Beaver Brook Out and Back

The Beaver Brook Trail starts from the Windy Saddle parking area, on the west side of the road heading up Lookout Mountain in Golden. The trail begins in conjunction with Lookout Mountain Trail. During the brief stretch where these two run together, keep an eye out for mountain bikers, particularly if you have a furry friend with you. The Lookout Mountain Trail quickly breaks off to the north while the Beaver Brook Trail continues to the west, towards Genessee where it finishes. Once the Lookout Mountain Trail goes off on its own the Beaver Brook Trail is hiking and running only, and the crowds thin out substantially. There are many rocky outcrops over the first mile that must be navigated, which will slow you down, as well as a couple of rock falls. However, once these obstacles are overcome, the trail is simply splendid, gentle singletrack for the length of this hike. Choose your turnaround for whatever fits your needs. There is a steep climb about 6 miles in (which would be a 12-mile roundtrip) that should be noted, should you want to go further. It is 10.1 miles one-way to Genessee Park.