the lake destination gives kids a clear goal. Just account for the elevation — even easy trails at Beaver Creek's altitude feel harder than a flat trail at sea level.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike at Beaver Creek?
Access to Beaver Creek's trail network typically requires either a resort day pass or a valid lift ticket during the ski season, but summer hiking access policies can differ. Check directly with Beaver Creek Resort before your trip, since access rules and any associated fees can change seasonally.
What gear should I bring for a day hike here?
Layers are non-negotiable even in summer -- temperatures at this elevation can swing 30 degrees between morning and afternoon. Bring rain gear for afternoon storms, sun protection (UV exposure is intense above 8,000 feet), and more water than you think you need since the dry mountain air accelerates dehydration. Trekking poles are useful on the Lost Buck Spur terrain.
Can I connect multiple trails into a longer route?
Yes. Lost Buck and Lost Buck Spur are designed as connectable routes, so combining them is a straightforward way to extend your day without backtracking the same path. The overall trail network is compact, and with six trails in the system you can reasonably string together two or three in a single outing depending on your pace and fitness.
