· Whitewater

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; the CDOW 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 many middle- and high-elevation riparian species. Bighorn sheep can be found in the canyon as well, as can mule deer, elk, bear, coyote, red fox, 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.

County: Fremont

Attractions: Interpretive signs, trails

Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow

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.

Delorme: 62 D2
Roads of Colorado: 104 C2, 105 D3

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: 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.

Restrictions: Obey CPW rules and regulations. No overnight camping, except backcountry camping while hunting

Parking:
Lodging: Hotel in Canon City

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited

Latitude: 38.57065
Longitude: -105.01204

» Visit the website for Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area