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Easy-going route with streams, views, and a beautiful alpine lake.


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Map Key

12.2

Miles

19.6

KM

Loop

11,167' 3,404 m

High

8,930' 2,722 m

Low

2,381' 726 m

Up

2,388' 728 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Pretty easy-going route up to the lake with lots of sites to camp.

Trailhead access is closed Labor Day through June 14. As of 7/1/22 posted signs state that a hunting and fishing license is required for Mt Evans State Wildlife Area (including Camp Rock Trailhead).

Overview

Starting at Camp Rock Campground, head counter-clockwise on the Beaver Meadows Trail #44 for a more gentle climb. Hikeing through some nice forested trail, you'll cross a few streams on the way up with opportunities to top off your water and even take a dip if you like.

The Beartrack Lakes are about 6 miles from the trailhead and have some beautiful views of a few surrounding 13ers (Roaslie and Epaulet). Camp overnight or more; there are plenty of spots around the lake to accommodate many campers.

On your descent, return via the Beartrack Lakes Trail #43 for a more direct route to the trailhead. Fill up on water at the lake or at the creek crossing just below the lake. There are not any opportunities to refill until just before the hike is finished.

Need to Know

Restrooms at the trailhead. Parking at the trailhead. One person from each party must fill out a free permit and carry it with them.

Description

Starting at Camp Rock Campground, head counter-clockwise on the Beaver Meadows Trail #44 for a more gentle climb and some nice forested trail. Water is plentiful all the way to the lake if you prefer to stop and filter as you go. You don't need to carry too much water on the 6-mile hike up to the lake. You'll cross a stream a couple times in the first 0.1 miles if you already need to to dip your filter in to top off your water.

Continuing your climb, you'll cross over another stream at just over a mile into your hike. Water will be plentiful on Beaver Meadows Trail #44 on the way to Beartrack Lakes. At about 1.75 miles, you'll officially enter into Mount Evans Wilderness Area; stop here and fill out a permit (free) and continue on.

There's another stream crossing just after the permit station just in case the heat of the day has you parched! You'll cross over streams a couple more times (2.9 miles and 3.35 miles) before coming to a trail junction where Beaver Meadows Trail #44 connects to Resthouse Meadows Trail #57 . Continue on Beaver Meadows Trail #44.

At about 3.75 miles into the hike, you'll cross Bear Creek and have an opportunity to stop and rest (and even take a dip) in a nice water hole with a natural rock waterslide! Continue on and cross Bear Track Creek at about 4.15 miles and then hike about another mile until you reach the junction between Beartrack Lakes Trail #43 and Beaver Meadows Trail #44. From here, you'll hike about 1 mile to complete the journey up to Beartrack Lakes.

At Beartrack Lakes you'll find plenty of campsites. Roam around and you'll surely find the right one for you and your group. The lake has some beautiful views of a few surrounding 13ers (Roaslie and Epaulet).

On your descent, return via the Beartrack Lakes Trail #43 for a more direct route to the trailhead. Fill up on water at the lake or at the creek crossing just below the lake. Unlike the ascent on the Beaver Meadows Trail #44 , Beartrack Lakes Trail #43 does not have any stream crossings for ~5 miles, which is the vast majority of the descent. Enjoy the hike out with some nice views of surrounding rock formations and some open meadows.

Contacts

Shared By:

Andrew Cottle with improvements by Jordan G

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 19 votes

#688

Overall
  4.5 from 19 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#138

in Colorado

#688

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5,884 Since Jun 30, 2019
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Photos

Ascending the Beaver Meadows Trail.
Jul 2, 2019 near Idaho S…, CO
Beartracks Lake
Jun 21, 2020 near Georgetown, CO
Bear Creek with natural rock waterslide.
Jul 2, 2019 near Idaho S…, CO

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Check-Ins

Aug 22, 2021
John Troyan
Beautiful day hike. 8-21-21. No real need for 4wd/Awd to access trailhead! Enjoy! 13mi
Aug 15, 2021
Jessey Hershberger-Kirk
Gotta come back to camp! 12.3mi — 6h 30m
Sep 5, 2020
Melissa Wilkerson
Aug 9, 2020
Gretchen Walker
Andrea, Courtney, Nicole
Jun 21, 2020
Jon Ray Gardner
Lots of folks day hiking and overnight at the lake, but found quiet in the woods for 2 nights elsewhere on the loop. 12.2mi — 9h 30m
Jun 20, 2020
Sam Brown
Aug 18, 2019
Lara Elizabeth
5.5mi — 3h 13m
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