Beaver Creek Trail Out and Back

About

The Beaver Creek Trail Out and Back is a 3-mile moderate hike located just west of Gunnison, Colorado. The trail begins near the Blue Mesa turnoff on Highway 50 and offers clear views of the mesa and surrounding hills. Hikers follow a drainage through open sagebrush and juniper, climbing approximately 500 feet before reaching viewpoints near a fence line. The route is well-defined, though the initial turnoff from Highway 50 can be easy to miss without GPS guidance. There is no shade on the trail, making it suitable for warm weather hiking. The area supports wildlife including deer, coyotes, and songbirds, with seasonal ranges for elk and bighorn sheep. Access is straightforward from the highway, with a large parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables available at the trailhead. The trail is generally dry and accessible from mid-March through late fall, though winter conditions may require standard preparation. The total round-trip distance is about 3 miles, typically taking around two hours to complete.