Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area
This is a beautiful, primitive and remote State Wildlife Area. The Beaver Creek drainage is part of a proposed wilderness area on the south slope of Pikes Peak that includes high grasslands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, aspen groves and Ponderosa and mixed-conifer forests. Much of the SWA is a deep, remote canyon that can be accessed only by hiking. CPW owns the land on both sides of the creek from Skaguay SWA down to Beaver Creek SWA. Lower Beaver Creek flows through beautiful meadows with red rocks on the hillsides. Dippers can be found along the stream along with Turkeys and many middle- and high-elevation riparian species. Keep an eyy out for Balk Eagles overhead. Bighorn sheep can be found in the canyon as well, as can mule deer, elk, bear, coyote, red fox, abert’s squirrels and the very rarely seen mountain lion and ring-tailed cat. Beware poison ivy and rattlesnakes along the trails. If you plan to hike in the canyon, expect multiple river crossings.
Restrictions: Obey CPW rules and regulations. No overnight camping, except backcountry camping while hunting
County: Fremont
Attractions: Interpretive signs, trails
Directions: From Canon City, head east on US 50 for 8 miles, then turn left (north) on CO 67 for 2 miles, then right (east) onto CR 123 for a quarter of a mile. Turn left (north) onto CR 132 and follow it to its end, approximately 9 miles.
Alternate Directions: From Pueblo, head south on I-25 to exit 88, the Burnt Mill Road exit.
Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.
Lodging: Hotel in Canon City
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited
Delorme: 62 D2
ROC: 104 C2, 105 D3
Latitude: 38.57065
Longitude: -105.01204