Upper Beaver Meadows is the quiet corner of Rocky Mountain National Park we send people to when they want big mountain views and wildlife without the crowds at Bear Lake. It is a broad, open meadow of grass and ponderosa pine with Longs Peak on the skyline, and it is one of the best places in the park to see elk at dawn and dusk. You can keep it short on the meadow loop or push higher onto the Ute Trail. This is our field guide: the routes, the stats, when to go, and the 2026 reservation rules.
Upper Beaver Meadows at a Glance
| Meadow loop | About 1.1 miles, roughly 100 feet of gain |
| Longer loop with Ute Trail | About 5 miles with more climbing |
| Trailhead elevation | About 8,440 feet |
| Difficulty | Easy for the meadow loop; moderate if you add the Ute Trail |
| Time | 30 to 45 minutes for the short loop; half a day for the longer route |
| Trailhead | Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead, off a short dirt spur from Bear Lake Road |
| Best for | Wildlife, Longs Peak views, sunrise and sunset light |
2026 Timed-Entry Reservation
Rocky Mountain National Park uses a timed-entry permit system in the busy season, and you will need one to drive in during the day. For 2026, the standard Timed Entry permit, which covers Upper Beaver Meadows along with Trail Ridge Road and Horseshoe Park, is required from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily from May 22 through October 12. A separate Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road permit covers the Bear Lake corridor on a longer window and also gives access to the rest of the park. Either permit gets you to Upper Beaver Meadows during the reservation hours. Reservations are only sold through Recreation.gov, with a small processing fee, so book ahead. Outside those hours, no timed permit is needed, which is one more reason to come at sunrise.
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The Routes
The Meadow Loop
The short loop from the trailhead is just over a mile on nearly flat ground through meadow and ponderosa pine. It is an easy walk for almost anyone, and the payoff is the open view toward Longs Peak and the surrounding range. This is the route for sunrise wildlife watching, when elk and sometimes wild turkeys move through the grass.
The Ute Trail Extension
For a longer outing, link the meadow with the Ute Trail, which climbs north and west into aspen and forest toward higher ground. This stretches the day to roughly 5 miles with real elevation gain, and it trades the easy meadow stroll for a workout and bigger views. It is a good way to leave the crowds behind without driving anywhere else.
Wildlife
The meadow is one of the most reliable wildlife spots in the eastern part of the park. Elk are the headliner, especially during the fall rut in September and October when bulls bugle across the grass at dawn and dusk. You may also see mule deer, wild turkeys, and a wide range of birds. Keep a generous distance, never approach or feed animals, and give elk extra room during the rut, when bulls can be aggressive.
When to Go
- Summer: Wildflowers and green meadows, with elk in the early and late hours. Come before 9 a.m. to skip the timed-entry window and the crowds.
- September and October: Elk rut and golden aspen. This is the standout season for wildlife and color.
- Sunrise and sunset: The best light on Longs Peak and the most active wildlife. Also the times when no timed permit is required.
- Winter: The dirt access spur may close, but the meadow can be a quiet snowshoe when conditions allow.
What to Bring and Know
- Reservation: Book a timed-entry permit on Recreation.gov if you plan to arrive between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in season.
- Altitude: The trailhead sits above 8,400 feet. Take it easy if you have just arrived from lower elevation.
- Layers and sun: Mountain weather shifts fast and the meadow is exposed. Bring a layer, a rain shell, and sun protection.
- Wildlife distance: Stay back from elk and all wildlife, particularly during the fall rut.
- Early start: Sunrise means the best light, active wildlife, and no timed-entry requirement.
Our Rocky Mountain Film
Here is a short film from our trips to the park to set the scene.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Upper Beaver Meadows is one of many ways to experience the park’s high country. For more trails, scenic drives like Trail Ridge Road, and where to stay, see our full Rocky Mountain National Park guide.
Upper Beaver Meadows FAQ
Do I need a reservation for Upper Beaver Meadows in 2026?
Yes, during the busy season. A standard Timed Entry permit is required from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily from May 22 through October 12, 2026, and it covers Upper Beaver Meadows. The Bear Lake Road permit also works. Book on Recreation.gov, or visit outside those hours when no permit is needed.
How long is the hike?
The meadow loop is just over a mile and nearly flat. Adding the Ute Trail extends it to about 5 miles with real climbing.
What wildlife can I see?
Elk are common, especially during the September and October rut, along with mule deer, wild turkeys, and many birds. Keep your distance and never approach or feed wildlife.
What to Bring to Rocky Mountain
Gear we recommend for Rocky Mountain. Affiliate links support our work at no cost to you.
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