Hike Beaver Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

This trail starts off at Slough Pond, a great fishing pond or picnic spot. The trail starts out tree-covered. After a few tenths of a mile you have the choice to go clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you go counter-clockwise you have about 3/4 of a mile of steep uphill hiking to do (the Park rates this trail as "most difficult"), but then it's all downhill from there. If you go clockwise, you'll have some gentle flat hiking for a few tenths of a mile, and then about a mile and a half of uphill hiking - not nearly as steep as the other direction, but non-stop. 

This adventure is written as though you went clockwise. You walk through the forest and some small aspen groves for a little over half a mile before popping out near the entrance road. From here, it's open for a while (definitely bring sunscreen), but offers the most amazing views of the surrounding mountains. If it's fall you'll get outstanding views of aspen groves growing on the mountains in the distance!

But, as soon as you're out in the open your uphill journey begins. It varies between steep sections and gentle switchbacks, but it's pretty much uphill for the next mile and a half. The downhill section is steep, watch your step!

There is access to a backcountry shelter along this trail.

Golden Gate Canyon is also one of the best places to catch fall colors close to Denver!