Upper Beaver Meadows Rocky Mountain National Park
Witness elk herds in vast meadows against a backdrop of majestic Rocky Mountains. An easy trail perfect for wildlife spotting and stunning photography...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for wildlife sightings
Upper Beaver Meadows Rocky Mountain National Park
Best Time
Prime time for wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness elk herds in vast meadows against a backdrop of majestic Rocky Mountains. An easy trail perfect for wildlife spotting and stunning photography.
"Wow wow wow! The biggest elk herd I'd ever seen and the sunset was unreal!"
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your RMNP timed entry permit in advance, especially for Bear Lake Road access.
🦌 Respect Wildlife Distance
Observe animals from afar; never feed or approach them. Keep a safe distance for their well-being.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Spectacle
Upper Beaver Meadows
Witness large herds of elk and other majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable Colorado experience!
Scenic Loop Trail
Upper Beaver Meadows Loop
An easy, family-friendly 1.1-mile loop offering stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities.
Golden Hour Magic
Upper Beaver Meadows
Experience breathtaking sunsets over snow-capped peaks, creating a perfect backdrop for photography and quiet reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry & Parking
Best Wildlife Viewing
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your RMNP timed entry permit in advance, especially for Bear Lake Road access.
🦌 Respect Wildlife Distance
Observe animals from afar; never feed or approach them. Keep a safe distance for their well-being.
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
The open meadows offer little shade. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for daytime visits.
👟 Easy Loop for All
The Upper Beaver Meadows Loop is a gentle, accessible trail perfect for families and casual walkers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your RMNP timed entry permit in advance, especially for Bear Lake Road access.
🦌 Respect Wildlife Distance
Observe animals from afar; never feed or approach them. Keep a safe distance for their well-being.
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
The open meadows offer little shade. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for daytime visits.
👟 Easy Loop for All
The Upper Beaver Meadows Loop is a gentle, accessible trail perfect for families and casual walkers.
📸 Sunset Photography Gem
Capture magical moments as the sun sets behind the Rockies. Ideal for photographers and romantics.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Upper Beaver Meadows for its abundant wildlife, particularly elk herds, and its stunning mountain scenery. The easy loop trail is a hit with families and casual walkers, offering breathtaking views and a high chance of animal encounters. Some note the exposure to sun and the need for timed entry permits.
"Nice walking trail, from a distance, we even spotted a few white tail deer, mule deer and some female Elk. The surrounding forest and mountains were absolutely breathtaking."
Sparkilyn
"Wonderful hike. Though note, highest point is about 1.2 way around. And the rest is all down hill. Recommend you go clockwise around the loop. Great views with a good chance to see wildlife"
kevin martin
"Wow wow wow! I'm an elopement photographer and I did an engagement session here back in September. There was the biggest elk herd I'd ever seen and I saw a moose on my drive out! The sunset was unreal and the open fields with distant snow capped mountain views as the backdrop made for the PERFECT engagement session! Loved it here!"
Through Lindsey's Lens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Upper Beaver Meadows is accessible via Bear Lake Road within Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll need a timed entry permit for this area. Parking is available at the trailhead, but can fill up.
Yes, Upper Beaver Meadows is located along the Bear Lake Road corridor in Rocky Mountain National Park. Access requires a timed entry permit for this popular section.
Parking is available at the Upper Beaver Meadows trailhead. It can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
While there isn't a dedicated shuttle specifically for Upper Beaver Meadows, the park offers shuttle services along Bear Lake Road that may connect to nearby access points. Check the RMNP website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
No, a timed entry permit is required to drive into the Bear Lake Road corridor, which includes Upper Beaver Meadows, during designated hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a timed entry permit is required to access the Bear Lake Road corridor, which includes Upper Beaver Meadows, during peak hours. Book this in advance online.
Rocky Mountain National Park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, access to specific areas like Bear Lake Road requires timed entry permits during certain seasons and hours. Check the official RMNP website for current hours and permit requirements.
There is an entrance fee for Rocky Mountain National Park, typically per vehicle. In addition to the entrance fee, a timed entry permit may be required for certain areas.
It's highly recommended to book timed entry permits in advance as they often sell out. Some permits may be released for same-day reservations, but availability is not guaranteed.
Without a valid timed entry permit for the Bear Lake Road corridor, you will not be able to enter that section of Rocky Mountain National Park during the required hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Upper Beaver Meadows Loop is an easy, 1.1-mile trail with minimal elevation gain. It's a wide-open meadow area offering excellent views and a high chance of spotting wildlife.
Upper Beaver Meadows is a prime spot for wildlife viewing. You can often see large herds of elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and sometimes even moose or bighorn sheep. +1
Absolutely! The Upper Beaver Meadows Loop is very family-friendly, with an easy, flat trail that young children can navigate without difficulty.
The best times for wildlife viewing are typically at dawn and dusk when animals are most active and the light is beautiful for photography.
Restroom facilities may be available at or near the Upper Beaver Meadows trailhead. It's always a good idea to check the RMNP website for the most up-to-date information on facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Upper Beaver Meadows offers incredible photo opportunities, especially for wildlife photography with elk and deer. Sunsets here are also spectacular, with the mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most magical light for photography. Dusk is particularly popular for capturing wildlife and dramatic skies.
For wildlife, a telephoto lens is highly recommended. For landscapes and sunsets, a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive mountain views.
Drone usage is restricted in all national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park. Please check the official RMNP regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
Yes, Upper Beaver Meadows is a popular and stunning location for elopements and weddings due to its scenic beauty and relative seclusion.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Elopers
+3🚶♀️ Casual Strollers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Upper Beaver Meadows
The best times to spot wildlife are during the crepuscular hours, meaning dawn and dusk. During these times, animals are typically more active as they forage and move between feeding grounds. The soft, warm light of sunrise and sunset also creates a magical atmosphere for observing and photographing these magnificent creatures. Many visitors share their excitement about the sheer number of animals they encounter, making Upper Beaver Meadows a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
The Upper Beaver Meadows Loop Trail
+1While the loop is short, it packs a punch with its scenic beauty and the high probability of wildlife sightings. Most of the trail is exposed, so be prepared for the sun's intensity during the day by wearing appropriate sun protection. Some visitors recommend hiking the loop clockwise to experience the downhill sections later in the walk, though the elevation gain is minimal overall. The open nature of the meadow also makes it a popular and picturesque spot for elopements and engagement photoshoots, adding a romantic element to its natural charm.
Photography and Elopements
This scenic beauty has also made Upper Beaver Meadows a sought-after location for elopements and intimate weddings. Photographers rave about the intimate atmosphere and the lack of crowds they've experienced here, allowing for truly personal and magical ceremonies. The natural beauty provides a stunning setting for couples looking to tie the knot amidst the grandeur of the Rockies.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit