Beaver Brook
A rugged creek-side trail linking Lookout Mountain and Genesee, wilder than you'd expect this close to Denver.
About Beaver Brook
The Beaver Brook Trail runs through the Denver Mountain Parks between Windy Saddle on Lookout Mountain, above Golden, and Genesee Park just off I-70. It traverses steep forested slopes and drops into the canyon of Beaver Brook, with rocky outcrops, talus and creek crossings along the way.
An out-and-back from Windy Saddle runs about 7 miles round trip, while the west end in Genesee offers shorter loops using the Chavez Trail and the Braille Nature Trail. Either way, this is a rough, narrow trail that feels like backcountry even though the city is minutes away.
For photographers it is a place for intimate scenes: water moving over rock, mossy boulders, fall color in the drainage and views back toward Clear Creek Canyon and the plains from the high points.
A 13.4-mile out-and-back near Golden rated difficult, with a lake along the route and several activity options depending on the season. Best May through November, dogs welcome on leash — the trail's length means you'll pass through several distinct microclimates and light conditions over the course of the day.
History
Beaver Brook links two of Denver's oldest mountain parks. Genesee Park, the largest in the Denver Mountain Parks system at more than 2,400 acres, began in 1913 when the city set aside land that had been slated for logging, and game preserves for bison and elk followed. The Civilian Conservation Corps left its mark on structures in the park in the 1930s.
At the west end, the Braille Nature Trail was designed for blind visitors and is fitted with a guide cable — an unusual and thoughtful bit of park history.
Photographing Beaver Brook
Best light: Overcast days are ideal in the canyon, where harsh sun creates blown highlights on water and deep shadows under the trees. Late September and early October bring fall color along the brook, and spring runoff gives the creek the most character.
Shots to look for
- Beaver Brook flowing through boulders with a slow shutter (1/2 to 2 seconds) and a polarizer to cut glare on wet rock
- Fall foliage reflected in a slow pool along the creek, shot tight with a mid-range zoom
- The view east from near Windy Saddle toward Clear Creek Canyon and the plains at sunrise
- Lichen-covered talus and twisted pines as close-up texture studies
Photo tips
- Watch for poison ivy along the creek corridor
- Rocks and log crossings get slick when wet or frosty — good boots matter more than gear
- The canyon gets dark early; carry a headlamp if you are shooting late light
- Mountain bikes are not allowed on Beaver Brook, but the first stretch from Windy Saddle shares the Lookout Mountain Trail with riders
- Parking at both ends fills on weekends; weekday mornings are much easier
Know before you go
- Day use only — no camping or fires
- The trail has steep, loose and rocky sections, plus talus fields; it is harder than its mileage suggests
- Beaver Brook can run high after snowmelt or heavy rain
- Genesee access: from I-70 Exit 253, take Genesee Drive to Stapleton Drive and follow it to the trailhead
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Beaver Brook Trail?
An out-and-back from Windy Saddle is about 7.1 miles with roughly 1,000 feet of gain. Shorter loops are possible from the Genesee end using the Chavez and Braille trails.
Are dogs allowed on Beaver Brook Trail?
Yes, on a leash. Mountain bikes are not allowed on the Beaver Brook Trail itself.
Is the Beaver Brook Trail hard?
It is rated intermediate to difficult because of rocky, uneven footing, talus and creek crossings, even though the elevation gain is moderate.
Combine it with
Lookout Mountain Nature Center · Buffalo Herd Nature Preserve · Genesee Park · Clear Creek Canyon
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: hikingproject.com · mountainparksfoundation.org · summitpost.org · tclf.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.