Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead, Northern Colorado Travel Guide

4.8 (135)

Discover easy hiking, stunning views, and abundant wildlife at Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park.

Home
Travel Guides
Colorado
Northern Colorado
Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead

Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead, nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado, offers a serene escape with easy trails, stunning views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. It's a perfect spot for families and those seeking a less crowded experience.

A brief summary to Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead

Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead.

Arrive early, especially during peak season, as the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, especially for spotting elk and birds.
Check the park's website for seasonal closures of Upper Beaver Meadows Road, typically from mid-October to mid-May.
Be aware of potential elk rut closures in September and October, which restrict access to the meadows during certain hours.
Wear appropriate footwear, as parts of the trail can be muddy or snowy, especially in spring and early summer.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Fort Fun

Rocky Mountain National Park

Tiny Town & Railroad

The Meeker Home Museum

Explore Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Estes Park, drive west on Highway 36 towards Rocky Mountain National Park. After entering the park (entrance fee required), continue for approximately 0.7 miles to the turnoff for Upper Beaver Meadows on the left. Follow Upper Beaver Meadows Road, a rough paved road, for about 1.4 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. Park in the designated parking area. Park entrance fees are $30 for a one-day vehicle pass or $35 for a seven-day pass.
Walking

From the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, walk west along Highway 36 for approximately 2 miles until you reach Beaver Meadows Road on the west side of the highway. Turn onto Beaver Meadows Road and continue for 1.5 miles to the parking area. Be cautious of traffic along Highway 36. There are no additional costs for this option beyond the park entrance fee (if entering from outside the park).

Discover more about Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead

Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead provides access to a tranquil montane meadow within Rocky Mountain National Park. Located a short drive from Estes Park and the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, this trailhead is a gateway to easy-to-moderate hiking trails with stunning views and abundant wildlife.The area is known for its panoramic views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, and Moraine Park. The meadows themselves rest at the upper limits of the montane ecosystem, creating a unique landscape of open grasslands bordered by pine, fir, and aspen forests. Beaver Brook meanders through the meadow, adding to the scenic beauty.Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The most popular option is the Upper Beaver Meadows Loop, an easy 1.1-mile trail that circles the meadow with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for families and beginner hikers. Other trails, like the Ute Trail and Beaver Mountain Loop, offer more challenging options.Upper Beaver Meadows is also a prime location for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot elk, mule deer, and various bird species. The area is particularly known for elk during the fall rutting season. Birdwatchers can find various species in the grasslands, aspens and forested areas.While the area suffered from the 2020 East Troublesome Fire, it has also opened up panoramic views along the trails.