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Enjoy a wonderful alpine run.


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Map Key

20.0

Miles

32.2

KM

86%

Runnable

11,964' 3,647 m

High

9,347' 2,849 m

Low

3,612' 1,101 m

Up

3,611' 1,101 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Wilderness area rules apply.

Overview

This run takes you through the alpine, and in the summer there are lots of wildflowers blanketing the tundra and majestic mountain views. The trail is faded in areas so watch for cairns. I have done this in November, and the snow cover adds a beauty and challenge that is worth the effort.

Need to Know

Much of this trail is in the alpine, and so one is exposed to weather. Be careful.

Moreover, much of the forest along this route burned in the 2020 Cameron Peak wildfire. In particular the lower third of the hourglass trail and also along the Beaver Creek trail. Plan on sun exposure in those areas as well. (The forest west of the loop appeared unscathed).

There are a couple of rough spots on the last mile of the road to the trailhead, that probably require 4WD/AWD. There's also a parking area right before the camp.

Description

Beaver Creek is a well-marked trail, with many old blaze markings that passes by Hourglass and Comanche Reservoirs. While it climbs to alpine is 7 miles, the climb is gradual and enjoyable!

The Flowers Trail (#939) to Mirror Lake Trail is straight forward taking one through lots of alpine and forest cover and past lots of flowers. At the junction of Mirror Lake Trail and Brackenbury Cabin Trail, the sign is missing; turn right. Just after Willow Creek, the trail dumps into the thick forest and is hard to follow. I lost the trail and ended up bushwhacking back up to the alpine where I rejoined the trail. Watch for the rock cairns and take time for the alpine views.

Maps say the Mirror Lake Trail is undefined; however, seems like there are a number of cairns taking one that way. I stayed to the left and followed the Hourglass Trail. It's rocky tundra running, and as the trail starts to drop, it gets more rocky and at times a little hard to follow as it crosses through underbrush and trees.

Just below tree-line watch the trail—it will fork and veer right. I took a left and ended up in what looked like a hunting camp, wandered around a bit and decided to head back uphill to that fork and take the other direction—the correct direction toward Comanche Reservoir. The trail from there is rocky with roots but easy to follow back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Willard H with improvements by Jordan G

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#2741

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#455

in Colorado

#2,741

Overall
9 Views Last Month
2,814 Since Aug 1, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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33%
67%
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Photos

Lower Hourglass trail, post-wildfire (Photo: 31 Aug 24).
Sep 8, 2024 near Red Fea…, CO
Ascending from the Hourglass Trail toward Comanche Peak (November)
Aug 16, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
Hourglass Trail heading toward Comanche Peak in November
Aug 16, 2018 near Red Fea…, CO
Blanket of wild flowers
Jul 23, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
Flowers and views of mountain peaks to the west
Jul 23, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
Snowpack fed stream well above treeline is flowing strong at the end of August.
Sep 8, 2024 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 58 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 31, 2024
Jordan G
Solitude & solid trails! w/ short extension to the end of mirror lake and overlook. Much of below tree line areas burned in 2020 and slowly recovering 20.5mi — 7h 00m
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