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BPX 3-Day: Beartrack Lake from Camp Rock TH


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BPX 3-Day: Beartrack Lake from Camp Rock TH

This 11.7 mile / 2,709 ft. elevation gain/loss loop in the Mount Evans State Wildlife Area (SWA) and Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) Wilderness Area goes through interesting burn areas, beaver ponds, and meadows. Wildlife is abundant here.

Beginning at the Camp Rock TH in the Mount Evans SWA, the trail travels through a forest along a creek for about a mile, gradually climbing upwards. It then opens to a wildfire burn area. In 1998, about 485 acres burned in the Beartracks Fire. This fire is believed to have been started by a careless hiker. As you climb uphill and walk through some more woods, the trail opens again to another wildfire burned area. This is the Resthouse Meadow Fire that burned 1,076 acres in 1964. The Resthouse Meadow Fire is also believed to have been caused by humans. However, there is beauty to be found in this destruction. Wildflowers offer a brilliant contrast to the charred trees left standing. Back into the woods again, the trail takes you to Beartrack Lakes, which is nestled next to a rock cliff. 

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1: Drive to Camp Rock Trailhead (approx. 1 hr from Golden). Pit toilets are available. Start hike on the Beaver Meadows Trail (44) and hike counterclockwise. After about 1.5 miles /  570 ft. elevation gain you come to the Beaver Meadows. Find camping here. This is the easy day before the ascent to Beartracks Lakes tomorrow.

Day 1 Map

Day 2: Continue on the Beaver Meadows Trail (44) for about 2 miles to reach a junction with the Cub Creek Trail (40). Take this trail to a junction with the Beartracks Lake Trail (43), turn right and continue to the junction with Roosevelt Lakes Trail (56). Keep right here to arrive at Beartracks Lake and find camping. (4.75 miles / 1,850 ft. ascent). (Note Trail #56 continues to the Roosevelt Lakes, 1.3 miles and 800 ft. elevation. The Roosevelt Lakes are small and very exposed so nice to visit but camping is not advised)

Day 2 Map

Day 3: Retrace your steps to the junction with the Cub Creek Trail (40) but continue downhill on Beartracks Lake Trail (43) back to the Camp Rock TH (5 mile / 2,400 ft. descent).

Day 3 Map

Maps:

CoTREX Map

Notes:

  1. Colorado SWA's require each person to have a current hunting license, or fishing license, or a SWA pass.
  2. Public access to the Mount Evans SWA is allowed from June 15 to the day after Labor Day.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 11.7 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,709 ft
  • 11,169 ft
  • Land Manager: Clear Creek County
    Mount Blue Sky Wilderness Area (formerly Mount Evans), Clear Creek Ranger District (ARNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: State Wildlife Area Pass
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 15
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 15
Map
  • Trails Illustrated Map: 100/104
  • Outdoor Trail Maps Mount Evans Wilder
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