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Beaver Creek is a whimsical mountain village in Vail Valley, Colorado. Almost a million skiers visit the famous Beaver Creek Resort for its 1,800 skiable acres and endless trails. Plus, the scenery is unmatched — a quick hike gives you ethereal views of the Rockies, whether in the summer heat or winter’s cold.
The chilly months bring cold winds and snow, but also endless opportunities to reflect, meditate, explore, and connect with loved ones through ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more.
Thinking of visiting in the summer? You’re in for a treat. Beaver Creek maintains Colorado’s reputation for adventure, hosting endless activities like rock climbing, backpacking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and more.
But if you’re after a hike, it doesn’t matter when you visit. Each trail offers incredible hiking experiences, where wildflowers populate plains and trees seem to climb up mountains. The winter trails are often groomed for your convenience, with fluffy snow blanketing fir and pine trees.
So, where are the best trails for Beaver Creek hikes? We’ve got your back with the perfect vacation rental. Now, let us help you plan epic hikes for you and the family to enjoy!
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a newbie, Beaver Creek, Colorado, has no shortage of hikes with stunning landscapes and wildlife. Ready for a challenge? Let’s start our list of the best Beaver Creek hikes with an endurance-building challenge!
Beaver Lake Trail
Looking for a short hike with beautiful lake views? The Beaver Lake Trail is a terrific choice, one of the best hiking trails for scenic views of Beaver Lake or Pristine Mountain Lake, depending on where you are on the hike. If you bring your pooch, keep him leashed. This trail enters the Holy Cross Wilderness Zone, with strict rules to maintain the environment.
The trail is just over six miles long and rises 515 m in elevation — a strenuous climb that’ll take you 3.5 hours to complete. It’s close to Beaver Creek village, so get an early start to avoid the crowds.
You’ll start your adventure on the pavement, which might feel like a drag. But as you climb to the top, you’ll experience divine, panoramic views of Beaver Lake. We’re talking Microsoft, screensaver-type beauty — totally worth the sweat. The trail also connects to other Beaver Creek hiking trails, if you’re still hungry for adventure!
But this hiking trail isn’t ideal for a winter adventure. Parts of the trail are impenetrable when snow hits. Plus, summer brings picturesque, blooming wildflowers like yellow trout lilies!
- Difficulty Level: Moderate – Hard
- Length: 6.27 miles
- Best Time To Visit: June – October
- Wildlife Sightings: Trout lilies, Fish, Bears
- Pro Tip: Take the Centennial Express Lift to the Royal Elk Trail if you get too tired!
Beaver Creek Loop Trail
The Beaver Creek Loop Trail is a year-round, 7.5-mile hike — and it’s not for the faint of heart. Bring enthusiasm and energy to this trail. You’ll need to drive about three hours from the Beaver Creek Resort to reach it, but it makes for a fabulous day trip near Penrose, Colorado. Take your dog along for the ride, but make sure you have them on a leash. It’s required; plus, you don’t want them eating or getting pricked by the cacti.
Do you hear that? That’s the constant, soothing sound of the Rocky Mountain River. The Beaver Creek Loop Trail is peppered with dense trees, inspiring landscapes, and… unfortunately, bugs. Bug spray is key for this challenging hike! But a small price to pay for gorgeous, overgrown greenery.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: 7.5 miles
- Best Time To Visit: Anytime
- Wildlife Sightings: Elk and Bighorn Sheep
- Pro Tip: Bring a trail map for this longer hike!
Buck Creek Trail
Buck Creek Trail is a short, out-and-back hike, perfect for the hiker on a time crunch or a family that needs to drain their kids’ energy. It’s short, but quite steep. If you get tired, take your time and absorb the fragrant aromas of Aspen groves and fresh pine trees. Some travelers report interesting wildlife sightings, with one citing a mountain lion encounter just 1.5 miles into the trail! They might look cute, but be extra cautious and back away slowly if you see one.
Now, this isn’t a great trail for a panoramic view, though traveling into the mountains is a visual treat on its own. The journey is gorgeous, with waterfalls and overgrown greenery.
The trail follows Buck Creek’s gentle stream, as it winds through lovely forested areas with aspen mountain views.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 5 miles
- Best Time To Visit: March – November
- Wildlife Sightings: Mountain Lions, Squirrels, Birds, Butterflies
- Pro Tip: Wear long pants and bring bug spray.
Eagle Vail Trail
The out-and-back, fast-paced Eagle Vail Trail is a smooth hike that only takes 2.5 hours to finish. A short ride from Avon, Colorado, this is a popular, great trail for mountain biking and running. Plus, it’s a smooth elevation with a gradual 271-meter gain.
However, the family-friendly difficulty tends to draw large crowds throughout the day. We recommend getting a head start if you want to experience the trail’s stillness and calmness — yes, 8 am!
You’ll start your journey at the Stone Creek trailhead, where the walk is flat, serene, and calming. The Eagle Vail Trail appears about a mile in. You hear someone yell in the distance: “Fore!” That’s the golf course, with voices echoing against the water and trees!
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Best Time To Visit: April – October
- Wildlife Sightings: Birds, Snakes, Chipmunks, Hummingbirds
- Pro Tip: Bring extra socks in case it gets muddy.
Bighorn Creek Trail
The Bighorn Creek Trail travels through the picturesque Vail Valley, where lush vegetation changes from a sea of aspen grove, pine, and fir trees to meadows of playful wildflowers. You’ll also pass through the Eagles Nest Wilderness area, so make sure you abide by any rules you note on the signs, including keeping your dog on a leash.
Spending some time in Vail? You might consider taking the bus from there to this trail because there are limited spots in the parking lot. Once you begin, you’ll notice a steep incline pretty quickly — the trail experiences a 683-meter elevation gain, like many East Vail hikes. But the voyage is filled with Instagram-worthy shots of wide vistas and tranquil streams.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 7.08 miles
- Best Time To Visit: May – October
- Wildlife Spotting: Bears, Snakes, Moose
- Pro Tip: Wear over-the-ankle boots to protect yourself from snakes!
Beaver Creek Overlook Trail
The Beaver Creek Overlook Trail is a year-round trail that starts at the Gondola Ski Lift (bigger than a chairlift). It’s a steep trail with, unfortunately, many fallen trees recently. But travelers gush about the gorgeous views of Beaver Creek Village, fragrant trees, and curious wildlife sightings (including deer, hawks, and bears)!
During Autumn, this hike treats you with surreal visuals of swaying golden leaves and splashing colors across the forests. The ample shade from the trees makes you feel comfortable, even on those glistening, sunny days.
All finished? You can take the trek back down, or take the free gondola ride for a breezy break!
- Difficulty Level: Hard
- Length: 6.2 miles
- Best Time To Visit: Anytime
- Wildlife Spotting: Bears, Deer, Chipmunks, Owls, Hawks
- Pro Tip: Bring a camera for magical shots and memories!
Village Creek Trail
Is a family member dragging you on a hike? We promise the Village Creek Trail is a low-stress, smooth hike, even for the most resistant! Perfect for beginners, this trail only takes 1.25 hours to complete. Plus, it’s conveniently close to Beaver Creek Village.
What sets this trail apart from others is the surrounding ambiance of the village houses instead of the wilderness. The trail provides a sweet escape from the noise of the Beaver Creek Village and plunges you into the tranquil surroundings of the mountains.
You’ll start your voyage from the Offerson Road trailhead. The Village Loop will weave around the houses, then into a swarm of trees that echoes with gurgling streams and gusty breezes. Talk about meditative!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 2.1 miles
- Best Time To Visit: Anytime
- Wildlife Spotting: Deer
- Pro Tip: This hike isn’t as immersed in nature as the others; you’ll come across a section where you can see condos.
Things to Pack for Your Hike
A few mosquito bites, wet socks, or harsh winds can hamper your adventure through Beaver Creek’s hiking trails. Here are some things to pack to ensure a smooth hike!
Summer Packing List
- Good hiking shoes
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen and hat
- Sunglasses for those bright Colorado days—and for keeping your eyes safe from dust and debris kicked up by other hikers!
- Extra socks
Winter Packing List
- Snow boots
- Thermal wear
- Granola bars
- Extra pair of socks, shoes, and clothing
Unwind from Your Hike at a Beaver Creek Vacation Rental
It’s late afternoon, and you’re exhausted from your hike. Beano’s Cabin is calling your name for dinner, but not before you refresh at home with clean clothes and a hot shower.
Rent by Owner helps thousands of travelers find comfortable accommodations, whether a cozy log cabin or a high-end chalet. Ready to experience the charms of the Beaver Creek area? Book a Beaver Creek rental today!
Featued Image Credit: Kayak The Rockies via Flickr CC2.0
